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A-Z Family and Casual Restaurant Chains Provider Directory

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Avado Brands
Restaurant group that owns Canyon Cafe, Don Pablos, Hops, and McCormick & Schmick's seafood restaurant.
www.avado.com

Bennigan's Restaurant
Franchise family restaurant with locations throughout the United States.
www.bennigans.net

Blue Mesa Grill
Southwestern restaurant with three locations in Texas.
www.bluemesagrill.com

Ponderosa Restaurants
Own and operate both Ponderosa and Bonanza restaurant chains which can be found in most states. Franchise opportunities available.
www.bonanzarestaurants.com

Boston Beanery
Restaurant and tavern with locations in West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
www.bostonbeanery.com

Battleground Restaurant Group
Owns and operates Tripps and Rock-Ola Cafe and restaurant chain; headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina.
www.brginc.com

Bridgeman's Restaurants and Ice Cream Shoppes
Locations in Minnesota; franchising information is also available.
www.bridgemans.com

BR Associates - Sidal
Franchisee operating Denny's, Wendy's, Long John Silver's, Grandy's, Rally's Hamburgers, Papa John's, Jerry's Family Restaurant, and Paco's in New York, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky.
www.brsidal.com

Buffalo Wild Wings
Restaurant chain located in 18 states; franchise information available.
buffalowildwings.com

Chili's Grills
International, family concept restaurant chain located in 20 countries. Headquarters are located in Dallas, Texas.
www.chilis.com

Colter's Bar-B-Q
Family format restaurant chain; located in Texas.
www.coltersbbq.com

CBRL Group (Cracker Barrel Old Country Store)
Owns and operates the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurants as well as Logan's Roadhouse restaurants.
www.crackerbarrelocs.com

Denny's
Official Denny's Web Site with restaurant locator, corporate info, new features and descriptions of Denny's signature menu items.
www.dennys.com

Eat 'n Park
Chain operates restaurants in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.
www.eatnpark.com

Elephant & Castle Group
Restaurant holding company that offers franchise opportunities with the Elephant and Castle Pub and Restaurants, Alamo Grill, and the Rainforest Cafe, Inc.
www.elephantcastle.com

Bill Knapp's
Regional foodservice chain with restaurants throughout Michigan and Ohio.
www.familydining.com

Flying J Travel Plazas
Interstate highway, hospitality and services provider.
www.flyingj.com

Fricker's
Relatively full service restaurant and bar located throughout Ohio.
www.frickers.com

Gold Star Chili
Cincinnati-style chili restaurant chain which features locations in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
www.goldstarchili.com

Happy Chef
Consists of restaurants located throughout Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
www.happychef.com

Hard Times Cafe
Franchise restaurant with locations in Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia.
www.hardtimes.com

John Harvard's Brew House
Restaurant serves food in an english pub atmosphere; locations in Massachusetts, Georgia, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York, Washington D.C., and Delaware.
www.johnharvards.com

Le Peep
Full service specialty restaurant located in California, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Georgia, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
www.lepeep.com

Levy Restaurants
Specializes in creative dining concepts and private events at restaurants, stadiums, arenas, convention centers and entertainment destinations.
levyrestaurants.com

Romano's Macaroni Grill
Chain of Italian restaurants located throughout the nation.
www.macaronigrill.com

Marie Callender's
Chain of family format chain restaurants with locations in the United States and Mexico.
www.mcpies.com

Spaghetti Warehouse
Located in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia; company owns and operates a chain of Italian restaurants.
www.meatballs.com

Miami Subs Corporation.
Part of Nathan's Famous group, chain of casual dining, self-service restaurants located in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
www.miamisubs.com

Mimi's Cafe
Serve classic American dishes with restaurants in California, Texas, Colorado, and Arizona.
www.mimiscafe.com

The Original Pancake House
Casual dining chain of restaurants known for their pancakes. Located in most states.
www.originalpancakehouse.com

Rib Crib Barbecue Restaurant
Family oriented restaurant chain operating in the Southern United States.
www.ribcrib.com

Rock Bottom Restaurants
Owns and operates 68 casual dining restaurants nationwide - 42 Old Chicago restaurants and 26 brewery restaurants under the names Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, ChopHouse & Brewery and Walnut Brewery. The company also owns and operates 3 Sin...
www.rockbottom.com

Skyline Chili
Operator of a chain of casual-dining restaurants in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Florida. Franchising opportunities available.
www.skylinechili.com

Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse
Restaurant and catering services, located throughout Texas.
www.sonnybryans.com

Texas Roadhouse
Located in 18 states, owns and operates a chain of family dining restaurants with a full service bar.
www.texasroadhouse.com

T.G.I.Friday's
Casual dining chain with locations in 49 countries.
www.tgifridays.com

Lambert's Cafe
Company has three locations including two in Missouri and one in Alabama.
www.throwedrolls.com

Waffle House
Offers franchise opportunities for a chain of casual dining restaurants in 16 states.
www.wafflehouse.com

