Rising Roll Café, an Atlanta-based gourmet sandwich concept once named the “nation’s best for a sandwich” by USA Today, has signed a franchise agreement for the development of three stores in Memphis, Tennessee.
The stores will be owned and operated by Memphis native Michael Black, who previously spent nearly 10 years in event management, helping facilitate such events as the NCAA Final Four and various SEC championships. While leases have not been signed, Black is eyeing the Poplar Corridor from downtown to Germantown for all three stores.
“Armed with a new restaurant design and service model, an expanded menu, and refocused franchise strategy, Rising Roll Café is a pure standout within the fast-casual restaurant segment,” Black says. “I’m excited to be a part of this exciting time for the brand, and bring its distinctive, fresh gourmet food to the local marketplace.”
Founded in 1999 and franchising since 2003, Rising Roll Café offers a large variety of dining options made in-house every day from the freshest ingredients. The restaurants boast a menu of approximately 50 choices broken down into multiple categories: gourmet sandwiches, hot sandwiches, wraps, salads, and breakfast. The newly expanded menu also includes gluten reduced and vegan options, as well as various “Under 400 Calorie” menu items. Rising Roll Café is also known for its professional catering services.
Some signature choices include: Signature sandwiches include selections such as Chicken Milano, featuring house-made chicken salad, mozzarella, cheddar, roasted red peppers, and fresh basil on Tandoori bread; Pimento Cheese & Apple with bacon; Turkey & Brie with apples and Dijon aioli; Portabella & Roasted Red Pepper Vegan Wrap with grilled asparagus and sautéed onion; Turkey & Pear with goat cheese, romaine lettuce, and sweet chili sauce; and Firecracker Roast Beef Wrap with roasted red peppers, pepperjack cheese, Firecracker Sauce, and lettuce.
“Expansion in areas outside of our Atlanta hub is an integral part of our growth plan,” says CEO Mike Lassiter. “The three-store agreement with Michael in Memphis is just one of the first steps in making Rising Roll a household name in, not only Tennessee, but throughout the southern United States and beyond. We’re excited to have Michael on board to help us accomplish that.”
Rising Roll Café has 19 stores open and operating in five states, the vast majority of which are located in nontraditional venues such as university campuses, medical centers, and Class A office buildings. The Memphis expansion comes on the heels of the company’s decision to refocus its franchise strategy and turn its attention on the development of more traditional locations.
