Killer Burger
Preferred Sq. Footage: 2,500-3,200 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Opening: 10-15
The burger chain plans bullish expansion in Oregon and Washington, as well as adding units in Denver, Salt Lake City, Boise, Idaho, and Reno, Nev., with 10 to 15 new locations planned per year for the next five years. Downtown, power center, street-front and regional mall sites, ideally near colleges, will be targeted. The “rock and roll” themed burger restaurant also sells craft beers and ciders.
Chicken N Pickle
Preferred Sq. Footage: 32,000-80,000 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Opening: 6
The wood-fired rotisserie chicken fast-casual restaurant, bar and pickleball chain will target growth in the Midwest, the Sunbelt coastal markets and New York. New units are coming to Overland Park, Kan., and Grand Prairie, Texas, this year with four new locations planned for 2022. The brand eyes Omaha, Neb., Denver, Chicago and Minneapolis for possible sites. Freestanding pads on 1.75 acres for the restaurant/courts will be targeted.
My Friend’s Place (MFP)
Preferred Sq. Footage: 500-1,500 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Opening: 3+
The Georgia-based healthy sandwich chain plans expansion through new franchise opportunities throughout the Atlanta metro area and the Southeast after forming a partnership with Goliath Consulting Group last year. The goal is to double the number of units over the next 12 to 18 months and accelerate growth further into 2022. Shopping center, downtown, streetfront and non-traditional sites are targeted. The first location opened in 1980 in Sandy Springs, Ga., with a simple menu, which has expanded to include sandwiches, wraps and salads.
Stirr Restaurants
Preferred Sq. Footage: 1,500-2,000 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Opening: 1-2
The modern American fare-themed restaurant will add its first unit outside of Texas in Nashville, Tenn., set to tentatively open this summer. Parent Company Milkshake Concepts, which also owns and operates Serious Pizza and Vidorra in the Dallas MSA, looks to also open another one of its restaurant concepts in Nashville. The company’s Dirty Bones concept just opened in Fort Worth, Texas, last month. Downtown, street-front, lifestyle center and freestanding pad sites will be targeted for Stirr.
Angry Crab Shack
Preferred Sq. Footage: 5,500-7,000 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Opening: 1+
The 14-unit Arizona-based seafood chain aims to have 100 locations by 2025. The first Scottsdale, Ariz., unit will open this spring in a spot that formally housed a Hooters. The first Nevada unit opened earlier this year in Henderson with additional locations in the works. The chain also sets its sights on Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Texas and Utah. Street-front, freestanding pad and shopping center sites are targeted. The restaurant is known for its seafood boils with Asian and Cajun flavors.
Barrio Queen
Preferred Sq. Footage: 9,000-15,000 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Opening: 1+
The Mexican restaurant chain will open its newest location in Avondale, Ariz., this month with plans to open additional restaurants throughout Arizona and the surrounding states. The new location includes a walk-up window and private tequila room. Downtown, street-front and freestanding pads are targeted. The chain is known for its award winning tableside-prepared guacamole and traditional Mexican fare.
Rooster & Rice
Preferred Sq. Footage: 1,100-1,500 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Opening: TBD
The San Francisco-based chicken-and-rice Thai restaurant chain is ready for rapid expansion and will finalize growth plans during the second half of the year. The brand offers a flexible footprint, a simple menu, a low investment and is able to thrive in different neighborhoods and a variety of spaces. Last year the company also introduced its first ghost-kitchen model, allowing Rooster & Rice to tap into the delivery-only segment, which was vital during 2020. Downtown and street-front locations are desired.
