Franchising
Bobby’s Burgers landing at Phoenix airport
October 3, 2022
Intelligration Capital BB LLC, the licensor and franchisor company for Bobby's Burgers, created by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, has inked a deal to open at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport — its first deal since acquiring the exclusive rights to expand the brand worldwide.
Airport operating group The Grove Inc., which has a collection of 20-plus restaurant brands throughout 50 locations at several airports, is behind the deal and will open Bobby's early next year in the airport's food hall, The Crystals.
"The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport agreement reflects a significant achievement, coming as our first license agreement, and with an incredibly talented operator group," Laurence Kretchmer, co-founder and managing partner of Bobby's Burgers, said in a company press release. "We seek franchise and license partnerships with experienced and entrepreneurially-driven operators, and The Grove, Inc. is a perfect match. Bobby's Burgers at The Crystals will have our full menu of offerings, including breakfast so that more customers are able to enjoy the Bobby Flay experience. We look forward to our future at Phoenix Sky Harbor and are certain of the bright days ahead there."
The agreement reflects the Bobby's Burgers growth initiative that includes license and franchise agreements.
"As a true chef-driven, handcrafted burger concept, it's a perfect fit for our elevated food hall," Nina Madonia, CEO of The Grove Inc., said in the release. "We're not only honored to transform the way travelers dine at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, but it also takes on strong meaning to be part of a such a memorable moment for the Bobby's Burgers brand as its first licensing deal."
Bobby's Burgers is inspired by Flay's love of grilling and his travels throughout the United States, infusing a flavor profile reflective of these two personal passions into every bite
"At Bobby's Burgers, we strive to quench the appetite of everyone. Burgers, fries and shakes are my thing, and I truly believe we deliver the best in the business," Flay said in the release. "This is the first airport location of our new and shiny approach, and I'm thrilled to launch in the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. We have our concept focused and dialed-in to satisfy lots of hungry travelers. We're so excited and we're just getting started."
The chain, which is targeting Charlotte, Las Vegas, Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City and Toronto for growth, offers non-traditional, inline, endcap and freestanding buildout options.
The brand is seeking seasoned multi-unit operators who have a strong understanding of the restaurant industry, yet still have the entrepreneurial spirit to help grow the brand to its fullest potential and "Franchise With Flay." Prospective franchisees must be creative problem solvers, have the ability to build connections and have a sense of culture and family, according to the release.
