J. Christopher's Set to Expand Through New Franchising Effort

By: J. Christopher's | 4 Shares 102 Reads

August 18, 2008 // Franchising.com // The Atlanta-area Breakfast and Lunch Restaurant Targets Atlanta, Nashville, Macon, Tampa, Birmingham, Charlotte and Jacksonville

J. Christopher's Restaurant – a collection of casual dining restaurants in the growing breakfast and lunch segment – announced today that it will begin franchising by targeting the Atlanta suburbs and markets throughout the Southeast for expansion. J. Christopher's currently has 20 locations including 17 Atlanta restaurants and one each in Nashville, Tenn., Savannah, Ga. and Tampa, Fla.

J. Christopher's strategy is to gain brand awareness and market penetration by continuing growth in the Atlanta market and launching the concept in new markets throughout the southeast. The focus will be on key markets to include Nashville, Tenn., Charlotte, NC, Jacksonville, Fla., Birmingham, Ala. and Charleston, SC.

"This is an exceptional opportunity for experienced restaurant business partners to start a franchise and to be stewards for the J. Christopher's brand," said President Dick Holbrook. "J. Christopher's is a successful, 12-year-old restaurant concept in an unsaturated breakfast and lunch casual dining category. With fresh menus, attentive service and warm hospitality, our restaurants are natural community gathering places."

The company opened four restaurants in 2007 and seven in 2008, and plans to open five more new restaurants in 2008 and 10 in 2009. The franchising growth strategy will be executed under the leadership of restaurant and franchising industry veterans Holbrook and Sam Haddock, J. Christopher's Chief Operating Officer. Holbrook and Haddock joined founders Chris Brogdon and Jeff (J.) McCann in 2007, to create a new company designed to spur growth of the J. Christopher's brand.

Since its inception in 1996, J. Christopher's has grown steadily and has built a dedicated fan base for the appetizing, inventive and seasonal menu items. Along with traditional J. Christopher's breakfast favorites such as Eggs Benedict, Blueberry Crunch Cakes and Breakfast Skillets, the restaurant now features a new lunch menu with unique soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and signature skillets. All items are reasonably priced, entrees range from $6.79 to $11.79.

To increase the popularity of its savory menu, J. Christopher's is now awarding Development Agreements to franchisees who are current or prior restaurant operators and possess the appropriate business acumen, enthusiasm for the brand and solid financial standing who desire to own a multi-unit commitment.

The company has built a team of experienced professionals who will provide comprehensive services to include real estate, new restaurant development support and comprehensive training programs and materials. Additionally, franchisees will have dedicated Franchise Consultants to assist them as needed on operating their restaurants and maximizing their business results.

"J. Christopher's offers franchisees a wonderful concept, with no fryers, no alcohol beverage service, convenient day-time hours and great food," Haddock said. "Our safe working conditions and great hours create a positive culture that facilitates hiring and retaining top talent. These factors also lead to greater discretionary personal time, which allows franchisees and managers to be home for dinner, attend their kid's activities or be at the golf course by mid-afternoon."

Interested parties should email franchisesales@jchristophers.com for additional information on franchising or go towww.jchristophers.com.

About J. Christopher's

Founded in 1996, J. Christopher's is a collection of casual dining restaurants serving breakfast and lunch in 20 restaurants including Atlanta (17), Savannah, Ga. (1), Nashville, Tenn. (1), and Tampa, Fla. (1). An additional five restaurants are under development in Atlanta (4) and Macon, Ga. (1). J. Christopher's provides cheerful, relaxing neighborhood casual dining restaurants serving all the traditional breakfast favorites and a few seasonal ones such as the Farmer's Omelet, Pumpkin Pancakes and Crème Brulee French Toast. J. Christopher's is also serving a new lunch menu that includes J. Christopher's Bistro Salad, Burgers and J's Classic Club Sandwich. J. Christopher's is the 2007 winner of Atlanta's Best Breakfast Award from the
My Fox Atlanta's Hot List. For more information about J. Christopher's Restaurants visit www.jchristophers.com.

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