Growing Fast-casual Chain Targets the Greater Los Angeles Area and Orange County as Key Development Focuses
MOOYAH, a fast-casual, “better burger,” fries and shakes chain, announced a focused growth plan targeted on the greater Los Angeles region. The quickly expanding burger brand, through the leadership of locally-based development agent Greg Spalter, has a goal of adding 40 to 60 jobs throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, San Bernardino County and Riverside County by the end of 2014.
“Beyond having a superb product and excellent service, MOOYAH has the right talent and focus to get the job done,” Spalter said, noting that the brand celebrated a banner year in 2012 with double-digit unit growth. “We target a part of the market that a lot of other brands do not, and our emphasis on both hospitality and fun creates an atmosphere second to none.”
Prior to joining MOOYAH, Spalter received his MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles and subsequently worked as a real estate consultant for the nationally recognized accounting firm Kenneth Leventhal & Company, LLP. In 1995, he made a career change and became an area developer for Quiznos in the Orange County area, where he opened 75 units over the span of 11 years. Following his tenure with Quiznos, he explored various segments of the restaurant industry in search of his next development, and determined the best opportunities were with the ever-expanding burger segment. With MOOYAH, Spalter plans to open 15 restaurants in California over the next five years and eventually reach a total of 35 open restaurants in the region over the next 10 years.
MOOYAH is initially focused on opening a flagship restaurant in the Los Angeles region, prior to expanding like a bubble in the surrounding areas. This development strategy was first established in the Dallas – Fort Worth DMA, in which MOOYAH boasts 24 restaurants.
“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, Director of Franchise at MOOYAH. “Through the local developer, we have the ability to penetrate a market with someone embedded within the local business community, which gives us a competitive edge.”
MOOYAH saw tremendous growth in the last several years, expanding from a Texas brand into an emerging national player and 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 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 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.
