UFood Grill, the award-winning fast-casual franchise where “delicious meets nutritious” is embracing a championship pace of growth.
And the attractive franchise incentives being offered by the company have been met with healthy interest from investors as demand for UFood Grill hits a stride towards adding 100 restaurant locations over the next four years.
Since debuting a new restaurant prototype and an updated menu this summer, UFood Grill has signed a variety of new development agreements that will take the concept to new locations across the U.S. at traditional and non-traditional sites.
With 14 restaurants open, UFood Grill has awarded agreements for another 10 restaurants in record time. And the flexibility of those opportunities points to the adaptability of UFood Grill to go where guests want it most.
“We’ve experienced an incredible reception for our new restaurant design and menu enhancements,” said Salvatore Rincione, CEO of UFood Grill. “Our Discovery Days with interested investors have resulted in franchise agreements of the highest caliber. And we continue to evaluate franchise prospects who want to join UFood Grill as demand from consumers continues to grow for the delicious and nutritious dining options that are our specialty.”
That recipe for growth has also earned the company new accolades. Recently named by Franchise Business Review to the Top Up And Coming Food Franchises of 2015, UFood Grill was credited for having ‘what it takes to be a successful brand.’
Launching into Business
That success is also attracting quality franchisees, beginning with a 3-unit deal to introduce new locations in the greater Boston market where UFood Grill is headquartered.
“Growing right here at home is a huge statement for the UFood Grill network,” said Rincione, who expects the first location to open in early 2016. “We couldn’t have scripted a better expansion plan for our local market. It will help us serve more guests who know and love UFood Grill, and it will provide touring opportunities for franchise prospects when visiting our headquarters.”
Adding to that East Coast growth, UFood Grill is also entering Maryland, announcing a franchise agreement with Dr. Stephen Goldberg and his wife Lana to introduce the restaurant in Howard County in late spring of 2016.
After eating at a UFood Grill location in Texas, Goldberg knew he had found the perfect prescription for a physician’s desire to invest.
“I’ve always been interested in franchising as a way to invest versus guessing with the stock market,” Goldberg said. “UFood Grill offers an attractive investment and a chance to serve something healthy in my community at the same time. I can’t wait to open our doors.”
Back to School
UFood Grill is embracing smart growth with the college scene as well. A new restaurant is already under construction at Liberty University, in Lynchburg, Va. Part of a new dining facility scheduled to open in 2016, the UFood Grill location will feature the new look and updated branding of the chain, not to mention a menu that fits the active schedules of campus life.
“Adding another university to our roster is a huge achievement for our brand, and validation that more college students, faculty and staff deserve the kind of healthful dining options the UFood Grill menu offers,” said Rincione. “It is all part of our greater national mission to introduce better food, healthier ingredients and total transparency to a growing customer base across the country.”
Soaring Across the Country
Not to be outdone by that list of big announcements, UFood Grill is expanding its reach with the U.S. Military too. The franchisor will welcome five new locations opening at Air Force bases across the country before the end of the year.
The company announced new locations for Dover AFB, in Delaware; Randolph AFB, in San Antonio, Texas; Good Fellow AFB, in San Angelo, Texas; Cannon AFB, in New Mexico; and Minot AFB, in North Dakota.
“I take incredible pride in expanding our locations to serve more men and women in the military,” said Rincione. “I know first-hand that they deserve the very best from those they serve and protect.”
Rincione was a counter intelligence officer in the U.S. Army and served with the 101st Infantry Division and the 2nd Infantry Division before entering the private sector. Now, as a successful franchise executive, he looks at his role at UFood Grill as an opportunity to serve in a whole new way.
UFood Grill is also a member of VetFran, a program helping U.S. Military veterans locate franchise opportunities and providing veterans a path towards business ownership with training, mentoring and financial assistance. As a member of VetFran, UFood Grill offers a 50 percent discount on its current franchise fee to help veterans own and operate a UFood Grill restaurant.
The Menu Behind it All
From traditional locations, to universities and military might, the UFood Grill growth plan is making headlines. However, it is the menu at the heart of the business that is the foundation to this success story.
“While old QSR chains are trying to save their consumer base, shed unfavorable brand identities and catch up, UFood Grill is already in a leadership position to expand what we already do so well,” Rincione said.
The UFood Grill menu includes chicken, beef, turkey and veggie burgers, unfries, steak tips, wraps, bowls, salads and paninis prepared fresh using natural and organic ingredients, whole grains, light cheeses, and freshly-made dressings. Meals are low in calories, fat and sodium and are made to order. Nothing is ever fried. Beverages include real fruit smoothies and specialty teas. Created in a better-for-you way, UFood Grill is transforming the industry one healthy meal at a time.
For more information visit http://www.ufoodgrill.com/own-a-grill/