Customizable Burger Franchise Expands in Wisconsin with New Opening in Madison
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, a fast-casual, “better burger” chain opened its first location in Wisconsin this past April. Now, just months later, the brand is expanding with another opening at 571 State St. in Madison, next to the University of Wisconsin campus. This new restaurant opening on November 23, 2015, marks the second location for both the national brand and local franchisee Randy Bergeson.
Experienced franchisee Randy Bergeson teamed up with his sons Lucas and Josh to spearhead MOOYAH’s growth in the Badger State. Randy grew up working in a family restaurant, and has raised his own sons in the same environment. After his time at his family restaurant in Minnesota, Randy went on to manage two other national franchise brands for 15 years before opening his own business. For the past 15 years, Randy has been running three Subway restaurants in southwest Wisconsin.
“The response from the community since we opened our first location last spring has been overwhelming,” said Randy. “We will continue to expand just as quickly as Wisconsinites come out to the restaurants and become loyal brand fans. We know that the Madison community will be just as excited about what MOOYAH has to offer as Fitchburg is.”
Opening a MOOYAH was youngest son Lucas’ idea. He and his brother Josh, 26, both University of Wisconsin graduates, were eager to begin a business as a family.
“This experience has been so much fun so far and we are excited to see the brand presence grow throughout the region,” said Lucas, 23. “I knew that MOOYAH would be a big hit in the community and getting to build a business with my dad and brother has been a dream come true. With this second opening, we’re excited to bring MOOYAH to a new community.”
The Bergeson’s MOOYAH location also recently received the award for “Best in the Midwest Burger Competition” hosted by Fox 47 WMSN- Madison. After battling it out with five other area burger joints, MOOYAH took home the top honor with 41 percent of the viewer vote.
“It’s a great time for the MOOYAH brand,” said Michael Mabry, chief operating officer of MOOYAH. “The Bergeson’s passion for the brand is evident in the commitment they’ve made to continue the growth throughout the region, and we’re so excited to give the Madison area and beyond a taste of MOOYAH.”
At MOOYAH, Guests have the advantage of choosing from a variety of bun options, such as baked in-house artisan white or multigrain wheat buns and hand-crafted lettuce buns to accompany the never-frozen 100 percent American beef patty, all-natural Jennie-O turkey patty or the mouthwatering black bean veggie patty. Each gourmet burger can be customized with five cheese options, applewood smoked bacon, sliced avocado, along with nine free veggie toppings and 11 free sauces.
MOOYAH French fries come together in a six-step process that takes a total of 24 hours to completely prepare. A delightful combination of constant attention and a little magic help transform U.S. #1 Idaho potatoes into perfect, crisp-on-the-outside and fluffy-on-the-inside fries. Guests also have the choice of savory sweet potato fries. Never one to forget dessert, MOOYAH offers real ice cream shakes, allowing Guests to choose from 10 flavors ranging from vanilla to Hershey’s chocolate to Reese’s to strawberry banana and more.
In 2015, MOOYAH is on pace to open 30 new locations and reach the milestone of 100 before the close of the year. The booming better burger brand is set to enter several new states in 2015, with the first MOOYAH restaurants in New York, Massachusetts, and Florida. Additionally, the brand will increase their established presence in states including California, Texas, Illinois, and Louisiana. The brand continues to spread the unique MOOYAH experience beyond domestic borders too. MOOYAH will open their first restaurant in Qatar in 2015, marking the 7th country MOOYAH has entered outside the U.S.
For more information on the growing brand, connect with MOOYAH on Facebook at the MOOYAH Burgers & Fries Fan page or follow MOOYAH on Twitter @MOOYAHBurger.
For franchising opportunities, please visit http://www.mooyahfranchise.com.
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes is a fast-casual, “better burger” concept offering mouthwatering made-to-order burgers, French fries hand cut from Idaho potatoes, and real ice cream shakes. Founded in 2007, the Plano, Texas-based company serves fresh, lean American beef, all-natural Jennie-O® turkey burgers, black bean veggie burgers, buns baked in house daily, real cheeses and toppings made from garden-fresh veggies. While many Guests dine in-restaurant, MOOYAH also offers online ordering and carry out for Guests on the go. In 2014, MOOYAH was named in Entrepreneur Magazine’s list of the top 500 franchise brands and ranked No. 12 in Fast Casual Magazine’s annual Top 100 Movers & Shakers, a list they have been at the top of for several years in a row. The brand also landed on the list of the Top 10 FastCasual Growth Chains by Technomic, Inc. In 2013, the brand was ranked 1st overall in Restaurant Business’s Future 50 list. For more information on MOOYAH, its menu or franchising opportunities, please visit www.MOOYAH.com. Connect with the brand on www.facebook.com/MOOYAH and follow on Twitter @MOOYAHBurger.
