MOOYAH, a fast-casual, “better burger,” fries and shakes chain, announced a focused growth plan targeting Ohio, which officials estimate could hold as many as 27 units.
The quickly expanding burger brand, through the leadership of local development agent Ardag Tachian, will first concentrate on exp.....

MOOYAH, a fast-casual, “better burger,” fries and shakes chain, announced a focused growth plan targeting Ohio, which officials estimate could hold as many as 27 units.

The quickly expanding burger brand, through the leadership of local development agent Ardag Tachian, will first concentrate on expansion throughout the Cincinnati market, which can hold six units and Columbus, which can hold seven. This expansion will add 275 jobs throughout Cincinnati and Columbus as the development plan gets underway.

“I’m extremely excited to expand MOOYAH’s presence in Ohio and play a role in providing only the best food to those who live, work and visit Cincinnati and Columbus,” Tachian, who was recently promoted to Director of Development of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, said. “Columbus and Cincinnati are markets that embrace traditional family values, and MOOYAH is the perfect place where families can get together and enjoy quality food in an inviting atmosphere.”

MOOYAH will focus on opening a flagship location in Cleveland in the spring of 2015, prior to expanding throughout surrounding areas and into Columbus and Cincinnati. This development strategy was first established in the Dallas market, in which MOOYAH currently boasts 24 locations.

“Paired with our strong North American growth, and a banner year for the MOOYAH brand, strong and targeted individual market development is increasingly a large part of our strategic expansion plans,” said Michael Mabry, Chief Operating Officer of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes. “Through our local developer Ardag Tachian, we have the ability to penetrate a market with someone embedded within the local business community.”

MOOYAH saw tremendous growth in the last several years, expanding from a Texas brand into an emerging national player and leader in the growing better burger segment of fast casual dining. The brand currently has 69 restaurants in the United States and in 2015, MOOYAH aims to end the year with 100 restaurants across the country.

“MOOYAH began as a simple concept built around friendly people serving the freshest, most delicious burgers, fries, and shakes available. As our brand continues to evolve, we are committed to keeping it simple, while still relevant, in order to appeal to guest’s individual tastes and favorites,” said Rich Hicks, MOOYAH’s CEO and Co-Founder.

Additionally, its family-friendly environment helps MOOYAH stand out above its competition, officials said.

“MOOYAH prides itself on being a family-friendly business, from the guests we serve to the franchisees who open restaurants with the goal of running them with people they consider family. We designed the restaurant concept with family in mind so everyone would feel welcome and comfortable,” said Mabry, noting that the restaurant chain continues to attract favorable media attention throughout the nation for its commitment to high-quality, first-to-market products, innovative social media tactics, and strong franchise growth.