Why Gala Capital Partners Managing Partner and 30-year Restaurant Franchisee Invested in MOOYAH with a Plan to Grow

Two years ago, when Anand Gala, Founder and Managing Partner of Gala Capital Partners, purchased the fast casual, “better burger” chain, MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, he did so with a vision—a vision to take a strong foundation, apply his years of experience as a franchisee and grow the brand.

Now, two years later, the brand is ready for the next level.

“Gala Capital Partners is very active in growing the franchise base of the business,” he said. “We opened nine locations in 2019 and plan to open between 10 and 15 in 2020. MOOYAH has had several years of strong franchise sales growth and we want to continue to build on that momentum.” 

As a part of that development, the brand will expand into Nashville in 2020. New Franchise Partner Martin Arguello will open a restaurant in the city’s Brentwood neighborhood. MOOYAH also plans to add 26 locations in Houston over the next decade. Additionally, MOOYAH is focused on expanding its footprint primarily throughout the southeastern and midwestern U.S., as well as Arizona, Virginia and Nevada. 

MOOYAH currently has a footprint of nearly 100 restaurants that are either open, under construction or in development in markets across the U.S. Additionally, the brand recently unveiled a restaurant refresh model that will begin to roll out in Q1 of 2020. The refresh includes new dining areas and seating arrangements to meet each Guest’s individual needs, creating purposeful third-party pick-up areas, closing off the kitchen, a digital menu board and a logo refresh. 

The refresh, Gala says, will help the brand activate the growth he saw when he bought into the brand. Gala has a long history with MOOYAH. He first met the prior owners and management team at a conference approximately five years ago and got to know them over a period of time. He was always impressed by the brand’s leadership team and product. 

“I think everything starts with the food and I, in particular, thought the food was fantastic,” he said. “The overall quality was best in class and flavors were addictive, in my opinion, so that attracted us first and foremost. Then there was the team of people behind the brand, who had unique experiences that I thought were meaningful to the organization and would make great partners as we took the brand to the next level.” 

A reengineered restaurant, coupled with its heavy focus on Franchise Owner support and satisfaction, will help the brand find that next stage of franchise development.

“MOOYAH is a brand that works well for franchise partners,” Gala said. “It’s easy to operate, has great food and attractive unit economics. Having been a franchise partner for other brands in the past, those are the kinds of things that would attract me to become a Franchise Partner with MOOYAH.” 

For Gala, a 30-plus year veteran of the restaurant industry who has also invested in food brands such as Famous Dave’s, it’s all about giving Franchise Owners what he looks for as a Franchise Owner. 

“It really comes down to the support you’re going to receive as a Franchise Owner,” he said. “MOOYAH treats Franchise Owners as if they are Guests. Their profitability, happiness and satisfaction are top-of-mind for the MOOYAH leadership team. We live to serve the Franchise Owners every single day and we believe their happiness will benefit everyone.” 

With a focus on Franchise Owner satisfaction and a genuine love of the MOOYAH product, Gala is well-prepared to lead the brand into its upcoming phase of growth. 

“We are excited for what happens next,” he said.

For franchising opportunities, please visit franchise.mooyah.com.