MOOYAH featured in West Hartford Press

MOOYAH was recently featured in an article in the West Hartford Press titled "MOOYAH becomes official burger of UCONN Athletics." The article discusses how Matt Rusconi and David Vorchheimer’s MOOYAH on the UCONN campus has become the official burger of UCONN Athletics. Matt talks about his history getting into the business and learning about the MOOYAH brand and loving the environment. The article outlines MOOYAH’s history and success expanding out of Texas and throughout the state of Connecticut and the development plans of the Agents.  

To read the full article, click here. (page 8) 

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Plans to Add 48 Restaurants Across Florida

Growing Fast-casual Chain Targets Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, West Palm Beach,
Fort Myers/Naples and Jacksonville, Fla. as Key Development Focuses

DALLAS – MOOYAH, a fast-casual, “better burger,” fries and shakes chain, announced an ambitious growth plan targeted on the entire state of Florida. The quickly expanding burger brand is specifically focusing on the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area, Tampa, Orlando, West Palm Beach, the Fort Myers/Naples area and Jacksonville, Fla. as key markets for expansion.

“Florida is a prime development market for the MOOYAH brand,” said Michael Mabry, Director of Franchise of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes. “We’re looking for like-minded partners with passion for Guest service, people, a drive for the industry and our business to join our rapidly expanding franchise system.”

MOOYAH is planning to add 12 restaurants in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area, 12 in Tampa, 11 in Orlando, five in West Palm Beach, three in the Fort Myers/Naples area, as well as five restaurants in Jacksonville, Fla. Mabry says the brand’s goal is to have qualified franchisees for these markets in development by the end of 2013.

“Paired with our strong North American growth, including our recent 50th restaurant opening milestone in the United States, strong and targeted individual market development in a state is increasingly a large part of our strategic expansion plans,” Mabry said.

MOOYAH saw tremendous growth in the last several years, expanding from a Texas brand into an emerging national player and a leader in the growing “better burger” segment of fast-casual dining. The brand is currently in 11 states and has nearly doubled the number of restaurants from 25 to 48 in 2012. In 2013, MOOYAH is continuing its expansion, with plans to grow internationally and total nearly 65 restaurants.

               

One way MOOYAH is able to differentiate itself is through the flexibility in its menu, including the launch of its better-for-you, Under 600 Calories menu, designed to support the taste desires of females and the more health-conscious consumer.

“MOOYAH began as a simple concept revolving around friendly people serving the freshest, most delicious burgers, fries and shakes available. As our brand continues to evolve, we are committed to keeping it simple, while still relevant to appeal to our Guests’ individual tastes and favorites,” said Bill Spae, MOOYAH’s CEO and President.

Additionally, its family friendly environment helps MOOYAH stand out above its competition. 

“MOOYAH prides itself on being a family friendly business, from the Guests we serve to the franchisees who open restaurants with the goal of running them with people they consider family. We designed the restaurant concept with family in mind so everyone would feel welcome and comfortable,” said Alexis Barnett Gillette, Director of Marketing, noting that the restaurant chain continues to attract favorable media attention throughout the nation for its commitment to quality products, innovative Social Media tactics, first-to-market products, and strong franchise growth.

For more information on the growing brand, follow MOOYAH on Twitter @MooyahBurger and connect with MOOYAH on Facebook at the MOOYAH Burgers & Fries Fan page.

ABOUT MOOYAH BURGERS, FRIES & SHAKES

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes is a fast-casual, “better burger” concept serving mouth-watering made-to-order burgers, hand-cut French fries made from high-quality Idaho potatoes, and handcrafted 100-percent ice cream shakes. Founded in 2007, the Plano, Texas-based company only uses fresh, American lean beef and all-natural Jennie-O® turkey burgers, buns baked in house, real cheeses and toppings made from garden-fresh ingredients. It offers online ordering, and a cookout trailer for corporate, social and fundraising events. MOOYAH has been ranked 1st overall in Restaurant Business’s 2013 Future 50 list, listed as No. 8 in Fast Casual Magazine’s annual Top 100 Movers & Shakers in 2013, a list they have been at the top of for several years in a row, and BurgerBusiness included MOOYAH in its list of “11 Burger Chains to Watch in 2011.” The brand was also recognized in USA Today’s Top 50 Franchises for Military Veterans in June of 2013. For more information on MOOYAH, its menu or franchising opportunities, please visit www.mooyah.com. Follow MOOYAH on Twitter @MooyahBurger and connect with MOOYAH on Facebook Fan page.

