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With college football under way, Beef 'O' Brady's, the Tampa-based regional sports-themed restaurant chain, is trying to get out front of students and fans — literally, right on their own campuses.
Universities are a big part of the expansion plan for the 250-location chain, along with airports and plazas that are likely to be encountered by any team's traveling faithful. James Walker, Beef's newly hired chief development officer, is looking for experienced operators who can open those new growth channels.
“In the restaurant industry, Beef's owns the family sports pub concept,” says Walker, who previously held executive positions with Baja Fresh and Cinnabon. “My plan from an operational development and growth standpoint is to maintain the integrity of the brand system-wide so that we continue to set ourselves apart and solidify success for new and existing franchisees.”
Walker adds that Beef's, which began in Brandon in 1985 and has expanded beyond the Gulf Coast region over the last 12 years, is pursuing opportunities for experienced multi-unit restaurant operators who can build its presence in new markets.
Chris Elliott, who became CEO of Beef's this past spring and brought Walker on board shortly thereafter, says his experience with priming other restaurant brands for large-scale development will be key to the chain's national growth. “We see significant potential for Beef's in college towns and other areas where our culture, food and environment is an ideal match,” Elliott says.
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