Moe’s Southwest Grill finished 2013 with $526 million in system-wide sales, a 12 percent increase from 2012. Moe’s also exhibited a 4.5 percent increase in same-store sales. The company will open nearly 100 new restaurants in 2014.
In 2013, Moe’s opened 54 new restaurants, including a milestone 500th location in Manhattan in June. The company also signed 155 new franchise deals. In 2014, the Moe’s brand will start an important expansion on the West Coast, beginning with an 18-unit agreement in Northern California with HKM II LLC of Roseville, California, a major player in the quick-serve burger space.
“We’ve had our eyes on California for a long time now, and we found a terrific franchise partner to help us carve a path,” says Paul Damico, president of Moe’s. “2013 was great for us in terms of sales and unit growth, and we anticipate even stronger results in the next year.”
Moe’s “Food Mission,” which can be found on the walls at every location, outlines the company’s commitment to never using a microwave, zero trans-fat per serving, and no MSG. More than 20 ingredients are prepared daily, and the menu caters to those looking for low-calorie and gluten-friendly options. Moe’s also offers free chips and salsa with every meal and a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine for more than 100 unique drink options.
The first location in California is slated to open in the Sacramento area by spring of 2014. In total, Moe’s plans to open 96 new stores in 2014 and sign 200 new franchise agreements. Moe’s will open new restaurants in other significant markets like Dallas; Las Vegas; Fort Worth, Texas; Springfield, Missouri; and Omaha, Nebraska, and in the works are plans for further development in markets like Chicago, Philadelphia, and Orlando.
