Restaurants

There is no question that tech has come a long, long way over the past 25 years. Computers, the Internet and smart phones have dramatically changed the landscape. Ironically, the way people accept, embrace and adopt technologies seems to have changed very little. There are those early adopters and first movers, and then there are those that let fear and doubt slow their decisions.

America’s heartland is known for wholesome values and hard-working people. This identity, built around quality and kindness, is exemplified in every aspect of Midwestern culture, especially food. One emerging chain is proving this exactly. Romeo’s Pizza, which originated in Ohio at the turn of the century, has married the culinary and cultural narratives of the Midwest perfectly. With a rich history that transcends red sauce and ravioli, Romeo’s has consistently provided exceptional Italian cuisine at competitive prices, across convenient locations, in the service of the community.

Investing in a franchise is an excellent way to build your own business under the umbrella of an established and trusted brand. However, as with any business opportunity, it’s important to ask the right questions before you make an investment decision.

Shake’s Frozen Custard has been serving smiles and delicious frozen treats since 1991, now with dozens of locations throughout the South, Mid-South and Southeast regions of the US. Forward thinking and creativity have fueled Shake’s growth and led the company to receive recognition as one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Franchises— and SiteZeus is the latest tool to keep Shake’s at the cusp of innovation.

Plenty of celebrities have launched restaurants over the years; now, the Wahlberg family is coming in hot into the restaurant scene with fresh branding and delicious homemade burgers.

America loves fresh Mexican food, and by the looks of it, America really loves Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill . Since opening up in Charlotte, NC nearly 20 years ago, the restaurant chain has grown to hold dozens of locations throughout 18 Eastern states.

Japanese BBQ is about more than just the meal— it’s a social dining experience and the concept is sizzling into the United States. Gyu-Kaku, a Japanese BBQ chain featuring personal grills at every table that guests use to cook and share their food has over 700 global locations. Now partnering with SiteZeus, this Asian cuisine power brand will leverage the most advanced and individualized location intelligence available for the retail industry as it widens its reach in the United States.

Chains often shy away from “C” trade areas in favor of A or B markets that often come with higher traffic and population density. But boots on the ground experience coupled with good location intelligence tools can help to uncover some hidden opportunities.

Northstar Café takes pride in their farm to table, locally sourced, organic, and sustainable cuisine. Everyone is looking for dining options that serve not only their appetite, but help protect the environment and regional farmers. This is the philosophy of Northstar Café, an Ohio-based restaurant chain offering healthy options for the discerning foodie. Family owned and operated, the company is looking to move beyond the Midwest.

What do chicken wings, casual dining, and NOLA-inspired cuisine have in common? If they fall under the banner of Ballard Brands, we must be talking about the company’s Creole-influenced Wow Cafes, Boardhouse Serious Sandwiches, The Original City Diners, and the one-two combo of PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans and New Orleans Roast Coffee and Tea. Begun by brothers Paul, Scott, and Steve Ballard in 2012 and today consisting of 150 outlets, this culinary tribute to their home state of Louisiana is spreading the good word, and good food, of the area around the world.

It seems like a strange juxtaposition between business, but in the highly competitive world of in-vestments and customer service could you find a single company offering both taste tempting bar food and automotive paint and collision services. That’s exactly what Atticus Franchises have been doing since it began. This Atlanta-based private equity firm is focused on high return investment opportunities, with the WingStop casual restaurants and Maaco bodyshops the core of their extensive Southeastern US portfolio.

British eatery Wagamama is a company on a mission, and with core values like ‘fresh,’ ‘restless,’ ‘playful’ and ‘free,’ their goal is to spread positivity through nutritious, delicious cuisine from care-fully sourced ingredients. It’s all part of their desire to bring people and the community together. They currently have establishments in New York and Boston, but the company is looking to expand its reach in the US, hoping to leave diners refreshed and feeling better than when they walked through the doors.