News

Moe's expanding with multi-unit deal in Cali

January 14, 2014

Moe's Southwest Grill has signed a deal to bring 18 new restaurants to Sacramento and Santa Cruz, Calif., over the next seven years. This is Moe's first push into California and is a crucial part of the Atlanta-based brand's westward expansion plans, according to a company press release.

HKM II, LLC of Roseville, Calif., headed by David Mitchell, Matt Karadanis and Rob Whittey, is behind the California expansion. The group also owns 42 quick-serve burger restaurants throughout Northern California, Southern Nevada and Arizona.

Their first Moe's location is slated to open in the Sacramento area by spring of 2014. Possible sites are currently being negotiated. Overall, 14 locations are planned for the greater Sacramento region and four around Santa Cruz and the central coast, according to the company. The new restaurants will help boost local economies by adding approximately 25 new jobs per location — an estimated 450 jobs total across the state upon completion.

"We have been looking to diversify and expand our restaurant portfolio, and right now fast-casual Mexican is a hot segment," said Mitchell. "Moe's is making all the right moves and it became readily apparent that this is a formidable brand to grow with at this time. We want to corner the Sacramento market and go from there, and we know Moe's will do well in California."

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