Beef `O' Brady's Creates Industry Buzz with Unique `Way of Life' Concept That Links Franchise Owners to Community, Families

Opening 35 new restaurants in 2003 alone, to bring its total to140 locations, Beef `O’ Brady’s is on the fast track to national growth with an additional 40 new locations set to open by year’s end. The unique community and family-oriented chain is also creating quite a buzz in the Restaurant industry by pioneering a brand new segment – family casual dining – and gaining widespread recognition among franchising circles with its unusual “way-of-life” business opportunity.

“We have started a new era in family dining,” said Nick Vojnovic, COO, who held executive positions with Applebee’s, Chili’s and Famous Daves before investing in Beef `O’ Brady’s in 1998. “Beef O’ Brady’s brings a family-friendly element to the traditional sports pub concept.  We have multiple TVs for sporting events, arcade games for kids and fantastic, reasonably-priced food. At Beef’s (an affectionate knick-name among loyal patrons), customers will see personal sports memorabilia, kid’s baseball cleats and local school banners on the wall. Each Beef’s tells a different story and reflects the community that it calls home.”

Community involvement is at the cornerstone of the Beef `O’ Brady’s concept. Franchisees commit to a “way of life” that requires participation with local schools, athletics and other community organizations. Their Beef `O’ Brady’s location is the franchisee’s vehicle for local involvement, for example, regularly hosting Little League sign-ups, school and church fundraisers, soccer award dinners and other local functions.

Don’t let the name fool you
Ironically, despite what its name implies, Beef `O’ Brady’s is best known for its Buffalo chicken wings. Originally, the chain’s menu featured a variety of menu items that featured beef. Later, founder Jim Mellody added his own recipe for Buffalo chicken wings, making the restaurant a “hot” place to eat. In fact, his sauce is bottled under a private label and sold on the Beef `O’ Brady’s web site.

Today, Beef `O’ Brady’s locations feature two or three large screen TVs, complemented by smaller screens strategically placed for viewing from anywhere in the restaurant. Locations also feature interactive video games for children and a menu offering Mellody’s Buffalo wings, chicken fingers, a variety of sandwiches and burgers and select desserts. As a family-oriented concept, Beef `O’ Brady’s limits its alcohol to beer and wine only and closes at 11 p.m.  

“Our restaurants are operated by families, for families,” Vojnovic said. “The Beef `O’ Brady’s concept was strategically designed to create a comfortable environment that attracts sports fans of all ages to get together and watch a game. It’s good old-fashioned wholesome fun for families and anyone who likes sports and quality food.”

A ‘Way of Life’ franchise Concept
Beef `O’ Brady’s requires its franchisees to commit to a “way of life” that goes beyond just owning a business – franchisees are required to become a part of their communities by volunteering to work with local schools, athletic teams, churches or other organizations. In fact, during franchisee training at Beef’s University, new franchisees spend a full day learning how to incorporate their Beef O’ Brady’s and their families into community activities.

An ideal franchisee candidate for Beef `O’ Brady’s is a community leader with an entrepreneurial spirit, Vojnovic said.  In fact, many of Beef `O’ Brady’s franchisees are mayors, Little League coaches and PTA members. With relatively low start-up costs of just $350,000, and a space requirement of only 2,600-3,000 square feet, Beef `O’ Brady’s is an ideal investment for families seeking to pass a family restaurant business down to their children.

“Beef `O’ Brady’s combines family, friends, business and community to create a new way of life for every franchise partner,” Vojnovic said. “We offer franchisees a lucrative Business Opportunity that allows them to involve their families, create lasting relationships and really make a difference in their communities.”

About Beef `O’ Brady’s
Beef `O’ Brady’s menu features chicken fingers, a variety of sandwiches and burgers in addition to the chain’s signature Buffalo wings and select desserts.