The fast casual chain applies a strategic approach to its operations to support its “Everything Goes” consumer marketing philosophy
“Everything Goes” for customers in Miami Grill’s rapidly growing fast casual restaurants, but this fun and carefree attitude is backed by a more methodical approach to business operations at the corporate level as the company continues to add subject matter experts to its team of leaders and corporate advisors.
“Every change we make – every new leader, new business partner, new food expert – directly relates to our larger goals of consistent growth and a quality experience for our franchise members and, ultimately, our customers,” said Robert Haar, Vice President of Franchise Development at Miami Grill. “Recently, we’ve made some decisions that are going to have tremendous impact on our ability to meet these goals.”
Since the company’s rebrand in 2014, Miami Grill has made the following modifications to its overall strategic operating team:
Restaurant and Franchise Development Experts
Jonathan Vogel – Jonathan Vogel was brought in to lead the Miami Grill operations department. He joins the company as Executive Vice President with 25 years of experience as owner/operator of over 50 QSR restaurants. Jonathan has extensive experience in restaurant management and operations.
Jim Hansen – Miami Grill hired industry vet Jim Hansen to help strengthen its franchise development plan. Jim comes to Miami Grill with over 45 years of franchising experience. He got his start with Subway when the company only included 12 locations. He is also the author of the book, Secrets of Choosing a Franchise.
The Franchise Wales – Miami Grill has invested in a new franchise incubator called The Franchise Whales, which is run by seasoned franchise executives with a combined 35-plus years of experience in the industry. This advisory group will assist in areas such as strategic planning, legal services, lead generation and training.
Consumer Delight Experts
Executive Chef Alan Bergman – An esteemed graduate of Johnson and Wales University known for his dynamic cuisine, award-winning Chef Alan Bergman now oversees menu ideation and development to provide Miami Grill consumers with diverse flavor profiles. Chef Alan has put on thousands of events throughout his catering career in South Florida. He also has consulted with many of the top restaurants around the world on ways to improve their restaurant cuisine. His primary goal at Miami Grill is to develop innovative, fresh menu offerings primarily targeted to Millennial consumers.
Consumer Marketing Experts
Zimmerman Advertising – In 2016, Miami Grill announced its partnership with the retail powerhouse Zimmerman Advertising, who promptly elevated the chain’s market image and activated the slogan, “Everything Goes” to compliment Miami Grill’s diverse menu and ultra-modern South Beach vibe. Zimmerman developed “Everything Goes” to leverage market trends indicating that “experience” and “menu diversification” are top selling points for people when choosing where to eat. In fact, 56 percent of Millennial consumers, along with 69 percent of Non-Millennial consumers, are trying more non-traditional, quick service cuisine, which aligns consumers with Miami Grill’s fast casual atmosphere and less traditional menu items.
“Zimmerman is helping us drive more brand awareness and more consumers to the counter,” says Evan Friedman, Executive Vice President for Miami Grill. “The agency is so in touch with consumer trends that they immediately knew what would resonate the loudest with our consumer base.”
Referring to the overall influence of these changes at Miami Grill, CEO Richard Chwatt said, “We are on a serious mission to grow nationally and internationally, so we must adjust our infrastructure to meet the increasing sophistication level and growing needs of our franchisees and our brand. We are confident our new leaders and strategic partners will take us to the next level and beyond.”
South-Florida based Miami Grill is the hottest fast casual concept to hit the market, developed by the same owners as Miami Subs, Miami Subs Capital Partners 1, Inc and key equity partner, Armando Christian “Pitbull” Pérez. Miami Grill and its “Everything Goes” concept embody the taste and sensations of South Beach and provide a diverse menu unlike any other chain in the category. For franchising and other information, visit www.miamigrillfranchise.com.
