RestaurantChains.net Alerts Newsletter
August 8, 2006
Data reflects change and activity during the most recent four-month period from: 04/04/06 to 08/04/06
in this issue
* Emerging concepts
* Units Decreased/Rescinded trading areas
* Special Analysis
* Free Demonstrations
Emerging concepts
Laurel, MS-based CATFISH ONE has
increased by five units, from 36 to 41 locations (14%
growth), and entered into the state of TN. The
restaurants were founded in 1991 and serve take-out
only seafood; with a per-person check average
between $2-12 plus per-person. Locations are only
open Thursdays through Saturdays and trade in the
states of AL, GA, LA, MS, and TN. Between 80 and
90% of locations are franchised. A new location is
about to open in Hazlehurst, MS.
Seattle, WA based DUKE’S CHOWDER HOUSE
is increasing units and now has six total
locations. They have just opened a new location in
Tacoma, WA. This family style concept averages 125
seats with a check average between $8 and $20 per
person. There are now five Duke's Chowder House
locations and one Duke's Chowder Bar location. All
locations are company owned and located in
WA.
BENSI of Park Ridge, NJ is expanding into
PA. This Italian food concept with full alcohol
service is family/casual style and averages 100 seats. Unit
check averages per-person is between $10 and
$30. The company also offers catering services.
There are currently 14 company owned locations in NJ and
PA.
THUNDERCLOUD SUBS of Austin, TX is
expanding. They have added two new locations
during the period, bringing the total to 25 units. All
units are in TX. Stores have 50 seats and the
service is quick. The concept was founded in 1975.
The company has ended their franchise program and
all locations are now company owned.
Chef/owner Bobby Flay has just opened BOBBY
FLAY’S STEAKHOUSE at the Borgata Hotel Casino
in Atlantic City (June 2006). The 11,000 square foot
space is open for dinner only, serving an upscale
menu of steak and seafood. This is a new concept
for his company, which also operates other upscale
concepts (Mesa Grill in New York City and Las Vegas,
Bar Americain in New York City, and Bolo in New York
City). The new steakhouse marks the company’s
expansion into NJ.
Units Decreased/Rescinded trading areas
Jupiter, FL-based RJ GATOR’S has
downsized by 17%, closing four units during
the period, going from 24 to 20 units in operation.
They are no longer trading in the state of AL.
Founded in 1986, this 200 seat, family style bar and
grill chain is open for lunch and dinner, with a check
average of $8-20 per person. More than 90% of
locations are franchised. Remaining locations are in
the states of FL, LA, NC and TX.
NASCAR CAFÉ, the 6000 sq foot theme
restaurant chain, has closed two units over the
period (40% downsizing), reducing operations from
five to three
locations. They no longer operate in the states of
NC and TN. Other locations are in FL, NV and SC.
Restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with
check averages of $8-20. Both catering and
banquet services are available.
ELEPHANT & CASTLE founded in 1977 of
Vancouver, BC has closed two locations. The
European cuisine concept with full bar averages
around 225 seats. There are now 21 locations open
in AB, BC, CA, DC, IL, MA, MB, NJ, ON, PA and WA.
The company was formed in 1977 and is 24%
franchised.
Special Analysis
We performed a special micro study on our
newest field addition: Average Unit Volume (AUV).
We decided on a parameter of between 10 and 30
units and scoped out what AUV’s were growing in
today’s environment. See more... See more...
Free Demonstrations
We offer complete one on one demonstrations
of the RestaurantChains.net directory for companies
and individuals who want to explore our data further.
You will be able to see where we get our information
and how we perform our process. Please contact me
directly: 914-591-4297 or email keith@restaurantchains.net
to set up a personal
demo.
Keith Gellman
Restaurantchains.net
1 Bridge St
Irvington on Hudson, NY 10533
1-914-591-4297
http://restaurantchains.blogspot.com
