On the heels of signing an agreement for the development of three locations in Memphis, Rising Roll Cafe, an Atlanta-based gourmet sandwich concept once named the “nation’s best for a sandwich” by USA Today, has turned its attention to other parts of Tennessee for expansion, including Nashville.
While there are no set locations at this point, company CEO Mike Lassiter believes the market can hold as many as six restaurants. According to Lassiter, there are several areas of town that would be ideal for a Rising Roll Café location, including downtown, East Nashville, Murfreesboro, Brentwood, Franklin, and the Vanderbilt University campus.
“A pure standout within the rapidly growing Fast Casual segment, Rising Roll Café has for nearly 20 years delivered an extraordinary experience at a great value, with distinctive, fresh gourmet food and exceptional service in an energetic atmosphere,” says Lassiter, who became the company’s top executive in 2007 when he purchased it from the original founders. “Ask anyone in Nashville and they will likely have a list of essential places to grab a sandwich in town. We look forward to topping that list.”
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 menu has about 50 choices (traditional stores) and approximately 20 choices (non-traditional stores) broken down into multiple categories: gourmet sandwiches, hot sandwiches, wraps, salads, and breakfast. There are gluten-reduced, vegan, and under-400 calorie options as well.
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 sauteed 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.
“From our mouth-watering chicken and potato salads, to our gourmet sandwiches, we offer a homemade touch that sets us apart from other sandwich restaurants,” Lassiter says.
Including a franchise fee of $30,000, the initial investment to open a Rising Roll Café franchise is around $275,000 to $425,000. A typical restaurant occupies 2,000-2,400 square feet of retail space, seats approximately 50 customers and employs about 10 people.
Founded in 1999 and franchising since 2003, Rising Roll Café is a gourmet sandwich concept in the multi-billion dollar fast-casual restaurant segment. The menu currently boasts approximately 50 choices (traditional stores) and approximately 20 choices (non-traditional stores) broken down into six categories: gourmet sandwiches, hot sandwiches, wraps, salads, breakfast and healthier alternatives. Today, there are 19 locations open and operating in five states.