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MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Plans to Add Three Restaurants in North Carolina by End of 2014

Growing Fast-casual Chain Targets Charlotte, Raleigh and Greensboro as Key Development Focuses

DALLAS – MOOYAH, a fast-casual, “better burger,” fries and shakes chain, announced a focused growth plan targeted on Charlotte, Raleigh and Greensboro, North Carolina. The quickly expanding burger brand, through the leadership of locally based development agent John Ficara, will add 75 jobs throughout the state as the development plan is met.

“I moved to North Carolina solely to bring the MOOYAH brand here. I think it’s a fantastic brand that poses a great opportunity for entrepreneurs looking for a new venture,” Ficara said, noting that MOOYAH celebrated a banner year in 2012 with double-digit unit growth. “My family and I visited the restaurant in Williamsburg, Va. and we loved its playful and modern energy. The Guest experience, as well as the freshness and quality of the ingredients, are really second to none. Additionally, the brand is so family-oriented; actually, my kids want to work at the restaurant when we open our first one.”

MOOYAH is initially focusing on opening a flagship restaurant in southern Charlotte by the end of 2013, prior to expanding like a bubble throughout surrounding areas. This development strategy was first established in the Dallas DMA, in which MOOYAH boasts 22 restaurants.

“Paired with our strong North American growth, including our recent 50th restaurant opening milestone in the United States, targeted individual market development is increasingly a large part of our strategic expansion plans,” said Michael Mabry, Director of Franchise of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes. “Through the local developer, we have the ability to penetrate a market with someone embedded in the local business community.”

MOOYAH saw tremendous growth in the last several years, expanding from a Texas brand into an emerging national player and a leader in the growing “better burger” segment of fast-casual dining. The brand is currently in 11 states and has nearly doubled the number of restaurants from 25 to 48 in 2012. In 2013, MOOYAH is continuing its expansion, with plans to grow internationally and total nearly 65 restaurants.

               

One way MOOYAH is able to differentiate itself is through the flexibility in its menu, including the launch of its better-for-you, Under 600 Calories menu, designed to support the taste desires of females and the more health-conscious consumer.

“MOOYAH began as a simple concept revolving around friendly people serving the freshest, most delicious burgers, fries and shakes available. As our brand continues to evolve, we are committed to keeping it simple, while still relevant to appeal to our Guests’ individual tastes and favorites,” said Bill Spae, MOOYAH’s CEO and President.

Additionally, its family-friendly environment helps MOOYAH stand out above its competition.  

“MOOYAH prides itself on being a family-friendly business, from the Guests we serve to the franchisees who open restaurants with the goal of running them with people they consider family. We designed the restaurant concept with family in mind so everyone would feel welcome and comfortable,” said Alexis Barnett Gillette, Director of Marketing, noting that the restaurant chain continues to attract favorable media attention throughout the nation for its commitment to quality products, innovative Social Media tactics, first-to-market products, and strong franchise growth.

For more information on the growing brand, follow MOOYAH on Twitter @MooyahBurger and connect with MOOYAH on Facebook at the MOOYAH Burgers & Fries Fan page.

ABOUT MOOYAH BURGERS, FRIES & SHAKES

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes is a fast-casual, “better burger” concept serving mouth-watering made-to-order burgers, hand-cut French fries made from high-quality Idaho potatoes, and handcrafted 100-percent ice cream shakes. Founded in 2007, the Plano, Texas-based company only uses fresh, American lean beef and all-natural Jennie-O® turkey burgers, buns baked in house, real cheeses and toppings made from garden-fresh ingredients. It offers online ordering, and a cookout trailer for corporate, social and fundraising events. MOOYAH has been ranked 1st overall in Restaurant Business’s 2013 Future 50 list, listed as No. 8 in Fast Casual Magazine’s annual Top 100 Movers & Shakers in 2013, a list they have been at the top of for several years in a row, and BurgerBusiness included MOOYAH in its list of “11 Burger Chains to Watch in 2011.” The brand was also recognized in USA Today’s Top 50 Franchises for Military Veterans in June of 2013. For more information on MOOYAH, its menu or franchising opportunities, please visit www.mooyah.com. Follow MOOYAH on Twitter @MooyahBurger and connect with MOOYAH on Facebook Fan page.

