News

Former McAlister’s Deli CEO joins Bagger Dave’s board

March 23, 2011

Diversified Restaurant Holdings Inc. (DHR), the owner/operator and franchisor of Bagger Dave’s restaurant and bar concept, and a leading franchisee of Buffalo Wild Wings, has announced the addition of Philip Friedman to its board of directors.

Friedman is a 32-year veteran in the franchise community and former CEO and president of the McAlister Corporation. After stepping down from his post at McAlister’s Deli in September 2010, Friedman utilized his industry know-how to form the Mississippi Restaurant Group, an entity that acquires, manages and grows small restaurant chains.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the young, dynamic team at DRH,” Friedman said. “Michael Ansley has done a fantastic job developing the Buffalo Wild Wings brand and Bagger Dave’s is a unique concept that is in a great position for growth. Joining the board of directors was a natural fit for me as it plays to my talents in both the restaurant industry and franchising. I hope to lend my expertise in business strategy and franchise development to help build the brand.”

Bagger Dave’s was founded in 2008 by Michael Ansley, one of the nation’s largest Buffalo Wild Wings franchisees and president and CEO of Diversified Restaurant Holdings Inc., the holding company formed in 2007 whose portfolio today includes 14 Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in Michigan and seven in Florida.

“We have a great foundation in place,” Ansley said. “Our corporate stores are thriving and we’ve created a nice niche for ourselves in the ‘better burger’ category between fast casual and casual dining with a modern interpretation of the old-fashioned neighborhood bar. But I’ve built this team of industry greats to help take us to the next level and expand our concept across state lines.”

In addition to its original Berkley location, Bagger Dave’s operates three other company-owned restaurants in Michigan. It has been approved to franchise in its home state, as well as Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, and will be finalizing the franchise disclosure document within the next month. Plans call for opening three Bagger Dave’s locations in 2011 and a total of up to 24 new locations throughout the next five years.