Casual Dining Franchise Names Bristol, Va. as First Franchise Location as Part of New Area Development Agreement
The Award-Winning casual-dining franchise Quaker Steak & Lube known for its Best Wings USA and more than 25 sauces, announced today the signing of an area development agreement with Albatross Group, LLC for four restaurants throughout Virginia and Tennessee, including the areas of Roanoke, Va., Tri-Cities, TN/VA and Knoxville, Tenn. The first restaurant is planned to open in Bristol, Va. in spring 2014, and the remainder over the next several years.
The Bristol Lube, located at 629 State Street, will be a conversion of an existing building and features the brand’s Power Lube prototype model, a design that made its original debut in Boardman, Ohio. It will encompass approximately 7,000 square feet while accommodating seating for more than 220 people including the brickyard patio and bars. The new Lube plans to hire between 50 and 60 employees.
“We are thrilled to expand our presence throughout the south with Albatross Group, LLC and introduce more guests to our unique motorsports-themed dining experience,” said John Longstreet, president and chief executive officer, Quaker Steak & Lube. “We are excited to bring The Lube to Bristol as we continue our aggressive expansion, which would not be possible without our dedicated area developers at Albatross Group, LLC who are committed to the company’s success.”
Currently, Quaker Steak & Lube has four locations across Virginia and one location in Tennessee. The compelling decor, including race cars suspended from the ceilings, motorcycles, Corvettes and gas station memorabilia, combined with its craveable food and SuperCharged events, has created a cult-like following for The Lube for more than 38 years. The company experienced significant growth in 2012 with 11 restaurant openings, a 22 percent increase from the previous year and a 13 percent increase in system wide revenues. The company has more than 60 locations across 18 states and Canada.
“Our first restaurant is planned to open in Bristol in the spring of next year, and we look forward to continuing the brand’s mantra of ‘There’s always something happening at The Lube,’ while expanding Lube Nation in the months and years to come,” said Jeff Tickle of Albatross Group, LLC.
Most recently, Quaker Steak & Lubewas awarded the festival favorite for the second straight year at the National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, N.Y, winning the last three out of four. In addition, it was also recognized for its Triple Atomic wing sauce, winning first place in the Traditional Extra-Hot sauce category.
For more information, visit www.QuakerSteakAndLube.com. Follow The Lube on Twitter at @TheOfficialQSL and on Facebook at The Official Quaker Steak & Lube. Join Lube Nation today by signing up for our E-mail club at http://thelube.com/qsl/email_club.html.
For more information about franchise opportunities, please contact Zeb Hastings at 1-877-MYLUBE1 (1-877-695-8231) or by email at zhastings@thelube.com, or visit www.lubefranchising.com.
Founded in 1974 and built in an abandoned gas station in Sharon, Pa., Quaker Steak & Lube has expanded to more than 60 locations throughout the United States and Canada. The unique decor, including gas station memorabilia, classic cars, motorcycles, race cars and corvettes suspended from the ceilings combined with the crave-able food and high-octane events has afforded The Lube a cult-like fan following. Today, Quaker Steak & Lube has become one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the country, and has won hundreds of national and international awards for its wings and more than 25 different wing sauces.
