As the fast-paced, national growth of the fast-casual Asian segment continues to sizzle, Mama Fu’s is feeding the demand for freshly prepared Asian cuisine with a new area development and multi-unit franchise agreement calling for 14 Mama Fu’s restaurant locations to open in Dallas and Collin counties.
The newly signed deal is part of a nationwide development plan for the brand to open 10-12 new stores in the next 15 months, and increases the number of Mama Fu’s restaurants in various stages of development to 63.
“This year has turned out to be a tremendous one for Mama Fu’s,” said Randy Murphy, President and CEO of Mama Fu’s. “We’ve been consistently growing through several multi-unit deals in significant markets, and we know that our expansion into Dallas and Collin counties will be successful with the help of our newest franchise partners and area developers, MFDC Partners LLC. This group of seasoned entrepreneurs and restaurant industry veterans is led by Daniel Avery, Rose and Rob Colarossi and Tao ‘Echo’ Liu.”
Daniel Avery and Tao “Echo” Liu are relocating to Dallas from Shanghai specifically because of their belief in the Mama Fu’s concept. The duo have years of restaurant experience that spans two continents and business start-up expertise that spans the globe. In Shanghai, they currently own and have investments in a variety of different dining establishments including Tex-Mex, pizza, burgers and a California-style deli. The partners also own a Shanghai-based full-service product, business and concept development company.
“At the end of the day, it’s the quality and the authentic great tasting food that matters most,” Liu said. “Being from Asia, I grew up eating the ‘real deal,’ and I can honestly say Mama Fu’s was the first – and to this day the only – national restaurant chain that captures the true tastes of Asia in a fun and inviting environment. Without question, it will be a liberating experience for anyone who eats at Mama Fu’s for the first time.”
Adding to the dynamic partnership, Rose Colarossi is a seasoned franchise operator having owned and operated a successful international fitness franchise for more than 10 years in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. Rose and her husband Rob are also successful Egg & I Restaurant franchisees in addition to being owners and investors in a variety of business ventures and commercial real estate throughout Dallas & Collin counties. Rob, who is currently the Vice President of Category Management and Shopper Marketing Insights at Hostess Brands, brings his valuable expertise in food and beverage consumer products and shopper marketing to the group.
“Looking at the team that Randy Murphy has put together, along with his franchisee mindset, it was apparent that Mama Fu’s was the franchise we had been looking for,” Rose Colarossi said. “We are confident that the flex-casual model, with quicker counter service at lunch and more relaxed table service for dinner, will be well embraced in the Dallas marketplace!”
Mama Fu’s, a brand that was recently ranked 13th among industry giants in the 2012 Top 100 Fast Casual “Movers & Shakers” by FastCasual.com, offers consumers convenience, value and unique flavors with its high quality, made-to-order Asian-inspired food. With a contemporary and user-friendly menu that allows customers to navigate their options more easily, guests can choose between a rice dish or noodle bowl, as well as their protein of choice, from a selection of Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean menu options. More health-conscious customers can order a Steam Bowl or salad, or try an extensive Gluten Free menu or just have any traditional menu item prepared wok-seared, a cooking method that reduces oils and starch.
Mama Fu’s was awarded with a Menu Trendsetter award earlier this year, being recognized for its Banh Mi Vietnamese Sandwich and trademarked Flex-Casual service model, at the 15th Annual MenuMasters Awards Celebration in Chicago.
The Austin, Texas based Murphy Adams Restaurant Group purchased Mama Fu’s Asian House from Raving Brands in March 2008. Mama Fu’s specializes in freshly prepared Asian cuisine and offers a unique “flex casual” service model that includes a fast casual approach to lunch, with a transition to relaxed, full service at dinner. Combined with delivery, take-out, online ordering and catering, Mama Fu’s is a convenient and delicious option for every dining occasion. The company currently has 13 units operating with 63 stores in various stages of development with experienced, multi-unit franchise partners.
