MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, a fast-casual, “better burger” chain, announced a focused growth plan targeting the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The burger brand’s expansion is led by its team of locally-based development agents Anthony D’Amore and his partner Tom Mascia, Matt Rusconi and his partner David Vorchheimer, and experienced sales agent Jay Hummer. Through their combined efforts, the brand plans to add 350 jobs to the tri-state area by the end of 2014.
“MOOYAH delivers remarkable food in an environment that our Guests love,” said Hummer, who started his own outsource franchise sales organization, Firmitas Entrepreneurial Development, after running a 230-unit real estate franchise for RE/MAX of New England. “We look for brands that have an incredibly fast-growing sector, and MOOYAH is hands-down the leader in the ‘better burger’ segment.”
In New York, Hummer is targeting New York City, Long Island and Westchester County for qualified franchise prospects. Hummer’s objective for 2014 is to have two restaurants in Long Island, one in New York City and one in Westchester County, as well as two new MOOYAH restaurants for Guests to enjoy in Pennsylvania and two more in Richmond and Northern Virginia. In neighboring New Jersey, D’Amore will open one restaurant in Garwood by the end of the year, with additional plans to develop in Union County and Clark. In Connecticut, Rusconi recently teamed up with the University of Connecticut, and MOOYAH is now the official burger of the university’s athletics department. Additionally, he and Vorchheimer have plans to add two to three restaurants over the next 18 months in New Haven County and Hartford County.
“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 these local developers, we have the ability to penetrate several markets with agents who are embedded within their local business communities, 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 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 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.
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 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 with MOOYAH in the tri-state area, please connect with Jay Hummer at 508.441.9101 or jay.hummer(at)firmitas(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.
