Operations

55-year-old fast casual concept launching container model

Beef-A-Roo’s franchising also includes a newly developed container model requiring half the normal staffing requirements. Provided.

April 29, 2022

Beef-A-Roo, a 55-year-old brand based in Rockford, Illinois, is franchising for the first time in its history, thanks to NEXT Brands and Development acquiring franchising rights in 2021. As part of its brand overhaul, NEXT, a manager and growth accelerator of franchises, created a container model restaurant that it can ship to franchisees ready to operate and requires half of the normal staffing requirements. The first container restaurant will open this year in Rose City, Michigan.

"While the standard restaurant is still the core build-out, this container model offers lower overhead, a quicker opening timeline and flexibility to give franchisees another option at different investment level and timeframe," Austin Capoferi, president of Beef-A-Roo Franchising and NEXT Brands and Development, said in a company press release. "We carefully engineered this opportunity that's capable of exceptional revenue through dine-in, drive-through, delivery, take away, and catering sales channels, and we expect this offering to create a lot of excitement and interest in the brand."

Founded in 1967, Beef-A-Roo, which has eight units, began with a wild west theme and has remained anchored by its menu of slow-roasted beef sandwiches and fries.

"Over five decades, Beef-A-Roo built a traditional restaurant in a fast-casual setting perfect for the modern consumer, making the brand a fit for most Midwestern and Southeastern markets," Capoferi said. "To kick-start the franchising process and take away some stress associated with opening a restaurant, Beef-A-Roo plans to get a few locations up and running and then franchise them out so new franchisees — effectively, letting them get into restaurant ownership much quicker with just having to learn the business model and create brand awareness in their area."

For existing and aspiring business owners, the initial investment required for a 3,500- to 5,500-square-foot restaurant ranges from $625,700 to $1,361,000. Multi-unit franchise development is preferred (not required) for primary and secondary markets, while single-unit franchise development is a consideration for smaller thriving markets in North America.

"We're committed to growing with experienced restaurant groups who have a familiarity with their region," Megan Rosen, chief development officer for Beef-A-Roo Franchising and NEXT Brands and Development, said in the release. "We seek franchisees who want to join us and make their mark, and are philosophically aligned with our culture and passion for providing the highest quality consumer experience at an affordable price."