Celebrity’s Soul Food
Preferred Sq. Footage: 3,500-7,000 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 30+
The “quality casual” restaurant chain founded by celebrity executive chef Dr. Fredrick Jacobs is ready for major expansion with a 200-location rollout goal after partnering with United Franchise Group. Over 24 franchisee partners have signed on to grow brand presence across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Franchises have been sold in Las Vegas, Denver, Houston, Atlanta and throughout Florida to name a few. More than 30 units are actively under development. Freestanding pad and regional mall sites are desired.
Chop Stop
Preferred Sq. Footage: 1,100-1,350 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 25
The Southern California-based quick-service salad chain seeks franchise deals throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Colorado and Utah. Company plans call for 25 new units per year over the next three years. Chop Stop will enter other markets if the franchisee opens at least 10 units, such as the deal with a recent Texas franchisee set to open 12 locations. Shopping center, lifestyle center and regional mall locations are targeted.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza
Preferred Sq. Footage: 2,500-4,000 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 5+
The pizza chain is ready for rapid growth, especially in Northern California, with a new unit planned in Cloverdale set to open this month. The chain also opened a new franchised unit in Davis, Calif., last month in a spot that formally housed a Round Table Pizza. New units are also planned for Fountain Valley, Hayward, Temecula and Richmond, Calif. The chain also recently introduced an updated restaurant design and refreshed guest experience this summer in Newport Beach, Calif. Mountain Mike’s currently has over 200 units in the Golden State, Utah and Oregon.
Aroma Joe’s
Preferred Sq. Footage: 800-1,200 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 5+
The Maine-based coffee chain is in growth mode with a new unit recently approved in Topsham, Maine. Plans are to fill the Eastern Seaboard within the next five to 10 years. While most stores are in the Northeast, Aroma Joe’s also looks toward adding new locations in Florida with eyes on Orlando, Jacksonville, Tallahassee and a second Tampa unit. Future plans are to bring 50 shops to Tampa Bay over the next 10 to 12 years. The company’s ultimate goal is to have 400 locations nationwide by 2028. Freestanding pad, shopping center and lifestyle center sites are targeted.
Chicken Guy!
Preferred Sq. Footage: 2,200-3,000 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 3+
The quick-service chicken chain started by celebrity chef Guy Fieri is actively seeking new sites throughout Florida. Freestanding or end cap units with drive thrus in high-traffic areas are targeted. New mall units are planned in Miami and Sunrise, Fla., along with a restaurant at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. A Las Vegas outlet mall unit was also in the works but has been put on hold for the time being.
Sweet Paris
Preferred Sq. Footage: 2,000-2,500 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: TBD
The Houston-based creperie recently opened two new Texas restaurants, one in Sugar Land and the first location in Austin. A Friendswood, Texas, unit also opened in March. Sweet Paris looks to enter new markets through its strategic partnership model, seeking groups and individuals with hospitality backgrounds. Downtown, street front, freestanding pad, shopping center and lifestyle center sites are targeted. The chain is known for its artful food and drinks making it a favorite place for social media influencers.
