iniBurger
Preferred Sq. Footage: 1,100-1,500 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Opening: 12+
The Northern California-based fast-casual burger chain projects aggressive growth with plans for a dozen or more new locations per year. The focus will be on multiple stores in a specific metro area before moving to a different location. Franchising documents are in the works and should be finalized in a few months. Multi-unit operators will be preferred in major metros such as Seattle, Los Angeles, Dallas and Chicago. Downtown, street-front, shopping and grocery-anchored center sites will be targeted. The chain is known for gourmet and customizable burgers served in a modern and accessible way.
Great Greek, The
Preferred Sq. Footage: 1,800-2,500 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Opening: 10-12
The Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant plans aggressive expansion with many restaurants in various stages of development. Three units are planned for Florida including West Palm Beach and a restaurant in St. Johns County set to open by September. Two units are planned for Las Vegas, as well as one each in Ann Arbor, Mich., Houston and Friendswood, Texas. The chain also recently announced a national franchise development agreement with East West Investments to develop up to 20 restaurants along the East and West coasts. The initial stores will be in Asheville, Boone and Wilmington, N.C., while Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill and Wake Forest are also being looked at. Grocery-anchored and shopping center sites are desired.
Decadent
Preferred Sq. Footage: 1,500-1,900 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Opening: 3+
The coffee and dessert chain plans new locations in Austin, Jacksonville, Fla., and Alpharetta, Ga. The chain recently inked a multi-unit deal to bring 15 new dessert bars throughout Florida and South Georgia. Downtown, street-front and shopping center sites are targeted. Decadent, owned by Buttercream Dreams Hospitality Group, offers a variety of coffee drinks, around 10 to 15 daily cake flavors, made-in-house cheesecakes and other novelty desserts.
Petro’s Chili & Chips
Preferred Sq. Footage: 2,500-3,500 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Opening: 2+
The chili restaurant chain just opened its second North Carolina unit in Burlington, while a third location is in the works in Fayetteville. The brand can fit into a variety of spaces including malls, stadiums, universities and has a presence in numerous Love’s Travel Stops. Its signature dish, the Petro, includes chili, vegetables, sour cream, cheese and corn chips or pasta in a bowl. The chain also serves baked potatoes, salads, nachos and hot dogs.
