MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Eyes Columbus, Ohio For Expansion

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, the 87-unit “better burger” franchise, is looking to expand its unique made-to-order burger concept in Columbus, Ohio.

With currently one location in Ohio, the brand thinks Columbus’ geographic location on the far eastern side of the Midwest will provide proximity to key markets in the Midwest, the Northeast and the growing Mid-Atlantic region.

“We’re already in Cleveland and doing really well there,” said Mike Sebazco, MOOYAH’s Vice President of Operations. “Besides the fact that Columbus is the biggest city in Ohio, it’s also a regional hub. Securing a foothold in Columbus will help parlay us into Toledo, Dayton, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis, among others. We look at Columbus as a Midwest foundation for us to execute our plans.”

While 2020 was a tough year for much of the restaurant industry, the Plano, Texas-based franchise concept bucked that trend, growing its system by 10% during the pandemic.

With locations currently in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York and Wisconsin, there are a number of reasons MOOYAH is seeking to expand in the Midwest.

The 14th largest city in the United States, the Columbus region was recently recognized as the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the Midwest, thanks to its diverse economy comprising retail, apparel and manufacturing industries.

“The geography in Columbus makes it simple for multi-unit operators,” said Sebazco. “It’s an ideal location for supply chain and distribution operations,” he added, noting Columbus is a 10-hour drive from almost 50% of U.S. markets.

Demographics are yet another factor, said Sebazco. “There’s a certain quotidian of expendable income that we look for, something that we see in our Orlando and Dallas markets,” he said. “Matching those up is where we — and our Franchise Owners — are going to be successful.”

“When you look at Columbus, discretionary spending is above the national level, unemployment is at a manageable level, there’s an available labor pool and population growth is ahead of the national average,” Sebazco said. “Businesses are moving to Columbus, and obviously that’s drawing those families.”

With a total of 16 new units planned for 2021 — the majority coming from existing Franchise Owners — the fast-casual burger brand is projecting up to 10 new locations in the Buckeye state in the next five years.

Boasting a competitive investment level, exceptional average unit sales and strong profitability, MOOYAH’s focus is its Franchise Owners’ success. 

With an elite leadership team stacked with decades of combined experience, MOOYAH’s team offers its Franchise Owners support every step of the way, from initial training and construction to marketing and ongoing operations. 

But its products — made-to-order burgers, hand-cut fries made from Idaho potatoes and shakes made from real ice cream — are what keeps loyal customers coming back. 

“Not all burger places are the same, and ours is a quality proposition,” said Sebazco. “It’s something that resonates with people everywhere.”

At MOOYAH, Guests have the option to choose from a variety of bun options — including baked-in-house artisan potato, multigrain wheat, non-GMO buns and hand-crafted lettuce buns — to accompany the never-frozen, 100% Certified Angus Beef® brand burgers and all natural Jennie-O turkey. Each gourmet burger can be customized with six different cheeses, Applewood smoked bacon and sliced avocado, along with 10 free veggie toppings and 10 free sauces.

“With the pandemic increasingly in the rear view mirror, we’re riding a wave of expansion in 2021 and beyond,” said Sebazco. “We’re excited to forge new partnerships in Columbus as we execute our plan to grow in the Midwest region.”

For more information on the growing brand, be sure to connect with MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes on the Facebook Fan page, and follow MOOYAH on LinkedIn, Twitter @MOOYAHburgers and Instagram @MOOYAHburgers. 

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

ABOUT MOOYAH BURGERS FRIES & SHAKES

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes is a fast-casual, “better burger” concept offering mouthwatering made-to-order burgers, French fries hand cut from Idaho potatoes, and real ice cream shakes. Founded in 2007, the Plano, Texas-based company serves fresh, 100% Certified Angus Beef® brand burgers, all natural Jennie-O® turkey burgers and Dr. Praeger’s black bean vegan burgers. MOOYAH's non-GMO potato and multigrain buns are baked in-house daily, and Guests can choose from five real cheeses, bacon, avocado and 19 free sauces and toppings made from garden-fresh veggies. MOOYAH Guests can choose from seven flavors of 100% real ice cream shakes, including vanilla, Hershey’s chocolate, Reese’s, Oreo and more. While many Guests dine in-restaurant, MOOYAH also offers online ordering, delivery and carry out for Guests on the go as well as a loyalty app. In 2021, MOOYAH ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list and #41 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers. In 2020, MOOYAH ranked #38 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers. In 2018, MOOYAH was ranked among Entrepreneur Magazine's Top 200 Food and Restaurant Franchises of 2018 and landed at #7 in the Top 10 Fast Casual Restaurant Franchises by FranchiseRankings.com. In 2017, MOOYAH was named to Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list, Franchise Times' Fast & Serious list of the smartest growing franchise brands, and was ranked #11 on Fast Casual Magazine’s annual Top 100 Movers & Shakers, a list the brand has been included on every year in the last ten years of rankings. For more information on MOOYAH, its menu or franchising opportunities, please visit http://www.MOOYAH.com. Connect with MOOYAH on Facebook.com/MOOYAH, follow MOOYAH on LinkedIn, Twitter @MOOYAHburgers and Instagram @MOOYAHburgers.