Growing Fast-casual Chain Targets Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers/Naples and Jacksonville, Fla. as Key Development Focuses
MOOYAH, a fast-casual, “better burger,” fries and shakes chain, announced an ambitious growth plan targeted on the entire state of Florida. The quickly expanding burger brand is specifically focusing on the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area, Tampa, Orlando, West Palm Beach, the Fort Myers/Naples area and Jacksonville, Fla. as key markets for expansion.
“Florida is a prime development market for the MOOYAH brand,” said Michael Mabry, Director of Franchise of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes. “We’re looking for like-minded partners with passion for Guest service, people, a drive for the industry and our business to join our rapidly expanding franchise system.”
MOOYAH is planning to add 12 restaurants in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area, 12 in Tampa, 11 in Orlando, five in West Palm Beach, three in the Fort Myers/Naples area, as well as five restaurants in Jacksonville, Fla. Mabry says the brand’s goal is to have qualified franchisees for these markets in development by the end of 2013.
“Paired with our strong North American growth, including our recent 50th restaurant opening milestone in the United States, strong and targeted individual market development in a state is increasingly a large part of our strategic expansion plans,” Mabry said.
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 11 states and has nearly doubled the number of restaurants from 25 to 48 in 2012. In 2013, MOOYAH is continuing its expansion, with plans to grow internationally and total nearly 65 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 above its 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 that 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’s 2013 Future 50 list, listed as No. 8 in Fast Casual Magazine’s annual Top 100 Movers & Shakers in 2013, a list they have been at the top of for several years in a row, and BurgerBusiness included MOOYAH in its list of “11 Burger Chains to Watch in 2011.” The brand was also recognized in USA Today’s Top 50 Franchises for Military Veterans in June of 2013. For more information on MOOYAH, its menu or franchising opportunities, please visit http://www.mooyah.com. Follow MOOYAH on Twitter @MooyahBurger and connect with MOOYAH on Facebook Fan page.
