The Plamondon Companies, the umbrella organization with holdings that include six franchised hotels and the operator and franchisor of nearly 50 Roy Rogers restaurants in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, reports that Joseph J. Briglia has been appointed Director of Real Estate and Franchise Development. Based in the company’s Frederick, Maryland headquarters, he reports directly to Co-Presidents Jim Plamondon and Pete Plamondon, Jr. Briglia is responsible for implementing marketing and sales efforts in support of the company’s franchise expansion goals for Roy Rogers and for establishing and implementing market-development plans for corporately owned Roy Rogers restaurants and hotels. Under ownership of The Plamondon Companies since 2002, Roy Rogers is enjoying resurgence in many East Coast markets. Recent openings include Winchester, Virginia and Rockville in Maryland. Other new restaurants are scheduled to debut in Gainesville in Virginia, Gambrills in Maryland and two locations in New Jersey, Franklin and Flemington, later this year. (301/695-5051 www.royrogersrestaurants.com).......
In mid-June, Minneapolis-based Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. stated that it has exercised its right of first refusal to acquire substantially all of the assets of Alamowing Development LLC, B III Wing LLC, RioWing Development LLC, AlamoWing NM Partners LLC, AlamoWing NM Partners II LLC, Southseas Wings LLC and certain subsidiary and affiliated operating entities. The assets to be acquired consist primarily of 38 existing Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants located in Texas, New Mexico and Hawaii and three Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants under development in New Mexico and Hawaii. The total purchase price for the assets is approximately $160-million. The acquisition of the restaurants is subject to negotiation and execution of a final purchase agreement and certain regulatory approvals. “We believe that the acquisition of these Buffalo Wild Wings locations will provide our shareholders with additional long-term net earnings growth,” said President, CEO Sally Smith. In the transition to company-owned locations, the company expects to incur a $5-million in one-time expenses. Currently there are over 1000 company-owned and franchised Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in all 50 U.S. States, Canada, Mexico and the Philippines. (952/593-9943 www.buffalowildwing.com).....
In mid-June, Fuddruckers opened its sixth quick casual restaurant in Virginia at 14000 Foulger Square in Woodbridge. The 6523 square foot unit seats 240 guests and includes two outdoor seating areas. The site is in close proximity to the Potomac Mills shopping complex. According to Peter Tropoli, COO of Luby’s Inc., “We’re thrilled to finally be in Woodridge and excited to bring the flavors and fun of Fuddruckers to this prime spot that draws diners from around the county and state for family-friendly entertainment.” In addition to other banners, Luby’s Inc. operates 72 company-operated Fuddruckers locations and is the franchisor for 107 Fuddruckers franchise locations across the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Italy, Chile and the Dominican Republic. (713/329-6800 www.fuddruckers.com)........
In mid-June, First Watch breakfast, brunch and lunch chain introduced its updated restaurant prototype design and fresh, new menu. The new First Watch at 3215 E. Camelback Rd. in Camelback East Village in the Biltmore area of Phoenix is the first of the concept’s locations to open featuring both its latest ‘Urban Farm’ interior design and a new, inspired menu. The design combines farm-inspired finishes with a high-energy, urban vibe creating a warm, familiar space. The new menu takes an elevated approach to traditional and innovative offerings made to order using farm fresh ingredients and includes items such as Avocado Toast, Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. The restaurant will also feature a Fresh Juice Bar with beverages, like the Kale Tonic and Day Glow, juiced in-house daily using fresh fruits and vegetables sourced locally whenever possible. The new restaurant will be the company’s fourth First Watch in the Valley and its 25th restaurant in Arizona including 19 The Good Egg restaurants and two The Egg & I franchise restaurants. (941/907-9800 www.firstwatch.com)......
Earlier in the month, the Board of Directors of Bob Evans Farms Inc. has authorized the company to pursue a strategic transaction for a select portion of its restaurant properties. The decision follows the announcement in March 2015 that the company had retained J.P. Morgan to assist with an evaluation of strategic alternatives for the company’s real estate. The company said the transaction may take the form of either a sale-leaseback or a tax-free REIT conversion and spin-off. The timing of a transaction remains subject to the Board’s continued evaluation of these factors, and the company cannot guarantee if and when a transaction will be undertaken. At the end of the third fiscal quarter in late January 2015, Bob Evans Restaurants owned and operated 564 family restaurants in 19 states, primarily in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. (800/939-2338 www.bobevans.com)..........
Tropical Smoothie Cafe is targeting Florida’s Tampa region for franchise growth. Over the next twelve to 24 months, the sandwich and smoothie franchise plans to open about new locations in surrounding cities including Palm Harbor, Clearwater Beach and Northdale. Currently, there are four cafes in the greater Tampa area. In the first quarter of 2015, Tropical Smoothie Cafe reported a 12.31-percent growth in same-store sales and franchise agreements to open 51 new cafes across the U.S. This year, Tropical Smoothie Cafe plans to exceed 500 stores nationwide and sign franchise agreements for 150 new locations. The brand currently has franchise opportunities across the U.S. in markets such as Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Boston, Portland and Columbus, Ohio, among others. By 2018, Tropical Smoothie Cafe plans to have 800 stores open across the U.S. (770/821-1900 www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com)......
