Back Yard Burgers Cooks Up Major Turnaround

Businesses close their doors every day – it’s a common and unfortunate tale in the restaurant industry. Far less common is the story of a company that goes from Chapter 11 bankruptcy to major sales success in a couple years’ time.

However, that’s just what Back Yard Burgers has accomplished.

The quick-serve restaurant recently announced that it ended 2014 with 21 consecutive months of same-store sales increases. The last year saw a 10.2 percent increase alone when compared to 2013.

“Everyone on the Back Yard Burgers team deserves a great deal of credit for the company’s success,” said Back Yard Burgers CEO Dave McDougall in a statement. “Our restaurant owners and employees made it their mission to delight every guest. Prospective franchisees have taken notice, and Back Yard Burgers has a solid foundation to expand upon in 2015.”

Such growth would be impressive enough on its own, but the fact that it came after the company had entered Chapter 11 adds another layer to this success story.

Looking to the year ahead
While the company would be forgiven for taking some time to celebrate, Back Yard Burgers is looking to expand on its achievements with a re-vamped restaurant design in 2015, as well as increased efforts to engage franchisees in Tennessee, North Carolina, Nebraska and Florida.

A new website, redesigned team member uniforms and updated product packaging are also on the agenda.

However, even with a new look and more store openings on the horizon, the company remains focused on offering consumers unique products.

“This is a very exciting time for Back Yard Burgers,” said Monte Jump, chief operations and marketing officer for the company. “Many guests have rediscovered the brand because of our commitment to deliver hot, fresh, delicious food. Our menu innovation, which includes the Prime Rib Burger, Mahi Mahi Burger, garlic parmesan fries, fried pickles and shakes, has been so popular that guests are becoming regulars, and returning with their friends and families.”

The sense of excitement was echoed by McDougall.

"Two years ago, we made it a priority to create a first-class franchise system,” he said. “We are proud of our accomplishments, and 2015 will be the year that Back Yard Burgers grows full throttle with current and future franchisees.”