The accidental franchising plan

Making no bones about it, Fort Myers-based Rib City is slow cooking its growth strategy. It’s a sweet recipe for success.

Rib City President Craig Peden has led the growth of the restaurant from a single location in Fort Myers to a 26-store, $38.5 million company operating in seven states. Stefania Pifferi photo
Rib City President Craig Peden has led the growth of the restaurant from a single location in Fort Myers to a 26-store, $38.5 million company operating in seven states. Stefania Pifferi photo
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Tracking the 30-year history of Rib City draws parallels to the preparation of the signature item in the restaurant’s name: purposefully slow, steady and with meticulous attention to detail. What began as a single location in Fort Myers in 1989 has grown to 14 corporate stores in Florida and 12 franchise locations spread nationwide, from Virginia to Washington state. 

 

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