Showing early signs of mirroring the wild success of its sister brand in Canada, Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar announced today three new franchise agreements that will result in 11 new restaurant locations throughout the United States and Mexico.
The new franchise deals, part of an ongoing franchise expansion effort that targets multi-unit operators, calls for franchisees Jorge and Joaquin Ocampo to open seven locations in Mexico, specifically in Veracruz, Tabasco and Campeche. In addition, the Torrado family, which already operates 2 Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar locations in Mexico, will add three new locations there, one each in Chiapas, Puebla and Quintana Roo. Meanwhile, in Michigan, franchisee Claude High will open a new location in Grand Blanc Township, which comes after an announcement earlier this year that franchisee Rrok Dedivanaj will open a new Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar in Fenton, Mich.
The Dallas based Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar currently has 45 locations operating in 23 states and in Mexico, and is looking to strengthen its growing presence in Florida, Michigan, Texas and the Mid-Atlantic States through recruiting experienced, multi-unit restaurant operators who are interested in expanding their portfolio.
“I think what resonates with both consumers and potential franchisees is that when you go into a Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar, it’s like having two concepts – a full-on sports bar, and casual family dining – both under one roof,” said Chief Operating Officer Mike Best. “What’s great is that if you took the bar out of the restaurant, they can each operate independently, quite successfully. But by operating together, the two-concept-under-one-roof model translates into lucrative sales volumes for franchisees and an optimal experience for guests,” said Best, noting that on average, 75 percent of sales are derived from food versus alcohol.
Best noted that, with approximately 50-60 employees per location, including 3-4 full-time, salaried staff, job creation provides a much-welcomed economic boost in communities that Boston’s targets for growth. “In addition to bringing jobs, the communities always embrace our concept and are excited that we are bringing a fun, high-energy setting for families and sports enthusiasts with 90 options on our menu,” he said. “Many of our restaurants are also starting to see an increase in takeout and delivery as consumers seek alternatives to the average takeout options.”
Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar began franchising in the United States and Mexico in 1998, after founder Jim Treliving and his business partner George Melville realized their Canadian concept, Boston’s Pizza, had tremendous potential throughout North America. Treliving, a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police, opened the first Boston Pizza franchise in Penticton, BC in 1968. In addition to growing the restaurant brands across North America, Treliving and Melville have invested in many other successful businesses and are recognized with prestigious awards including “Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies Platinum Club,” “Canada’s 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures” and the Canadian Franchise Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Today, Treliving and Melville remain involved in Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar’s U.S. operations as CEO and President, respectively.
“We provide our consumers with a casual-plus dining experience, where consumers know they are getting the best quality food and fresh ingredients in a fun, friendly atmosphere,” Best said. “Because of our unique design that separates the bar and dining areas, family, friends or co-workers can enjoy a relaxing meal with one another in a restaurant atmosphere, while other guests can hang out and socialize or actively watch a game at the sports bar.”
