Burger enthusiasts in Mansfield, Conn. will be pleased to hear that MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes (1 Dog Lane #108, Mansfield, Conn.) has been named the official burger of the University of Connecticut athletics department. The quickly expanding burger brand, through the leadership of locally-based development agents Matt Rusconi and David Vorchheimer, is looking forward to their new sponsorship with UConn athletics and its increased involvement with the school’s student and fan population.
“We feel incredibly blessed to be a part of the University of Connecticut’s athletics department and to have the opportunity to get involved and feed their population with our quality food,” said Rusconi, a native of Connecticut and devoted UConn fan. “We cannot wait to rally behind UConn’s students, alumni and fans. Supporting the university’s athletic teams is something we hold close to our MOOYAH hearts.”
As the official burger and sponsor for UConn athletics, MOOYAH will be featured in a variety of media at all major sporting events. Sponsorship includes, but is not limited to, major advertising opportunities, coupons on the back of game-day tickets, as well as coupon giveaways during games and in-game promotions.
Beyond their restaurant at the University of Connecticut, Rusconi and Vorchheimer own and operate locations in Hartford, West Hartford, and Newington, Connecticut. The duo plans to continue expanding throughout Connecticut, with a goal of adding two to three restaurants over the next 18 months in New Haven County and Hartford County.
“I think we have been able to grow so successfully because of our commitment to innovation,” said Rusconi. “We are not just a burger brand; instead, we are a quick service concept that listens to our Guests by providing them with a variety of options from burgers and fries to new potential menu items, like the Burgers in a Bowl (salads) that we’ll test in-restaurant later this year.”
MOOYAH saw tremendous growth in the last several years, expanding from a Texas brand into an emerging national player and a leader in the growing “better burger” segment of fast casual dining. The brand is currently in 10 states and has nearly doubled the number of restaurants from 25 to 48 in 2012. In 2013, MOOYAH plans to continue expansion and grow internationally, to total nearly 70 restaurants.
One way MOOYAH is able to differentiate itself is through the flexibility in its menu, including the launch of its better-for-you, Under 600 Calories menu, designed to support the taste desires of females and the more health-conscious consumer.
“MOOYAH began as a simple concept revolving around friendly people serving the freshest, most delicious burgers, fries and shakes available. As our brand continues to evolve, we are committed to keeping it simple, while still relevant to appeal to our Guests’ individual tastes and favorites,” said Bill Spae, MOOYAH’s CEO and President.
Additionally, its family-friendly environment helps MOOYAH stand out from competition.
“MOOYAH prides itself on being a family-friendly business, from the Guests we serve to the franchisees who open restaurants with the goal of running them with people they consider family. We designed the restaurant concept with family in mind so everyone would feel welcome and comfortable,” said Alexis Barnett Gillette, Director of Marketing, noting the restaurant chain continues to attract favorable media attention throughout the nation for its commitment to quality products, innovative Social Media tactics, first-to-market products, and strong franchise growth.
For MOOYAH franchise information, please visit http://mooyah.com/franchise-info/.
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes is a fast-casual, “better burger” concept serving mouth-watering made-to-order burgers, hand-cut French fries made from high-quality Idaho potatoes, and handcrafted 100-percent ice cream shakes. Founded in 2007, the Plano, Texas-based company only uses fresh, American lean beef and all-natural Jennie-O turkey burgers, buns baked in house, real cheeses and toppings made from garden-fresh ingredients. It offers online ordering, and a cookout trailer for corporate, social and fundraising events. MOOYAH has been ranked 1st overall in Restaurant Business’ 2013 Future 50 list, in the top ten of FastCasual.com’s annual Top 100 Movers & Shakers list for several years in a row, and BurgerBusiness included MOOYAH in its list of “11 Burger Chains to Watch in 2011.” For more information on the brand, its menu or franchising opportunities, please visit http://www.mooyah.com. Follow MOOYAH on Twitter @MooyahBurger and connect with MOOYAH on Facebook Fan page.
