Hurricane Grill & Wings Storms Into 2008 With Explosive Growth

By: Hurricane Grill & Wings | 0 Shares 490 Reads

Franchise on Tap for More Stores, New Markets and Additional Industry Veteran Talent

January 04, 2008 // Franchising.com // STUART, Fla. – Hurricane Grill & Wings has experienced more than 10 years of consistent growth and success in the fast casual industry. As the chain prepares to "wing" in the New Year, the company plans to continue its path of evolving from a regional chain into a national brand by expanding in current cities, moving into new markets and adding additional top notch franchise industry talent to the corporate team.

In the first quarter of 2008, Hurricane Grill & Wings plans to open an estimated number of five new stores. The chain will continue to increase its presence on the West Coast with two additional stores coming to the Las Vegas, Nevada area. Both of these locations will debut the new interior design for the brand. The new décor is a move away from the tropical theme and provides a more relaxed "Beach Life" atmosphere. The chain will also open a second location in Vero Beach, Florida where the first location set the third highest opening week sales record with sales up more than 80 percent above average, making the store one of the most successful in its grand opening history.

Hurricane Grill & Wings is also entering new states with a new area developer on board to bring the chain's award winning sauces and rubs to the New York market. Additional new Hurricane locations across the state of Florida will include the existing markets of Jacksonville, Ft. Myers and South Florida.

"Our goal for 2008 is to continue opening new units and increasing the chain's national presence," said Michael Grodi, President and Chief Operating Officer of Hurricane Brand Holdings, LLC. "We also want to help our existing franchisees flourish by helping them grow top and bottom line sales."

On board for 2008 is franchise industry veteran Rich Wood. Hurricane Grill & Wings named Wood Vice President of Franchise Sales. Wood has more than 20 years of experience in franchise development and has worked for several established brands in the restaurant industry including Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits, Golden Corral and Brinker International. He comes to Hurricane from WingStop where he focused on developing franchise locations in the eastern portion of the United States. Wood will be based out of Dallas.

"We are thrilled to be adding such a strong franchise expert to our experienced team to kickoff the New Year," said Grodi. "This is a very critical time in our growth as we are on pace to expand faster than ever."

About Hurricane Grill & Wings
Headquartered in Stuart, Fla., Hurricane Grill & Wings is one of the fastest-growing casual inline dining concepts in the country. This proven brand, with more than 10 years in the restaurant industry, specializes in more than 30 flowingwithflavorSM varieties of award winning sauces and rubs. Starting with just one location in Ft. Pierce, Fla. in 1995, there are now 30 locations in Florida, Georgia and Nevada. The chain has aggressive plans for national expansion within the next 12 months.