Company Profiles – Click here to view

Advantica Restaurant Group
Applebee's International Inc.
Bob Evans Farms, Inc.
Brinker International
CARA OPERATIONS LTD
CBRL Group Inc.
Chart House Enterprises
Cheesecake Factory Inc.
Coco's Japan Co., Ltd.
Daisyo Corporation
Denny's Japan CO Ltd
Elmer's Restaurants, Inc.
ELXSI Corporation

Famous Dave's of America, Inc.
Frisch's Restaurants, Inc.
Goody's SA
Grill Concepts, Inc
J. Alexander's Corporation
Jerry's Famous Deli, Inc.
Jollibee Foods Corporation
Luby's Inc.
Main Street and Main Inc.
Max & Erma's Restaurants
O'Charley's Inc.
Quality Dining, Inc.
Quick Restaurants

Rare Hospitality International Inc.
Red Hot Concepts
Red Robin
Restaurant Teams International
Roadhouse Grill, Inc.
Royal CO Ltd
Ruby Tuesday Inc.
Silver Diner, Inc.
Skylark CO Ltd
Sunday's Sun Inc.
Terexko Limited
Watermarc Food Management

Guide to Family and Casual Restaurant Chains Basics

Identify important family and casual restaurant chains basics before you buy

By Sherril Steele-Carlin

Family and casual restaurant chains are more affordable for families who like to dine out, and so they tend to remain popular even when higher-priced restaurant chains suffer. Because of that, investing in family restaurant chains may be even more attractive in the long run. Before you invest in casual dining chains, it pays to know the costs of a franchise, and pricing details you might not be aware of.

Family and casual restaurant chains can vary widely, depending on the size, location and notoriety of the chain. Most chains require long term commitments, so do your homework before you decide which casual restaurant to purchase. Think about:

1. Finding the family dining restaurant chain that's right for your investment ability.

2. Reading about franchise stability and satisfaction as part of your research on restaurant chains.

3. Researching family restaurants and prices online before you choose a franchise.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for casual restaurants to invest in

Investing in casual restaurant chains isn't rocket science, you just need all the information available to help you make your decision. Since restaurant chain prices can vary, you need to know what the company expects up front in franchise fees and other costs. A start-up can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $2,000,000 or more in franchise fees and capital, so it pays to check out all the costs and fees in your initial research.

I recommend: BusinessMart.com offers a list of franchise and other restaurants for sale with sales prices. Restaurant Franchise offers several categories of franchises by state or by investment capability.

Learn more about family and casual restaurant chains from reliable sources

Every family restaurant is a little bit different in what they offer customers and what they offer owners. If you want to know about all the restaurant franchise, read industry reports and visit local franchises in your area to learn as much as you can about your chosen casual restaurant chains.

I recommend: Red Hot Franchises.com lets you click on franchises for information specific to that chain. You can even see a list of the most popular franchises. QSR Magazine offers the 2008 QSR Top 50 report, with links to information by chain, sales and segments, so you can decide which family dining chain is right for you.

Research a variety of casual restaurant chains online through franchise listings and services

Many online resources offer detailed information on your chosen restaurant chains, from how many locations they offer worldwide to how much they charge for advertising fees, yearly franchise fees and royalties. You can also use a franchise service to help you pick just the right franchise for your needs and wallet.

I recommend: World Franchising lists restaurant chains by type and segment, and includes information on franchise fiscal requirements and what you need to qualify as a franchisee, including net worth and amount of investment. Chain Leader offers a franchise developer to help you learn more about franchises in your area, and what it takes to become a franchisee. Seaboard Franchise Services Company will help you through the entire franchise process to help you purchase the casual restaurant chain of your dreams.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Try to bring a new concept to your area when you invest in family and casual restaurant chains. Many casual restaurants offer new concepts, like breakfast specialties (think IHOP), desserts (think Marie Callender's) or special ambiance (think Rainforest Café). Instead of bringing just another family dining experience to your area, bring something new and different to attract even more families you your casual dining chain.

Guide to Family and Casual Restaurant Chains

Find franchise opportunities with family restaurant chains

By Lori Carver

Family and casual restaurant chains are located in cities all over the country. Their menus offer a variety of home-type cooked meals including steaks, chops and hamburgers. People like them because they can get a home cooked meal for a reasonable price without having to cook it themselves.

Cash in on casual dining chains by opening your own in your city. Large conglomerates own these chains and franchise them out, so get the scoop on start up costs and other regulations. Decide if you will run it yourself or hire a management team. Look for the following when deciding on franchise terms for family and casual restaurant chains:

1. Pick family restaurant chains that have franchises available in your area.

2. Locate casual restaurants by initial investment.

3. Weigh the pro's and con's in choosing your family dining restaurant.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check availability and pricing for local family restaurants

Not every franchise has openings in your area. Once you have decided on a chain, contact them to find out if you can open a store in your area. If they have no need in your local area, they will send you a list of close areas that need a local restaurant. You can check your state to see which restaurant chains have openings.

I recommend: Beef O'Brady 's offers franchise opportunities. Check to see what availability they have in your area. Friendly's has immediate needs for franchisees in many states. Check to see if there is a current need in your state.

