MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Announces Internal Promotion/New Franchise Development Hire

Promotes Michael Mabry to VP of Operations/Franchise Development; Recruits Longtime CiCi’s Pizza Executive to Team

DALLAS- After awarding more than 50 restaurants in the last 24 months, MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, a fast-casual, “better burger” chain, announced two executive moves to support the brand’s strong growth. Michael Mabry, who formerly served as Director of Franchise Sales will now spearhead MOOYAH’s franchise development and operations as Vice President of Operations/Franchise Development. Additionally, Carrie Evans, who most recently left a 7-year tenure at CiCi’s Pizza, has joined the team as Franchise Development Manager.

“We initiated an adjustment to our team that will provide a greater focus on supporting our franchise partners through an improved operations focus, stronger marketing initiatives, greater leverage on technology and reduced costs through a new and far more robust procurement program,” said Rich Hicks, CEO and President of MOOYAH. “Over the last 24 months, Michael’s performance in leading our franchise development growth has led to great success. With the depth of his operations experience, we wanted to utilize his skills in the best way possible. In addition to overseeing our continued growth, he will support our new franchise partners by helping ensure strong operations across the system.”

Mabry’s first venture into the restaurant industry was a catering business he developed in 1989. In 1992, he joined Brinker International as Executive Chef for Romano’s Macaroni Grill. There he was instrumental in establishing systems that remain a stable foundation of the business. While at Brinker, he advanced to general manager and to director of franchise. Throughout his 11 years at Brinker, he created and implemented the global franchise strategy, process, initiatives and standards for Macaroni Grill. He then served as Vice President of Tin Star followed by leading franchise development for Boston’s The Gourmet Pizza before joining MOOYAH.

“Over the last 24 months, we worked diligently to recruit the right franchisees to our system. I wanted to guarantee they received the proper support and systems to help them scale their unit size with sound operations and unit-level economics,” Mabry said.

To expand Mabry’s role, MOOYAH recruited Evans, who most recently served as senior manager of franchise development for CiCi’s Pizza, and will now be charged with handling the day-to-day process of franchise development.

“We are thrilled to have Carrie join our team. Her experience and knowledge will be essential to our ability to establish strong relationships with top-tier multi-unit/multi-brand operators,” Hicks said.

For Evans, MOOYAH’s previous growth, coupled with a strong product, territory availability, and current franchise partners made the brand change ideal and her decision simple.

“This is a brand that is growing and has tremendous potential to be seen as the leader in the category,” she said. “The extensive experience of the leadership team perfectly positions MOOYAH for growth. I look forward to contributing to the recruitment of great franchisees.”

MOOYAH experienced 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.

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 http://www.mooyah.com. Follow MOOYAH on Twitter @MooyahBurger and connect with MOOYAH on Facebook Fan page.

Milk MOOYAH for $25,000: MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Creates Game Sweepstakes to Drive Online Orders

Franchise Focuses on Consumer Engagement through Launch of Interactive Online Game

DALLAS – MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, a fast-casual, “better burger” chain, is redefining the way that brands talk to fans by engaging with them directly through a digital game sweepstakes.  In its most recent push, 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 a microsite where users can play a slot-machine designed game for the ultimate grand prize of $25,000.

From October 21 through November 17, MOOYAH fans are encouraged to go to https://sweeps.mooyah.com and play ‘Milk MOOYAH’ for a chance to win one of eight different prizes available. During the span of the promotion, lucky winners can receive a MOOYAH coupon redeemable online or one of the following prizes: FREE MOOYAH for a year, a $50 gift card or a $25 gift card. Participants will receive an email that either notifies them of their prize or provides them with a discount code to use for their online order at participating MOOYAH restaurants. The grand prize winner and gift card winners will be celebrated through MOOYAH’s social channels. For a complete list of the official rules, please visit https://sweeps.mooyah.com/rules.htm.

“At MOOYAH, we focus on providing our Guests with a lively, family friendly atmosphere. We wanted to share the playful personality we have created in-restaurant with our fans online,” said Natalie Anderson, Senior Brand Manager at MOOYAH. “The online game and sweepstakes allows us to show our appreciation for our Guests in a fun environment for everyone.”  

With the gaming 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 a huge prize. 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,” Anderson said.

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.

