Muscle Maker Grill, a chain of casual eateries that serves great food prepared with your health in mind, announces it is expanding its reach to the South by securing a multi-unit franchise deal to develop 10 Muscle Maker Grill restaurants in Texas. This new agreement marks the chain’s first franchise deal in the Lone Star state and is another step in the company’s national expansion plans. The first Muscle Maker Grill location in Texas is expected to open in Austin at 906 Congress Ave in October.
“We are excited to be bringing a healthier, great-tasting alternative to the Austin community, and to welcome Matthew DeLeon to our dedicated team of franchisees,” says Rod Silva, founder of Muscle Maker Grill. “We are confident that Austin is a terrific opportunity to open the first of many restaurants in a new core market.”
Muscle Maker Grill experienced 100 percent growth in new unit openings in both 2010 and 2011. Currently, there are 47 Muscle Maker Grill locations in the United States, including restaurants in California, Florida, New Jersey, and New York.
DeLeon brings an impressive restaurant industry background to Muscle Maker Grill. Most recently serving as a general manager at San Marcos River Pub & Grill in Austin, DeLeon first discovered Muscle Maker Grill while visiting New York.
“I have always tried to make healthier eating decisions, but typically restaurants serving these options sacrifice taste,” DeLeon says. “The first time I ate at Muscle Maker Grill I was amazed by the great flavor and instantly thought I would enjoy bringing this unique concept to my own community.”
Muscle Maker Grill is currently negotiating a lease agreement to develop the first location in Austin. The nine other Texas sites will be chosen over the next few months, but DeLeon is looking to open the majority of the restaurants in the Austin and Dallas metropolitan areas.
“I am confident that Muscle Maker Grill is a perfect fit for Austin and Dallas, where the residents are very active and health-conscious,” DeLeon says. “There is an endless amount of outdoor activities in both cities and people are always riding bikes, kayaking, or running to stay in shape.”