Ask the restaurant chain about initial investment

Initial investments for restaurant chains are usually high, however some cost less than others. Before you decide, find out exactly what monetary commitments you will need to make upfront. Also remember that the initial investment for the franchise fee only covers the franchise itself and you will still need working capital for such expenses as electricity, phone and payroll.

I recommend: Yum ! offers A&W franchises with a total initial investment of $1,290,000 to $3,088,000. This includes the franchise fee and real estate investment. Village Inn offers franchises with an initial $40,000 franchise fee to investors with $250,000 in liquid capital provided the investor has a net worth in access of $750,000.

Open a casual restaurant chain for immediate business

When you open a chain store, you are cashing in on the name of the franchise. People know that whether your store is in Maine or California they will get the same menu and service when they stop at a familiar place. This is why you buy a franchise, but the down side is there are tight regulations on franchises. You will get your operating schedule, menu and décor from the company. If you fail to meet your obligations, which usually include buying all of your supplies from them, you will lose your franchise.

I recommend: Food Franchise provides franchises available in every state. You can also check franchise availability based on total price. Look up the obligations for the franchise you are considering and know your opportunity before you invest. Franchise Opportunities offers listings for all available franchises at the current time. Click on the opportunity of your choice to find out exactly what requirements that franchise has. Restaurant Franchise provides a list of franchises available state by state. Click on your state to see which franchises are available, and then click the restaurant name. Review all obligations carefully, including initial investment, operation of the restaurant and penalties for non-compliance.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Franchises have many rules so be sure you know what operating hours you must keep and other rules you must follow for your casual restaurant chain. If you fail to meet the terms of the contract you signed, you can lose your franchise and pay penalties to the franchise company.

Guide to Family and Casual Restaurant Chains Management Education and Training

Family and casual restaurant chains need quality trained management

By Sandy Baker

Family and causal restaurant chains rely on individuals who are experienced to manage the day-to-day operations of the facility. To accommodate this, they often seek individuals who have a management degree or training. This allows the restaurant to know the person running their facility can maintain food quality, meet labor laws and still maintain the company's standards.

Family and causal restaurant chains management education and training requirements are dependent on the facility itself. Each organization sets up its own goals for employees, or potential employees. When looking into working in restaurant management, consider the following requirements:

1. Take advantage of in-house training programs offered by family restaurant chains.

2. Participate in programs for casual restaurant chains offered by trade or culinary schools.

3. Obtain a college degree in family restaurant chain management and dining.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find out if the restaurant chains offer in-house training

Many casual restaurants require any employee or potential management applicant to take in-house training programs. This allows the organization to ensure the teaching of its concepts. It also encourages company loyalty and brand protection. An individual trained by the company performs as the company wishes them to.

I recommend: Look for a casual restaurant chain for this type of training and education. One example of this is the well-established management program at Bob Evans Restaurants. This is a 14-week program teaching the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's ServSafe training, plus much more. Another chain offering such management training programs is LongHorn Steakhouse. Their training program is located in Orlando, FL, and encompasses a variety of programs to teach students management skills.

Learn through trade programs teaching restaurant chain management

Trade programs are ideal for family restaurants and some chain restaurant management positions. Trade programs may be available through local centers and high schools. Most programs have a design for high school graduates. They are also highly affordable programs compared to college education.

I recommend: Locate trade programs locally or countrywide. For family dining, upscale dining, bakery training and more, consider the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, located in Scottsdale, AZ. This full, hands-on training program provides an in-depth training program that takes up to two years to complete. Another option is the International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes. A top performing school, this school teaches culinary arts management, restaurant management and catering management.

Invest in a college education in management of family dining

Many family and casual dining chains are happy to accept applicants who already have an education through a college or university program. The most common of these is a Hotel and Restaurant Training degree, offered by various schools. This degree is not brand specific, but does give a complete overview of restaurant management, including upper level management and ownership.

I recommend: Seek out casual restaurant management training through an approved college or university. San Francisco State University offers a program teaching food management, services and production. Pennsylvania State University also offers a fully accredited management program.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Education for casual dining may be quite similar to training for five star restaurants. The only difference is where obtaining the job happens. Many individuals use their knowledge and skills to open their own restaurants.

Family and Casual Restaurant Chains

Guide to Family and Casual Restaurant Chains Basics

Identify important family and casual restaurant chains basics before you buy

Look for casual restaurants to invest in

Learn more about family and casual restaurant chains from reliable sources

Research a variety of casual restaurant chains online through franchise listings and services

Guide to Family and Casual Restaurant Chains

Find franchise opportunities with family restaurant chains

Check availability and pricing for local family restaurants

Ask the restaurant chain about initial investment

Open a casual restaurant chain for immediate business

Guide to Family and Casual Restaurant Chains Management Education and Training

Family and casual restaurant chains need quality trained management

Find out if the restaurant chains offer in-house training

Learn through trade programs teaching restaurant chain management

Invest in a college education in management of family dining

What Works^TM for Food & Beverage

Family and Casual Restaurant Chains Basics