Restaurant

On February 24-28, SiteZeus had the pleasure of attending the 2019 International Franchise Association Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Afterwards, we asked VP of Customer, Tyler Carlson to share some of his thoughts on the show.

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.

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.

It’s an ongoing debate between burger aficionados – flame broiled or grilled on a flat-top. Some swear by the traditional hot metal surface, while others will only savor the flavor created by fire. Burger King has long been an advocate of the former, a position that has helped the company stand out among the competition. For Partner and Franchisee Broadway Restaurant Group, there’s a de-sire to beat the competition, delight each guest, invest in people, and dream big.

Rush Bowls is unique eats. Crafted from the freshest fruit, decadent yet wholesome ingredients, and offering up to 40 grams of protein, these morning pick-me-ups offering high nutrition along with up to five servings of fruits and vegetables. Launched in Boulder, Colorado in 2004, Rush Bowl is looking to expand its mission of bringing healthy options to the masses while maintaining a high level of quality and value.

Back in 1948, it was only one of 18 such businesses in the entire United States. Founder Joe Bahm opened the original Mike’s Minit Man, and with it, Indiana’s first automated car wash. Now, 70 years later, the renamed Crew Carwash is dominating the area with attention to service and commitment to their customers. With 30 outlets, including several providing self-serve wash bays, this is a company that cares about your satisfaction, while applying the principles of safety, integrity, fun, team-work, and accountability to each and every interaction with the public.

It’s the guilty little pleasure we can’t deny indulging in. From a cupcake piled high with buttery frosting to warm macaroon, coated in warm chocolate , sugar sure has charms to soothe any sweet tooth. Since 1996, dessert lovers throughout New York City’s West Village have been stopping off at Magnolia Bakeryto feed their need for pastries, cakes, cookies and everything in-between. With stores stretching from Los Angeles, to Chicago, Mexico City, Seoul, and Dubai, to Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Kuwait City, they are making old fashioned baked goods an international sensation.