Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar Franchise Emerges as Top Contender in Wide Open Ring
While the quick-serve and fast-casual better burger segment might be bordering on over-saturation, a whole new battle is sizzling up in a primarily untapped space: full-service gourmet burger franchises. Taking center stage as the most serious player in the uncrowded field is Charlotte-based Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, a full-service restaurant franchise specializing in a chef-driven menu of signature gourmet burgers and creative sides, along with a full bar that offers a selection of microbrews, handcrafted cocktails and spiked milkshakes.
Bad Daddy’s culinary differentiators include burgers made from a proprietary premium blend of ground chuck and brisket topped with house made cheese and scratch made sauces with customizable options. Reviews rave of unique burger toppings such as country-fried bacon, house-made American cheese and the famous Bad Daddy’s sauce. The restaurant also offers a full gluten-free menu and regional menu items that incorporate local flavors. High-energy rocker music, local beers showcased across the bar and décor distinct to the neighborhood adds to an indescribably unique brand personality.
From a franchising standpoint, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar stands the strongest chance of winning market share in the emerging full-service gourmet burger segment. A management powerhouse combines the entrepreneurial genius of co-founders Frank Scibelli and Dennis Thompson with the operational experience of Boyd Hoback, Bill McClintock and the Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard franchise infrastructure.
Leading culinary direction for the brand is Scibelli, the Charlotte-based restaurateur who is behind such regional restaurant successes as Mama Ricotta’s, Midwood Smokehouse and Paco’s Tacos & Tequila. Scibelli also operates Bad Daddy’s locations in North Carolina along with Thompson, another established brand developer in the restaurant industry who founded Lone Star Steakhouse and Firebirds.
In April of 2013, Good Times Restaurants Inc. acquired a 48 percent stake in Bad Daddy’s Franchise Development and acquired rights to franchise territories in Colorado, Arizona and Kansas, where the company plans to open 30 new locations over five years.
“No one is doing what Bad Daddy’s is doing on the national level. We chose to invest in the concept because the culinary aspect is the heart and soul of the brand. We don’t foresee any risk of the high-quality, unique menu items becoming commoditized,” Hoback noted.
Meanwhile, Hoback, CEO of Bad Daddy’s Franchise Development, also serves as the President and CEO of Golden, Colo.-based Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard, a quick-service drive-thru chain. Spearheading the franchise expansion efforts is McClintock, a longtime franchising industry veteran who previously served as the Vice President of Franchising at Buffalo Wild Wings and the Senior Vice President of Franchising at McAlister’s Deli.
Currently, there are nine Bad Daddy’s locations spanning North Carolina, South Carolina and Colorado. Executives anticipate doubling unit count over three years, and developing 200 additional units by 2024 through franchise agreements and new corporate locations.
An average Bad Daddy’s location is roughly 3,500 square feet, giving customers a full-service restaurant experience, in a small box location with a neighborhood atmosphere. The smaller footprint also provides franchise owners an opportunity for high unit-level economics with annual unit volumes averaging $2.5 million, according to the company’s Item-19. Investment levels range from $800,000 to 1.1 million, which includes the franchising fee, build-out costs, training, equipment and inventory. The gourmet burger concept is currently seeking experienced multi-unit operators with a passion for food and the necessary finesse to properly execute the menu.
“Bad Daddy’s was founded with a desire to elevate simple food into something culinary,” Scibelli said. “We’ve done that successfully with our existing restaurants. People are blown away by what we can do with a burger and how they customize to taste and they love our sides. As we continue to grow the Bad Daddy’s brand, we will strive to do it the right way with a ‘one plate at a time’ mentality, and continue to feel genuinely proud of every dish we serve.”
About Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, founded in 2007 in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a full-service, gourmet burger concept featuring a chef driven menu of gourmet signature burgers, chopped salads, appetizers and sandwiches with a full bar that offers a selection of microbrews, handcrafted cocktails and spiked shakes. Currently with nine locations, the small footprint restaurants offer guests a high-energy atmosphere that appeals to a broad consumer base. For more information on franchising opportunities available, please visit www.baddaddysburgerbar.com/contact-franchise.
About Good Times Restaurants Inc.
Good Times Restaurants Inc. (GTIM) operates Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard, a regional chain of quick service restaurants located primarily in Colorado, in its wholly owned subsidiary, Good Times Drive Thru Inc. Good Times provides a menu of high quality all natural hamburgers, 100% all natural chicken tenderloins, fresh frozen custard, fresh cut fries, fresh lemonades and other unique offerings. Good Times currently operates and franchises 37 restaurants.
GTIM will also own and operate Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar restaurants through its wholly owned subsidiary, BD of Colorado LLC and will franchise Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar restaurants through its 48 percent ownership of Bad Daddy’s Franchise Development LLC.
