News

VooDoo BBQ cashing in on increased tourist traffic

August 27, 2013

VooDoo BBQ & Grill, a franchise system in New Orleans, is riding a growing trend that shows no sign of stopping: Tourists are spending their money at limited-service restaurants, which include QSRs and fast casual restaurants.

Tourism spending at American restaurants is at a record high -- 15 percent of spending at these restaurants comes from tourists, according to the National Restaurant Association. The travel and tourism industry's growth is outstripping the overall economy's, recent U.S. Commerce Department data show.

"Guests at our locations in places like our hometown of New Orleans and our recently opened markets near Fort Lauderdale and Miami often tell us how happy they are to find a place with such good food, affordable prices and fast service," said VooDoo BBQ CEO Tony Avila. "The last thing anyone wants to do on vacation is waste time that could be better spent seeing attractions and attending events."

VooDoo wants to build on the universal love of Southern-style barbecue and New Orleans-style cuisine by expanding throughout the Southeast and beyond.

"We want our guests to treat a visit to a VooDoo as a 35- to 40-minute New Orleans vacation," Avila said. "VooDoo is made to order for the tourist market."

VooDoo BBQ & Grill opened its first location in New Orleans on Mardi Gras Day 2002 and has expanded to reach 57 planned locations in six states. VooDoo serves competition-style barbecue beef, pork and chicken with unique side dishes, plus salads and sandwiches.

This year's Fast Casual Executive Summit is in New Orleans, where attendees will go on a fast casual food tour Oct. 13, visiting some of the city's local fast casual restaurants, including VooDoo. For more info or to register, visit www.fastcasualsummit.com.