Muscle Maker Grill has secured a multi-unit franchise deal to develop 10 restaurants in Texas. This new agreement marks the chain's first franchise deal in the Lone Star State and is part of the company's national expansion plans.
The first Muscle Maker Grill location in Texas is expected to open in Austin in October.
The Austin unit will be operated by franchisee Matthew DeLeon.
DeLeon most recently served as a general manager at San Marcos River Pub & Grill in Austin, and first discovered Muscle Maker Grill while visiting New York.
"I have always tried to make healthier eating decisions, but typically restaurants serving these options sacrifice taste," DeLeon said. "The first time I ate at Muscle Maker Grill I was amazed by the great flavor and instantly thought I would enjoy bringing this unique concept to my own community."
Muscle Maker Grill is currently negotiating a lease agreement to develop the first location in Austin. The nine other Texas sites will be chosen over the next few months, but DeLeon is looking to open the majority of the restaurants in the Austin and Dallas metropolitan areas.
"We are confident that Austin is a terrific opportunity to open the first of many restaurants in a new core market," said Rod Silva, founder of Muscle Maker Grill.
Muscle Maker Grill experienced 100-percent growth in new unit openings in both 2010 and 2011. Currently, there are 47 Muscle Maker Grill units in the U.S., located in California, Florida, New Jersey and New York.
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