Five U.S. and Canadian restaurant chains have announced that they are teaming up to target non-traditional concessions opportunities around the U.S., including airports.
Under a joint strategic development program, Bruegger’s Bagels, Fazoli’s Restaurants, Friendly’s Ice Cream, Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill and Timothy’s Coffees of the World Inc. would bundle and leverage their brands and related brands, as well as key personnel. The program would offer venues such as airports several restaurant choices with one point of contact.
A brand may decide to go into a new target market on its own, but the bundling concept presents a competitive value offer to leasing and real estate agents, suppliers, contractors and potential franchisees. Sun Capital Partners is the financial sponsor.
The bundling of brands will be flexible, so depending on how much space is available or what the preference is for certain brands, there will be a single brand or a combination of two or more.
The program could be of particular benefit to airports, as most domestic airlines have continued to reduce their food services. It will also mean new breakfast, lunch and dinner options at existing food outlets at airports.
The five chains are ready to build upon the Bruegger’s success in its expansion into airports in 2008. Bruegger’s, Friendly’s, Fazoli’s, Smokey Bones and Timothy’s (an independent brand and operating division of Bruegger’s) together operate almost 1,300 restaurants and outlets in 28 states.
“We look forward to introducing our compelling suite of brands to concession directors, concessionaires and potential franchisees around the country with the goal of bringing a broader choice of quick, yet delicious portable menu options to alternative venues in our target markets,” says Chris Cheek, vice-president of franchise development at Bruegger’s.
