News

B.Good seeking franchisees to expand US footprint

February 7, 2019

Boston-based B.Good has launched a franchising growth strategy in hopes of increasing its footprint via new and established markets across the United States. It now has 75 locations across the United States, Canada, Switzerland and Germany but plans to add additional multi-unit developers to open in Illinois, New England, New Jersey, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, according to a company press release.

"Today's consumers are choosing healthier options and prefer wholesome ingredients, which B.Good offers through our diverse menu, even our more indulgent menu items," Ed Yancey, VP of Franchise Development for B.Good, said in the release.  "People shouldn't feel bad about going out to eat, and B.Good is a breath of fresh air to people who want to know exactly what they are eating."

Although growth is the main goal, Yancey said in an interview with FastCasual that he will be selective in awarding franchise development rights.

"(We) want to find the right fit for the brand, culturally and capability wise," he said. "Specifically, people that are embedded and local to their market and have know how to launch & build a new brand in their market. (We) aren't chasing a number. (We) want to do the work to find the right fit and the numbers will come."

The brand already has a strong presence throughout the East Coast and is planning to continue expanding outside the region, bringing franchise locations into new communities, said Chris Fuqua, CEO of B.Good.

"There are limited players in the fast casual category with such a diverse menu," he said about the concept that prioritizes clean food standards. It offers no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives and aims to incorporate local ingredients as much as possible. Additionally, B.Good features seasonal menu items, which rotate quarterly.

A  B.Good franchise costs between $500,000 to $650,000 but can go higher, Yancey said. The franchise fees are $40,000 for the first store and then $10,000 or each additional store, and franchiees pay the balance as they open each subsequent store.  Royalties are 5 percent with a 1.5 percent additional fund fee.