Order Online, Pick Up and Take Off: MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Creates Huge Vacation Sweepstakes

Franchise Uses In-Restaurant POP and Social Channels to Drive Guests to Participating Restaurants’ Online Ordering Sites

DALLAS – MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, a fast-casual, “better burger” chain, is redefining the way that brands talk to fans by connecting with them directly in a digital landscape. In its most recent effort, the brand is using Social channels, such as Facebook and Twitter, mobile and digital marketing as well as in-restaurant POP to direct its fans to place orders on its website or mobile app.

From September 23 to October 13, Guests who place an order through MOOYAH’s website or mobile app at participating restaurants will be automatically entered to win a $100 MOOYAH gift card or a trip for two to one of four pre-packaged destinations. MOOYAH will award the gift card to one lucky winner each day, and the trip to one participant per week for the duration of the promotion. The weekly prize includes coach air tickets for two, five nights in a hotel, as well as airport transfers. Each package will also include $300 toward land tours or events, and destinations include San Francisco, Calif., Park City, Utah, Key West, Fla. and Washington D.C. The winners will be celebrated through MOOYAH’s Social Media channels. For a complete list of the official rules, please visit http://mooyah.com/tripsweeps.

“While engaging with our Guests in our restaurants is vital to our success, we also want to put a prime emphasis on developing an effective channel for online communication,” said Alexis Barnett Gillette, director of marketing at MOOYAH, noting that they are also using in-restaurant POP to highlight the promotion. “The sweepstakes is another way to create buzz around our online presence and also thank our fans who are so committed to MOOYAH’s product and experience.”

Coming off the heels of MOOYAH Madness (a Facebook contest vote-off where all MOOYAH restaurants competed against each other to win free MOOYAH for the entire community for a day), which grew the brand’s Facebook page by 11,800 fans, the new promotion is part of an ongoing effort to engage with users online. The brand is seeing incredible success as a result of their efforts. While MOOYAH isn’t the biggest brand in the category, yet, it still boasts the highest number of fans per restaurant vs. some of its most recognizable competitors.

FACEBOOK LIKES ON NATIONAL FAN PAGE – as of September 18, 2013, Delivered by 1851project.com

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes (54 restaurants): 83,362 likes = 1,543 fans/restaurant
BurgerFi (15 restaurants): 21,333 = 1,422 fans/restaurant

Five Guys Burgers and Fries (approx. 1,000 restaurants): 904,029 = 904 fans/restaurant

Smashburger (217 restaurants): 102,918 = 474 fans/restaurant

Elevation Burger (30 restaurants): 12,959 = 431 fans/restaurant

“The fast-casual burger segment is very hot,” said Nick Powills, publisher of 1851. “Brands are fighting to stay ahead of each other. In the world of Social Media, MOOYAH can lead the pack in Social Footprint without having the largest restaurant base simply by listening to its Guests and communicating with them.”

MOOYAH has employed a “talk-with strategy” in which they use their Social platform to build loyal communities. When a new restaurant opens, MOOYAH launches a localized strategy to drive new fans, leverage the existing crowd and create engagement that praises positivity and solves frustrations. With the online ordering sweepstakes, the brand is taking its online communications to an entire new level by rewarding those who connect with MOOYAH online for the chance to win huge prizes. The brand will promote the sweepstakes socially, with a large drive on Facebook and Twitter, as well as support from Instagram and Pinterest.

“Our Guests are highly connected in the digital space. They crave more and more digital interaction from us,” Barnett Gillette said, who added that the brand’s fans love the unique approach to dining that MOOYAH offers.  

At MOOYAH, customization is king. Guests have the advantage of choosing from a variety of bread options, such as freshly baked white or wheat buns and hand-crafted lettuce wraps to accompany either the never-frozen 100 percent American beef patty, Jennie-O turkey patty or the mouthwatering veggie burger. Each gourmet burger creation comes with a selection of unlimited veggies and a choice of nine delicious sauces. 