Get Your Fresh, Hot Buns – MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Emphasizes Quality

Better Burger, Fast-casual Chain Bakes its Buns In Restaurants Daily

DALLAS – MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, a fast-casual, “better burger” chain, continues to stomp out the competition by placing an emphasis on freshness and quality in each and every one of its ingredients. At the top of that list are its buns, which are baked to perfection in its restaurants daily. MOOYAH constantly reviews its recipes and cooking procedures, which creates an ongoing state of improvement, in order to ensure that Guests across the country will have the best possible burger experience.

“The MOOYAH experience starts with our ingredients, and we pride ourselves on providing only the freshest buns, vegetables, patties and condiments,” said Michael Mabry, VP of Operations and Franchise Development, whose prior experience as a chef proves helpful in the ongoing review of current items on MOOYAH’s menu and even potential new menu items. Mabry’s first venture into the restaurant world was marked by the development of his own catering business in 1989. He also worked as an Executive Chef for Romano’s Macaroni Grill, among other positions, prior to coming aboard at MOOYAH.

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. 

The brand’s 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. 

“We’re proud to have exceeded the expectations set by typical fast-food burger joints by continuing to raise the bar and push ourselves through innovation in both product and experience,” Mabry said, noting that the brand recently launched its better-for-you, Under 600 Calories menu. “With that being said, we also strive to stay true to our foundation: providing burgers, fries and shakes the way our Guests want them.”

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.

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Prepares for Strong Middle East Expansion with First Restaurant Opening in Dubai

Growing Fast-casual Chain Enters Dubai and Targets Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar as Key Development Focuses in 2013

DALLAS – MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, a fast-casual, “better burger” chain, is pleased to announce the recent opening of its first international restaurant in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 1, 2013. Located at the Ibn Battuta Mall, the restaurant is one of four new country launches planned for MOOYAH in the Middle East before year-end.

The Ibn Battuta Mall restaurant is the first of at least 10 restaurants to be owned and operated by AWGAL Investments, which has entered into a multi-unit development agreement with MENAFEX LLC (MENAFEX), MOOYAH’s international development partner for the UAE. AWGAL Investments is led by Chairman Abdul-Wahab Galadari and President and CEO Zubair A. Razzaq.

"AWGAL Investments is proud to launch MOOYAH in the UAE,” said Razzaq. “We believe the brand stands out in a highly competitive restaurant market. The great quality of the food, fun family nature of the restaurant and regionally based MOOYAH operations team were the driving influences behind our decision to partner with MOOYAH.”  

Founded in Dallas, Texas, MOOYAH has seen 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 plans to grow domestically and abroad, to total nearly 65 restaurants. Internationally, the brand is developing in Canada and Latin America in addition to the Middle East.

“As we come off the heels of our 50^th restaurant opening in the U.S., there is no better time than now to expand internationally,” said Bill Spae, MOOYAH’s CEO and President. “MENAFEX’s experience in successful multi-brand support and international development, along with its excellent connections and enthusiasm for the MOOYAH brand, all make MENAFEX the perfect partner to spearhead our growth in the Middle East.”

MENAFEX is a uniquely focused company that was founded on the concept of providing complete development strategy, brand adaptation and implementation, along with operations support for food service brands internationally. Its success is also attributed to its support from dedicated, brand-focused personnel in a development region. MENAFEX is led by CEO and President Stephen Getty who, in addition to being a classically trained chef, has more than 20 years of global business operations experience in outsourcing and procurement, as well as quality and efficiency engineering.

“We’re thrilled to bring MOOYAH to the Middle East,” Getty said. “The concept is fun, the people are great and the focus the brand places on food quality is intense. There’s a passion and commitment to excel that you just don’t normally find, and we know that the people of the Middle East will love the fresh food and better, customizable burgers that MOOYAH offers its Guests.”

Beyond MENAFEX’s development for MOOYAH in the UAE, the company has strategic partnerships and expansion plans in place to develop MOOYAH in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar before the end of 2013.

“The MOOYAH brand is special because, while they want to drive sales and grow, they want to have fun and maintain the core brand DNA and quality while doing it,” Getty said. “At MENAFEX, we sincerely believe MOOYAH is poised for greater growth. They have established an incredible foundation in the United States, through the strength of their process, solid strategic plan, honest leadership team and commitment to quality in food and operations. These factors, along with great individual country operators, will fuel their growth internationally.”  

Spae echoed his sentiment noting that 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 domestically and internationally, we are committed to keeping it simple, while still relevant to appeal to our Guests’ individual tastes and favorites,” Spae said.

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.