News

Wayback Burgers franchisor teaming up with Uncle Willie's BBQ

Jake's Franchising LLC hopes to take Uncle Willie's BBQ nationwide starting in April.

February 17, 2015

Jake's Franchising LLC, franchisor of Wayback Burgers, has announced a partnership with Uncle Willie's BBQ to begin franchising the concept nationwide in April 2015. The new company, Uncle Willie's International LLC, is based in Cheshire, Connecticut.

"The Uncle Willie's brand is a fan-favorite in the region and we see it seamlessly converting to a franchise model," said John Eucalitto, president of Wayback Burgers, in a company press release. "We are excited to team up with a fellow Connecticut-based brand as we forecast extreme growth potential both in the North East and across the country."

Uncle Willie's was founded by Bill and Diane Lombardi. The Middlebury, Connecticut residents opened their first storefront location in 1995. The menu of southern specialties including pit-smoked ribs, pulled pork and brisket, barbecue chicken, meatloaf, fried chicken and fish, steamed burgers, sides and desserts.

Wayback Burgers' multi-unit franchisee and Jake's Franchising LLC's Director of Construction, Patricia Verderame, will lead the new company as president of Uncle Willie's International LLC. The companies will operate independent of each other with no crossover of employees with operations or marketing. Uncle Willie's two existing locations will remain privately owned by the founders.