A breath of fresh air – brands on their second (successful) run

When J.Crew’s sales started to plummet – they called in Michelle Obama as a spokeswoman –and the brand turned around. This type of “fresh coat of paint” is sometimes exactly what brands need to bolster slumping sales and meager expansion packages. Back Yard Burgers, a Nashville, Tennessee-based quick-service, better-burger concept exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2014. After David McDougall became chief executive in January 2013, the brand has emerged from bankruptcy and was able to end 2014 with 20-plus weeks of same-store sales increases. “Everyone on the Back Yard Burgers team deserves a great deal of credit for the company’s success. Our restaurant owners and employees took made it their mission to delight every guest,” said Chief Executive Officer Dave McDougall. “Prospective franchisees have taken notice, and Back Yard Burgers is on a solid foundation to grow in 2015.” The brand now has 68 units, 22 of which are company owned and 46 franchised units, and will continue to grow through changes such as menu modifications, interior rehabilitation and a strategic growth strategy. The brand’s turnaround was a direct result of McDougall and Chief Operating Officer Monte Jump focus on three areas of improvement: unit-level economics, improved franchise relations and a return to their roots in providing hot, fresh, delicious food. “Our franchisees and employees have worked tirelessly to make Back Yard Burgers the standard for quality in the better-burger category,” Jump said. “Their hard work is paying off, and we are thrilled to announce that Back Yard Burgers will begin growing in 2015.” Ritter’s Frozen Yogurt, a frozen custard brand based in Franklin, Indiana, came under the TRUFOODS, LLC umbrella to strengthen the brand’s presence. TRUFOODS bought the food service franchise to help it reach its full potential and aims to rebuild it with an expert managerial team. The brand recently signed brothers Michael and Logan Moore to help spearhead the brand’s expansion. “We know Ritter’s is an iconic brand and we see the valuable potential it holds,” said Michael Moore. “Our aim is to take this opportunity to let the brand expand and succeed in new markets such as Dallas.”