MOE'S SOUTHWEST GRILL TARGETS MISSOURI

Moe’s Southwest Grill, the fastest growing fast-casual Restaurant concept in the country, announces today that it has signed another record Franchise deal.  LaKee Inc., an established Restaurant Franchise group, has signed on to develop Moe’s Southwest Grill, opening 19 locations in the St. Louis metropolitan area and one additional location in Paducah, Kentucky, over the next six years. 

Based in Metropolis, Illinois and headed by Robert LaGore and Darren Tockstein, LaKee Inc. currently operates Nick’s Family Sports Pub, Bucket’s Neighborhood Pub & Grill, Yesterday’s Burger’s -n- Cream and Willy Jak’s in Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and Illinois.  Moe’s, the newest brand in LaKee Inc.’s portfolio, currently has 200 locations in 27 states across the county.  That number is slated to grow exponentially over the next 10 months, as Moe’s plans to have 350 open and operating locations by the end of 2005.   

“Investors and businesspeople in the restaurant industry are continually drawn to Moe’s and our unique franchise business model,” explains Matt Andrew, Vice President Raving Brands, parent of Moe’s.  “Moe’s point of entry is lower than any of our competitors, and, perhaps more important, potential franchisees are excited by our aggressive company goals, goals that we continue to exceed.” 

Appealing to a more health-conscious public, Moe’s is focused on freshness: there are no freezers or microwaves at any of the locations.  As a result, everything is made fresh daily.  Moe’s offers burritos, tacos, quesadillas and salads with a choice of grilled tofu, chicken or steak.  Moe’s also offers vegetarian items, a kid’s meal and adult beverages.

About Moe’s Southwest Grill

Moe’s Southwest Grill offers fun, fresh Tex-Mex cuisine with a healthy twist.  The Atlanta-based company was founded by Martin Sprock in December 2000 and currently has 200 restaurants in operation with 800 franchise units signed for 38 states.   Moe’s Southwest Grill was presented with the 2004 “Hot Concepts!” award.  “Hot Concepts!” is presented by Equal and managed and produced by Nation’s Restaurant News.  Moe’s notable awards list also includes the PETA Proggy Award, naming Moe’s Southwest Grill “ Best Vegetarian-Friendly National Chain Restaurant .”  Moe’s Southwest Grill is part of Raving Brands, which also Franchises Mama Fu’s Asian House, Planet Smoothie, PJ’s Coffee, Doc Green’s Gourmet Salads and soon-to-open Shane’s Rib Shack.