Broomfield, Colo. — Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom has signed a four-unit franchise development agreement to open new restaurants in South Carolina in Greenville, Spartanburg and Horry counties, with the first location slated to open in Myrtle Beach in fourth quarter 2016. This is part of Old Chicago’s aggressive franchise expansion plans for South Carolina.
The new restaurants will be owned and operated by CRG Pizza, Inc., comprised of longtime entrepreneur Brent Collier and his daughters, Lori Collier and Elise Collier Massey.
“Old Chicago has not only experienced tremendous growth over the past several years, but also continues to establish itself as The Craft Beer Authority, going above and beyond to provide guests an expansive craft beer selection to complement its distinctive menu,” says Brent Collier, Old Chicago franchisee. “We look forward to providing an exceptional experience and introducing more South Carolina residents to Old Chicago.”
A restaurant industry veteran and well-respected multi-unit operator, Brent Collier brings a wealth of knowledge from his five decades of experience to Old Chicago. He’s owned a variety of franchises throughout his career, including The Melting Pot, Quaker Steak & Lube, Golden Corral and TGIFridays, all of which he still owns today. Following the development of his first restaurant in Myrtle Beach, Collier will open additional locations in Greenville and Spartanburg over the next 3 years.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Brent, Lori and Elise to our growing Old Chicago family,” says Mark A. Belanger, CFE, vice president of global franchise operations and development for CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries, Inc., operating company of Old Chicago. “Their deep-rooted experience in the restaurant franchise space will lend itself to achieving the level of success we know they’re capable of. We look forward to watching the Collier’s grow Old Chicago’s presence in the South Carolina, and are eager to share the Old Chicago concept with the communities they’ll serve.”
Old Chicago experienced record-breaking success in 2015, achieving $254 million in system-wide revenue and 20 consecutive months of positive comp sales. Old Chicago also launched its new restaurant prototype: a 5,000-square-foot build with an additional 1,000 to 1,200 square feet of outdoor patio space, a new kitchen and upgraded bar technology. To further enhance the experience, the company has also updated its training programs and guest proven menu categories.
Founded in 1976, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is a leader in the casual dining restaurant segment, specializing in the best local and regional craft beer, serving handcrafted pizza and distinctive taproom fair. Old Chicago operates in 24 states with more than 100 restaurants nationwide. For more information, visit www.oldchicago.com.
Based in Broomfield, Colo., CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries, Inc. is the largest craft brewery restaurant operator in the country with nearly 200 franchised and company-owned restaurants primarily operating under the Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurants, Rock Bottom Restaurants & Breweries and ChopHouse & Brewery brands. For more information, visit www.craftworksrestaurants.com.
SOURCE: CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries, Inc.