MOOYAH French fries come together in a six-step process that takes a total of 24 hours to completely prepare. A delightful combination of constant attention and a little magic help transform U.S. #1 Idaho potatoes into perfect, crisp-on-the-outside and fluffy-on-the-inside fries. Never one to forget dessert, MOOYAH offers handcrafted shakes, allowing Guests to choose from classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate, or opt to make their own creations with toppings such as cookie dough, peanut butter cups and more. 

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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Gourmet Growth: MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Opens Restaurant in Lawton, OK

Customizable Burger Franchise Continues to Grow in the State of Oklahoma with Second Opening

DALLAS – Burger enthusiasts in Lawton will have something new to drool over, as MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, a fast-casual, “better burger” chain is excited to announce the opening of its new restaurant at 6121 Northwest Cache Road on Monday, September 23, 2013. As the second MOOYAH restaurant in Oklahoma, the brand hopes to become a Lawton staple, bringing a delicious dining experience to families, friends and neighbors.

“We’re so excited to expand our presence in Oklahoma and couldn’t be happier to have Tyrone Muldowney as a partner in Lawton,” said Michael Mabry, Director of Franchise at MOOYAH. “His successful history with franchising and his dedication to the MOOYAH experience make him the ideal franchisee to expand the brand's footprint in the area.”

Muldowney brings a strong background in the food service business to his new venture with MOOYAH.  During his first year of college, he purchased Bavarian Bakery from his mother at the age of only 19. The business had two employees and reached $87,000 in revenue in the first year. When he sold it in 2001, the bakery had 48 employees and gross sales of $4.5 million. Muldowney retired from the bakery at the age of 44, and started looking at different investment opportunities. He started buying Atlanta Bread restaurants 10 years ago, and he’s still one of the most successful franchisees in their system. Then, around two and a half years ago, he became a Jersey Mike’s Sub Shop franchisee and opened his second store in Altus, Okla. in May of 2013. 

For about a year, Muldowney and his business partner Mark Duncan, D.O. (a local neurosurgeon) looked for an exceptional, family-oriented hamburger restaurant, and felt like there was a niche market for burgers in the Southern half of Oklahoma and North Texas. “We came up with the conclusion that all we have are the fast-food joints in the area, and no one here produces a high-end, quality burger and fries option,” said Muldowney. “We’ve eaten at MOOYAH a dozen times, and we just fell in love with it.”  

At MOOYAH, customization is king. Guests have the advantage of choosing from a variety of bread options, such as freshly baked white or wheat buns and hand-crafted lettuce wraps to accompany either the never-frozen 100 percent American beef patty, Jennie-O turkey patty or the mouthwatering veggie burger. Each gourmet burger creation comes with a selection of unlimited veggies and a choice of nine delicious sauces. 

MOOYAH French fries come together in a six-step process that takes a total of 24 hours to completely prepare. A delightful combination of constant attention and a little magic help transform U.S. #1 Idaho potatoes into perfect, crisp-on-the-outside and fluffy-on-the-inside fries. Never one to forget dessert, MOOYAH offers handcrafted shakes, allowing Guests to choose from classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate, or opt to make their own creations with toppings such as cookie dough, peanut butter cups and more. 

“Our goal is to create better burgers for our Guests by offering fresh, quality ingredients and customizable options. By giving them the power to create their own perfect meal, our Guests leave happy and satisfied,” said Alexis Barnett Gillette, Director of Marketing at MOOYAH. “We hope this new restaurant in Lawton will help the brand develop even further into surrounding areas while also spreading our popularity and awareness throughout the state.”

Seeing incredible growth in 2012 alone, MOOYAH continues its unending expansion, already awarding an additional 29 units nationally and internationally in the first half of 2013, with plans to provide 400 jobs to local communities by year-end. The brand shows no signs of slowing down and aims to deliver a simple American classic that’s not only made well, but produced in a friendly and comfortable environment to new and fresh markets in the future. MOOYAH is currently focusing its expansion efforts in California, Florida and the Northeast.

