Article

3 fast casuals entering new markets

Chicken Salad Chick is opening in Virginia, Melt Shop is entering Florida and Jollibee is expanding into Calgary, Canada.

Provided by Melt Shop

September 19, 2019

Three up-and-coming fast casual brands announced this week that they were entering new markets. Chicken Salad Chick is opening in Virginia, Melt Shop is entering Florida and Jollibee is expanding into Calgary, Canada.

Auburn, Alabama-based Chicken Salad Chick is opening its first Virginia location next month in Richmond. Marking entrance into the brand's 16th state, the restaurant, located at 9631 West Broad St., opens its doors Oct. 2.

"Richmond, which ranked in the top 10 on Yelp's Top Food Destination list this year, is known for its unique and flavorful eateries," CEO Scott Deviney said in a company press release. "Chicken Salad Chick's warm culture, exceptional dining experience and made-from-scratch chicken salads make us the perfect addition to the city's rich culinary scene, and we're thrilled to be opening an additional location in Mechanicsville next year."

The Richmond franchisee is Providence Restaurant Group, owned by Tim, Kim, Rick and Nancy Collins. The family is no stranger to the fast casual industry — it opened the metro area's first Stevi B's location about 8 years ago in Mechanicsville.

"Introducing a new restaurant concept to a foodie town like Richmond is exciting, as there is a certain level of curiosity, anticipation and eagerness that brews amongst residents," Tim Collins said in the release. "Not only are we thrilled to offer residents a fresh and unique dining experience, but we are looking forward to catering various events, office lunches and more. My family and I have a passion for good food and great company, which is why we are proud to be opening a Chicken Salad Chick in Richmond."

Chicken Salad Chick was founded in 2008, and now has more than 130 locations.

Melt Shop opens first Florida location

Melt Shop is going to Florida with a franchised restaurant opening Sept. 28 in Sunrise. The unit is inside Sawgrass Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the U.S., according to a company press release.

"We opened as a walk-up counter in Midtown eight years ago and now we're opening our 18th restaurant and first in Florida, CEO Spencer Rubin, said in the release. "It's been an exciting journey and it's a great moment for us as we celebrate this significant milestone for our brand. 

Rubin said the chain has been eying Florida for quite some time and is ready to take over the state. 

"With our franchise partner, CFL Eatz LLC, spearheading our development, we're eager to continue our expansion throughout the state, he said. "We know there are a lot of New York transplants in South Florida, so many guests may already be familiar with Melt Shop. For those that aren't, we look forward to introducing them to our elevated melted sandwich experience and serving exceptional food to local residents and visitors alike."

Rubin founded the chain in 2011, in New York City.

Jollibee opening first store in Calgary 

Only a month after opening in Alberta, Canada, Jollibee is gearing up for its first store in Calgary at 999 36th St. 

Canada continues to play a key role in Jollibee's expansion plans as the chain progresses in its goal to open 100 branches in the country by 2023, according to a company press release. The Philippines-based chain opened its first store there in 2016, in Winnipeg, and Calgary is the third store to open in Canada in the past month and 7th store to open in the country to-date. As the most populated city in Alberta and home to more than 100,000 Filipinos, Calgary was the natural choice for the next store location, said Beth Dela Cruz, president of JFC Brands North America, Jollibee’s parent company.

"As a major cosmopolitan area and Alberta's largest city, Calgary is a key stepping stone in our expansion across Canada," she said in the release. "To our Calgary family who have been eagerly awaiting the opening of this store, we look forward to welcoming you this Friday. It's your turn!"

Jollibee store openings in Canada and across the globe have been known to draw massive crowds as fans and newcomers queue up for days before opening day for a chance to be among the store's first customers, according to the release. At the recent Edmonton opening, the store welcomed 8,000 customers, and the first customer was a local who waited in line for three days.

Jollibee is the flagship brand of Jollibee Foods Corporation's 14 brands. It has 4,500 stores in 21 countries.