MOOYAH Burgers, Fries, & Shakes has signed six new multiunit development agreements that will represent a total of 221 new locations.
“Our new agreements are not just franchising for franchising’s sake. These are accomplished territory developers with impressive track records and a true passion for the brand,” MOOYAH president Alan Hixon said. “We are a brand that is quickly moving into the national spotlight with a clear purpose and a better menu.”
While Hixon was pleased with 2009 and 2010 growth despite the economic slowdown, he expects 2011 to be even stronger. “We are currently involved in strategic talks with several additional developers that we anticipate signing contracts with this quarter. It’s an exciting time to be in the burger business,” Hixon said.
In 2009, MOOYAH was named FastCasual.com's No. 1 brand for the year. Since that time, MOOYAH has taken several steps to further encourage brand engagement.
The company added MOODLE DOODLE boards in each of its restaurants to give its younger guests a place to draw. The boards are sheets of red plexiglass placed on the wall that children can color and draw on before and after their meal.
Tic-tac-toe and hangman templates have also been added to the boards along with a popular "How Tall Are You” ruler that runs along the boards.
"MOODLE DOODLE wraps across the top of the board. It has been a huge hit. We sometimes let the kids play tic-tac-toe against a manager and if they win they get a free shake," Hixon said.
In 2011, Hixon said the brand expects to see a minimum of 20 to 25 restaurants open as part of the new agreements. The company also has three additional franchise deals in the negotiating phase.
