Franchising

Rise opens 16th unit

Provided

December 7, 2020

Tulsa, Oklahoma, is home to Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken's sixteenth location. Located at 1520 E 15th St., in the Cherry District, it's operated by franchisees Dr. Parker Simon and his partner, Bradley Turney, it's the first of five units they will plan to open in the area.

"This is big news for franchising, as the Tulsa deal carried forward without hesitation despite this time of unpredictability for many investors. Dr. Simon has a long-term investor's mindset and he is well-positioned to develop the Rise brand," Tom Ferguson, Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken founder and CEO, said in a company press release. "Rise has always sought opportunities to leverage conversions when opening new locations and the Cherry Street location is a prime example of a successful one."

In a time when prime real-estate locations are plentiful and affordable, Rise has a protocol to convert existing units quickly and inexpensively. Conversions to Rise benefit franchisees and the communities they serve by filling an empty space with delicious and affordable menu options and proving job opportunities, Ferguson said.

"We desire to be a part of the solution and help provide future jobs to our displaced U.S. working family," Simon said. "It is likely that the restaurant industry will be forever changed after the current crisis has abated. Rise is well-positioned for grab and go, delivery and catering. As a company, Rise is willing and able to tackle new concepts, like their shared cloud kitchen and innovative third-party delivery. We are proud to be members of this team."

The Cherry Street unit opened Saturday and donated 10% of opening sales to a local nonprofit organization, Emergency Infant Services.

Rise was founded in 2012 by Culinary Institute of America-trained chef, Tom Ferguson. It has 16 locations in six states, with over 100 units in development in major U.S. media markets.