When Eggs Up Grill began in 1997, founder Chris Skodras’ goal was to provide a restaurant where his Pawleys Island, South Carolina community could enjoy a great breakfast while making long-lasting memories with family, friends and neighbors. After the success of the original operation, Skodras opened additional locations and began franchising the brand in 2008. Today, the welcoming breakfast, brunch and lunch concept has grown to 36 restaurants in three states, with expansion underway in Florida and Tennessee.
Private investment firm WJ partners acquired Eggs Up Grill in 2018, bringing on former TGI Fridays executive Ricky Richardson to lead the brand’s next phase of growth. Eggs Up
Grill is impressively primed to inspire smiles and become a wider community mainstay, reaching the 100-location mark by mid-2022 .
Now, as the brand continues to strengthen its footprint in the Carolinas and Georgia and expand throughout the Southeast, Eggs Up Grill is targeting Atlanta, Georgia for further growth, replicating the success of operations in Alpharetta and Roswell, Georgia. Eggs Up Grill is focusing on established markets where franchise partners can leverage the brand’s growing awareness.
“Atlanta is a natural progression for Eggs Up Grill, just a short drive west of South Carolina, where we have our heaviest footprint.” said CEO Ricky Richardson. With two locations successfully operating in the market, Atlanta is the perfect corridor for growth. We believe that Atlanta is ready for a new breakfast, lunch and brunch brand to bring friendly service and quality breakfast home for local citizens,” said Richardson.
Eggs Up Grill is targeting several neighborhoods in the metropolitan Atlanta area including Cumming, Woodstock, Lawrenceville, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Marietta and Peachtree City. According to Richardson, Atlanta’s suburban neighborhoods are ideal for Eggs Up Grill as they drive home the breakfast concept’s community-oriented atmosphere.
“Breakfast is in higher demand here in the South than anywhere else,” said Mike McClure, who along with his wife, Judy own Eggs Up Grill’s Alpharetta and Roswell locations. “Eighty percent of guests at our Alpharetta location are regulars, spending their hard-earned money day after day. Our personal touch, localized feel and Southern hospitality establish long-lasting guest relationships.”
Unlike other major breakfast franchises, Eggs Up Grill still enjoys a local neighborhood feel—the company’s motto being “Neighbors serving neighbors.” This is not only a strong differentiator in the market, but also forges a connection between the franchisee and the community. Because of the simplicity of Eggs Up Grill’s business model, many franchisees open their location after first being guests at the establishment, with 60% of operators coming from a non-restaurant background.
The brand is seeking qualified franchisees like the McClures in the Atlanta area for further development, which has an estimated market capacity of 15 locations. Recently, the brand invested in menu revamps, technology, real estate and training programs to help position franchisees for greater success. This, along with Atlanta’s untapped market, strong brand recognition and convenient location, will give franchisees in the area an opportunity to take advantage of Eggs Up Grill’s low barrier to entry, experienced support system, strong AUVs and simple business model.
“Eggs Up Grill brings families together and provides a reliable place for the community to gather for a great-tasting meal.” said McClure. “In a highly populated market like Atlanta, the brand’s niche offering and proven business model will allow for continued success.”
The Eggs Up Grill development team will be at Atlanta’s Franchise Show on September 6–7, offering free passes for any candidates interested in discussing the opportunity further. Contact [email protected] to request your pass.
The investment for an Eggs Up Grill franchise ranges from $462,330 to $653,680, including a $39,000 initial franchise fee. For more information on available opportunities, please visit https://www.eggsupgrill.com/franchise