Growing fast-casual chain targets Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois as key development focuses
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, a fast-casual, “better burger” chain, announced a focused growth plan targeted on Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois. The quickly expanding burger brand has enlisted the leadership of development agents Ardag Tachian and Scott Adams to spearhead the extensive Midwestern development plan.
“The Midwest has a rich history of family values, and the MOOYAH brand is very family-centric,” said Tachian, noting that the company celebrated a banner year in 2012 with double-digit unit growth. “MOOYAH is a great fit for the region, and we’re thrilled to be working with a brand so focused on excellent operations and exceptional Guest service. We’re hoping to find franchisees with a great track record in the restaurant business to uphold our standards, preferably those who have experience in the fast-casual segment.”
In Ohio, the duo plans to eventually open a total of 27 restaurants with a focus on Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati. Michigan is set for a large number of restaurants as well, with an eventual total of 21 for Grand Rapids, Lansing and Detroit. The pair recently sold a four-unit development deal to a franchisee in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and his first restaurant is slated to open in 2014 with one opening every nine to 12 months thereafter. Tachian and Adams will develop at least four additional restaurants in the state, with two projected for Madison. In Indiana, they’re planning for a total of 10 MOOYAH restaurants over the next five to seven years, with a focus on Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and South Bend. In neighboring Illinois, the development agents already have eight franchises sold, and they’re looking at a total of 28 restaurants in the next five to seven years, with a main focus on Chicago and at least one in Rockford, one in Peoria and one in Bloomington.
Tachian started franchising more than 15 years ago, and he and Adams opened more than 200 restaurants for a large sub-sandwich chain in Michigan and Northern Ohio. Prior to entering the restaurant industry, Tachian received his graduate degree from the University of Michigan and subsequently worked in the healthcare industry. He’s a psychotherapist by education, and he owned a private practice in Southern California before running his own company that managed clinical services for several psychiatric hospitals. Adams holds a marketing degree from the University of Denver and worked as the head of restaurant chain account sales for Kraft Foodservice. He later spent ten years as the Executive Vice President of Global Development for a large sandwich brand and was also the CEO of Nick-N-Willy’s Pizza for four years.
“Paired with our strong North American growth, including our recent 50th restaurant opening milestone in the United States, strong and targeted individual market development is increasingly a large part of our strategic expansion plans,” said Michael Mabry, Vice President of Operations and Franchise Development at MOOYAH. “Through these developers, we have the ability to penetrate a market with two individuals whose experience in the industry sets them up for incredible success.”
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 its number of restaurants from 25 to 48 in 2012. In 2013, MOOYAH is continuing its expansion, with one restaurant open in Dubai and additional plans to grow internationally and total nearly 59 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 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 Rich Hicks, 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 Natalie Anderson, Senior Brand Manager at MOOYAH, 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 more information on the growing brand, follow MOOYAH on Twitter @MooyahBurger and connect with MOOYAH on Facebook at the MOOYAH Burgers & Fries Fan page.
For franchising opportunities in the Midwest, development agents Ardag Tachian and Scott Adams can be reached at atachian(at)mooyah(dot)com and sadams(at)mooyah(dot)com.
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.