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MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Becomes Official Burger of UConn Athletics

Local Development Agents Partner with the University and Spearhead MOOYAH’s Growth in Connecticut

MANSFIELD, Conn. – Burger enthusiasts in Mansfield, Conn. will be pleased to hear that MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes (1 Dog Lane #108, Mansfield, Conn.) has been named the official burger of the University of Connecticut athletics department. The quickly expanding burger brand, through the leadership of locally-based development agents Matt Rusconi and David Vorchheimer, is looking forward to their new sponsorship with UConn athletics and its increased involvement with the school’s student and fan population.

“We feel incredibly blessed to be a part of the University of Connecticut’s athletics department and to have the opportunity to get involved and feed their population with our quality food,” said Rusconi, a native of Connecticut and devoted UConn fan. “We cannot wait to rally behind UConn’s students, alumni and fans. Supporting the university’s athletic teams is something we hold close to our MOOYAH hearts.”

As the official burger and sponsor for UConn athletics, MOOYAH will be featured in a variety of media at all major sporting events. Sponsorship includes, but is not limited to, major advertising opportunities, coupons on the back of game-day tickets, as well as coupon giveaways during games and in-game promotions.  

Beyond their restaurant at the University of Connecticut, Rusconi and Vorchheimer own and operate locations in Hartford, West Hartford, and Newington, Connecticut. The duo plans to continue expanding throughout Connecticut, with a goal of adding two to three restaurants over the next 18 months in New Haven County and Hartford County.

“I think we have been able to grow so successfully because of our commitment to innovation,” said Rusconi. “We are not just a burger brand; instead, we are a quick service concept that listens to our Guests by providing them with a variety of options from burgers and fries to new potential menu items, like the Burgers in a Bowl (salads) that we’ll test in-restaurant later this year.”

MOOYAH saw tremendous growth in the last several years, expanding from a Texas brand into an emerging national player and a leader in the growing “better burger” segment of fast casual dining. The brand is currently in 11 states and has nearly doubled the number of restaurants from 25 to 48 in 2012. In 2013, MOOYAH plans to continue expansion and grow internationally, to total nearly 65 restaurants.

               

One way MOOYAH is able to differentiate itself is through the flexibility in its menu, including the launch of its better-for-you, Under 600 Calories menu, designed to support the taste desires of females and the more health-conscious consumer.

“MOOYAH began as a simple concept revolving around friendly people serving the freshest, most delicious burgers, fries and shakes available. As our brand continues to evolve, we are committed to keeping it simple, while still relevant to appeal to our Guests’ individual tastes and favorites,” said Bill Spae, MOOYAH’s CEO and President.

Additionally, its family-friendly environment helps MOOYAH stand out from competition. 

“MOOYAH prides itself on being a family-friendly business, from the Guests we serve to the franchisees who open restaurants with the goal of running them with people they consider family. We designed the restaurant concept with family in mind so everyone would feel welcome and comfortable,” said Alexis Barnett Gillette, Director of Marketing, noting the restaurant chain continues to attract favorable media attention throughout the nation for its commitment to quality products, innovative Social Media tactics, first-to-market products, and strong franchise growth.

For more information on the growing brand, follow MOOYAH on Twitter @MooyahBurger and connect with MOOYAH on Facebook at the MOOYAH Burgers & Fries Fan page.

ABOUT MOOYAH BURGERS, FRIES & SHAKES

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes is a fast-casual, “better burger” concept serving mouth-watering made-to-order burgers, hand-cut French fries made from high-quality Idaho potatoes, and handcrafted 100-percent ice cream shakes. Founded in 2007, the Plano, Texas-based company only uses fresh, American lean beef and all-natural Jennie-O® turkey burgers, buns baked in house, real cheeses and toppings made from garden-fresh ingredients. It offers online ordering, and a cookout trailer for corporate, social and fundraising events. MOOYAH has been ranked 1st overall in Restaurant Business’ 2013 Future 50 list, in the top ten of FastCasual.com’s annual Top 100 Movers & Shakers list for several years in a row, and BurgerBusiness included MOOYAH in its list of “11 Burger Chains to Watch in 2011.” For more information on the brand, its menu or franchising opportunities, please visit www.mooyah.com. Follow MOOYAH on Twitter @MooyahBurger and connect with MOOYAH on Facebook Fan page.

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