15/The Flying Biscuit Cafe
Year founded: 1993
units: 6
Signature product(s): Flying Biscuits and Love Cakes
There was a lot of chatter among Atlanta’s foodies when it was announced in 2006 that Raving Brands—the home of Shane’s Rib Shack and Planet Smoothie—was purchasing one of the city’s most beloved restaurants and intended to franchise it. The debate among those who were concerned centered on whether or not going corporate would ruin the Flying Biscuit’s eccentric down-home organic vibe.
Two years after the buyout, the answer seems to be, “No.” Founder Delia Champion is still actively involved with the concept, the menu hasn’t changed, and franchising is moving purposely slow. Expansion plans call for four to six franchised stores to open over the next five years. Champion characterizes the strategy as “creeping” versus “leaping.”
Soon foodies in Raleigh, North Carolina, will be able to enjoy the chain’s famous biscuits and breakfasts, too.
10/Cheba Hut Toasted Subs
Year founded: 1998
units: 7
Signature product(s): The White Widow Sandwich
Picture Cheech and Chong serving sandwiches with a slice of humor. That’s the kind of freewheeling atmosphere encouraged at Cheba Hut Toasted Subs.
While the concept’s kitsch might be too risqué for some, there is a market for Cheba’s brand of quick-service. Four additional stores are slated to open by early 2009. Target markets include universities and beach cities in the Southwest and West. Stores with larger footprints—2,000 to 2,400 square feet—have the option of offering local microbrews and other regional beers.
As expected from a brand with counter-culture roots, Cheba’s offers its franchisees a lot of freedom when it comes to décor and menu. Every store has its own signature sandwich.
10/Tossed
Year founded: 1998
units: 13
Signature product(s): The Signature Salad
Since its inception, the mission of Tossed has remained the same: Maintain high ethical standards. To that end, the brand collects only royalty fees from its franchisees. No food or equipment charges.
This year Tossed, which planned to open four units last quarter, has five signed agreements for more stores. The chain prefers franchisees who can handle a market instead of one or two stores. The focus is on downtown urban markets in cities such as Chicago and Houston. Since Tossed cut its leaves in the competitive New York market, there’s no doubt it will succeed in similar locales.
5/Cereality
Year founded: 2003
units: 7
Signature product(s): Devil Made Me Do It blend
By the end of its fifth year, Cereality’s unit count should be in the double digits. The brand’s development strategy has shifted from company-owned units to operator-licensed partners and franchisees. There are plans to open additional stores in high-traffic areas: college campuses, downtown business hubs, and airports. New sites will range from 40-square-foot express “grab-and-go” units to 1,500 square-foot locations. And the majority of these new stores will be co-brands.
Thanks to Kahala’s Corp.’s 2007 acquisition of Cereality, the cereal concept is now a sister brand to 12 other concepts, including fellow 2008 anniversary celebrant Cold Stone. The first Cereality/Cold Stone hybrid opened in Phoenix in May. That pairing will be the primary focus of Kahala’s co-branding efforts with Cereality, though other combinations will be tested as well.