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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Tri-State Expansion: MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Development Agents Spearhead Growth in the Northeast

Growing Fast-casual Chain Targets New York, New Jersey and Connecticut as Key Development Focuses

DALLAS – MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, a fast-casual, “better burger” chain, announced a focused growth plan targeting the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The burger brand’s expansion is led by its team of locally-based development agents Anthony D’Amore and his partner Tom Mascia, Matt Rusconi and his partner David Vorchheimer, and experienced sales agent Jay Hummer. Through their combined efforts, the brand plans to add 350 jobs to the tri-state area by the end of 2014.

“MOOYAH delivers remarkable food in an environment that our Guests love,” said Hummer, who started his own outsource franchise sales organization, Firmitas Entrepreneurial Development, after running a 230-unit real estate franchise for RE/MAX of New England. “We look for brands that have an incredibly fast-growing sector, and MOOYAH is hands-down the leader in the ‘better burger’ segment.”

In New York, Hummer is targeting New York City, Long Island and Westchester County for qualified franchise prospects. Hummer’s objective for 2014 is to have two restaurants in Long Island, one in New York City and one in Westchester County, as well as two new MOOYAH restaurants for Guests to enjoy in Pennsylvania and two more in Richmond and Northern Virginia. In neighboring New Jersey, D’Amore will open one restaurant in Garwood by the end of the year, with additional plans to develop in Union County and Clark. In Connecticut, Rusconi recently teamed up with the University of Connecticut, and MOOYAH is now the official burger of the university’s athletics department. Additionally, he and Vorchheimer have plans to add two to three restaurants over the next 18 months in New Haven County and Hartford County.

“Paired with our strong North American growth, including our recent 50th restaurant opening milestone in the United States, strong and targeted individual market development is increasingly a large part of our strategic expansion plans,” said Michael Mabry, Director of Franchise at MOOYAH. “Through these local developers, we have the ability to penetrate several markets with agents who are embedded within their local business communities, which gives us a competitive edge.” 

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 its number of restaurants from 25 to 48 in 2012. In 2013, MOOYAH is continuing its expansion, with one restaurant open in Dubai and additional 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 health-conscious consumer.

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.

For franchising opportunities with MOOYAH in the tri-state area, please connect with Jay Hummer at 508.441.9101 or jay.hummer@firmitas.com.

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 Two to Three Restaurants in Los Angeles in 2014

Growing Fast-casual Chain Targets the Greater Los Angeles Area and Orange County as Key Development Focuses

DALLAS – MOOYAH, a fast-casual, “better burger,” fries and shakes chain, announced a focused growth plan targeted on the greater Los Angeles region. The quickly expanding burger brand, through the leadership of locally-based development agent Greg Spalter, has a goal of adding 40 to 60 jobs throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, San Bernardino County and Riverside County by the end of 2014.

“Beyond having a superb product and excellent service, MOOYAH has the right talent and focus to get the job done,” Spalter said, noting that the brand celebrated a banner year in 2012 with double-digit unit growth. “We target a part of the market that a lot of other brands do not, and our emphasis on both hospitality and fun creates an atmosphere second to none.”

Prior to joining MOOYAH, Spalter received his MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles and subsequently worked as a real estate consultant for the nationally recognized accounting firm Kenneth Leventhal & Company, LLP. In 1995, he made a career change and became an area developer for Quiznos in the Orange County area, where he opened 75 units over the span of 11 years. Following his tenure with Quiznos, he explored various segments of the restaurant industry in search of his next development, and determined the best opportunities were with the ever-expanding burger segment. With MOOYAH, Spalter plans to open 15 restaurants in California over the next five years and eventually reach a total of 35 open restaurants in the region over the next 10 years.

MOOYAH is initially focused on opening a flagship restaurant in the Los Angeles region, prior to expanding like a bubble in the surrounding areas. This development strategy was first established in the Dallas - Fort Worth DMA, in which MOOYAH boasts 24 restaurants.

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

MOOYAH saw tremendous growth in the last several years, expanding from a Texas brand into an emerging national player and leader in the growing “better burger” segment of fast-casual dining. The brand is currently in 11 states and has nearly doubled its 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 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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