Bar/Restaurant Franchise Signs Multi-Unit Agreement with Windy City Restaurant Management to Expand in Illinois
Bar Louie, a neighborhood bar and eatery known for its handcrafted cocktails, local brews and craveable food, announced today the signing of a multi-unit area development agreement with new franchise partner, Windy City Restaurant Management. The company is planning to expand the Bar Louie brand in Chicago with a total of six restaurants.
“Our growth and success thus far in 2014 is a true testament to our franchisee partners and unique bar/restaurant concept,” said John Neitzel, chief executive officer of Bar Louie. “Having been around since 1990, we are thrilled at the growth we saw last year and look forward to expanding our brand’s presence across the country over the next few years. As we continue to develop, we invite interested entrepreneurs to join our team and help bring Bar Louie to additional markets in the U.S.”
Windy City Restaurant Management signed a six-store area development agreement for the Chicago Metroplex. Headed by experienced restaurant veterans, Windy City Restaurant Management will open their first Chicago location before year-end. In addition to this multi-unit agreement, Bar Louie is in active discussions with several groups to develop between 20-25 restaurants across various states including Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and Florida.
The company is currently experiencing solid growth with 16 projected new openings for 2014. In addition, Bar Louie has plans for nearly 100 new corporate and 100 franchise locations across the U.S. within the next five years. To further fuel expansion, Bar Louie is looking to develop on the West Coast with new restaurants in Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and California.
With more than 80 Bar Louie locations across the country, the brand is dedicated to remaining a national brand with local appeal and delivering an unforgettable experience to every guest. Bar Louie features an exceptional selection of distinctly prepared food such as small plates, flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, burgers and large plates. While beer and wine connoisseurs enjoy a wide selection of imports, microbrews and over 20 wines by the glass, cocktail drinkers revel in signature martinis, mojitos and margaritas made from the highest quality ingredients, fresh fruit and hand squeezed juices.
Bar Louie is positioned to grow across the United States over the next several years. To fuel this growth, the company is seeking experienced multi-unit foodservice and retail operators with a passion for the industry who demonstrate community involvement and will be committed to day-to-day operations. Qualified franchisee candidates should possess a minimum net worth of $3 million and liquid assets of at least $1 million. Bar Louie franchisees can expect their initial investment to range from approximately $410,000 – $3 million.
About Bar Louie
Bar Louie, based in Addison, Texas, is a casual-dining restaurant and neighborhood bar located in the United States. Founded in 1990, Bar Louie has more than 80 locations across 25 states. The average unit volume for a Bar Louie is $2.5 million with an industry high average gross profit margin. The company was named to Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2013 Breakout Brands and Top 10 Newcomers lists. In addition, the company was awarded the 2011 Cheers Beverage Excellence Award for “Best Chain Overall Beverage Program”. For more information, visit barlouieamerica.com
