(June 2009) posted on Wed Jun 10, 2009 EDT
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Recession? What recession? Several regional restaurant chains are forging ahead with expansion plans, despite the current economic downturn. Here's a sample of who's growing where:
- Dallas-based Genghis Grill has opened six new corporate and franchise restaurants so far this year, and plans to open a total 20 new units by the end of the year in the South and Midwest. "We want to be the largest and the best Mongolian concept out there," says Al Bhakta, ceo of the 33-unit Genghis Grill Franchise Concepts LP. "We're the second-largest. In a few months, we will be the largest."
- Paisano's, a five-unit Italian restaurant chain, has inked a pact with Franchise Consulting LLC that's expected to result in the creation of 10 new restaurants in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia by the end of 2010.
- Orlando-based Seasons 52, a fresh grill and wine bar restaurant chain, will open its first locale on Florida's west coast, in the WestShore Plaza in Tampa. The company's ninth unit is expected to debut in spring 2010.
- Zebu Forno, a European-style bakery and cafe, has opened its fourth New Jersey location, in Morristown, part of a three- to five-year plan to operate 10 franchised or company-owned locations in that state and eastern Pennsylvania.
