Crushed Red, a progressive Urban Bake & Chop Shop franchise dishing up chopped-to-order salads and artisan-crafted, whole-grain pizzas in an elevated fast-casual atmosphere, is targeting North Carolina for franchise expansion in 2015. The company plans to develop six restaurants with qualified franchisees throughout the market, serving up true artisan flavors and boosting the local economy with the creation of 35 jobs per location. Along with job opportunities, the franchise will provide North Carolinians an eco-friendly, 100 percent sustainable dining option.
As the restaurant has become well established with two successful locations in St. Louis, two additional St. Louis locations in development, and six in different stages of development in Colorado, Crushed Red is shifting its focus to North Carolina. With several different industries growing in the Old North State, including agriculture, finance, research and technology, Crushed Red sees endless potential for its artisan fast concept.
“As we continue to build out from our St. Louis roots, Crushed Red is looking for passionate and established franchisees to join our team and grow the brand in the Old North State,” says Chris LaRocca, founder of Crushed Red. “Our restaurants have been very successful in the St. Louis market, and with North Carolina’s growing economy, the state offers prospects access to promising locations with the backing of an established brand that is committed to supporting our franchisees in every step of the way.”
Targeted development areas for the Urban Bake & Chop Shop include Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, and Charlotte, North Carolina. The company is actively seeking multiunit operators with a proven track record in successful restaurant operations who are passionate about the brand and committed to providing an outstanding guest experience. Franchise prospects should have a minimum of $1 million net worth per location and $200,000 in liquid assets.
Crushed Red offers artisan-crafted salads and pizzas as well as the option to customize your own salads and pizzas with an array of fresh ingredients. The salads are all chopped-to-order and organically dressed in front of each guest. The pizzas are built on the foundation of a whole-grain crust that was developed by Mike Marino, former national director of baking operations for Panera Bread. The dough is stretched by hand, topped with an organic tomato sauce and then baked in a gas-fired oven and served up piping hot in just 90 seconds. Crushed Red also serves all-natural soups, savory appetizers, wine and beer.
