Back Yard Burgers Piles New Franchise Markets On Its Plate

Building a successful burger franchisee takes more than good grilling technique. It takes a tireless work ethic, outstanding leadership and the desire to delight the customer.

Back Yard Burgers multi-unit franchisee Bridgforth Rutlege has all three. Rutledge owns seven Back Yard Burgers restaurants and is one of the system’s most influential franchisees. He is also president of the company’s Franchise Advisory Committee, an elected board that develops company strategy.

“Back Yard Burgers has a solid foundation, it is primed for growth and I am delighted to be a part of this outstanding company,” said Rutledge.

Rutledge worked his way to the top. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Millsaps College and entered graduate school at Mississippi College where he earned his law degree. It was in 1998 when Rutledge decided to become an entrepreneur.

“Rather than starting from scratch, I explored franchising opportunities, searching for a brand that focused on people and a first-class product,” Rutledge added.

Back Yard Burgers, a brand in his Jackson, Mississippi hometown was the perfect match.

“After meeting with franchise developers at Back Yard Burgers’ headquarters, I was sold on the brand,” Rutledge said. “So I opened my first Back Yard Burgers in Jackson and quickly learned the ins and outs of the brand and the burger industry.”

Rutledge’s first restaurant was a tremendous success, so he opened six additional Back Yard Burgers units across Mississippi. Altogether, he has the most restaurants system-wide. Rutledge’s restaurants are also among the most successful in the system.

Last year, six of his Back Yard Burgers were included in the company’s Top Ten for sales increases. In addition to his impressive restaurant portfolio, Rutledge is a practicing attorney for Phelps Dunbar and he owns a retail real estate development company, Bridgforth Rutledge Real Estate, which manages 30 properties.

As the Back Yard Burgers system looks to extend its 12 consecutive months of same-store-sales increases, many industry experts have asked about the company’s next steps. Back Yard Burgers CEO David McDougal indicated that the brand looks to grow its number of restaurants in 2015, and Rutledge could not be happier.

“I am already setting my sites on developing another unit in Brandon, Mississippi. It is a great community and I believe it will only add to our success,” Rutledge said.

It is safe to say Rutledge’s success with Back Yard Burgers originates from keeping his plate full, which is a good thing in the restaurant industry.