Even in lean times when diners think twice about eating out, Jacksonville-based restaurant chains have been setting the table for growth.
Firehouse Subs continued its decade-long expansion in 2009 with announcement of plans to eventually open 28 locations in Indianapolis and 125 in Chicago. Firehouse now counts 375 restaurants – up from 30 in 2000 – and has a presence in 19 states. Robin Sorensen, one of the company’s founders, said Firehouse wants to open 70 more restaurants in 2010.
Other Jacksonville-based restaurants have expanded their franchise operations on a smaller scale by getting a foothold in regions outside their home base. Larry’s Giant Subs made its debut in Texas this month with a restaurant in Austin. In Ohio, a Woody’s Bar-B-Q is under construction.
Al’s Pizza announced Dec. 1 that it was rolling out a franchising program. Dick’s Wings also is making moves. American Restaurant Concepts Inc. of Jacksonville, which franchises Dick’s Wings, recently disclosed to the Securities and Exchange Commission it will sell shares of stock, a private sale that would be the first step in taking the company public. Read on…
