As promised, Moe’s Southwest Grill is off and running at an aggressive pace to open 150 restaurants in 2004, many of which will involve new territories in markets like Washington DC and smaller communities such as Fairfield Connecticut. The fast-casual Southwest Restaurant chain based in Atlanta currently operates 133 stores across the country.

“Today is another expansion milestone for us because it boldly solidifies the continued growth of our brand and reinforces our position as the fastest growing in the category,” explains Matt Andrew, VP Finance and Franchising, Moe’s Southwest Grill. “These deals represent a new community of franchisees who chose Moe’s among a great many fast casual concepts in and outside our category.”

Three Statesand The District of Columbia
In Maryland , Granville Smith of DC Eats has signed a deal for three Moe’s as has Donald James. Further north, Ron Jaeger will open five in Fairfield County of Connecticut. Gary and Kim DeSimone will open five locations in the New Haven and Hartford areas of central Connecticut . Bill McGolrick and Steve Walker will open three stores in the Washington , DC area along with Frank and Carol Maresca who will open one location in the DC area. Jim Morrisey will seal the deal with five locations in Delaware . The first of these Northern locations will open this summer in the Washington DC area under the leadership of Bill McGolrick and Steve Walker.

“Our continued expansion in the North signifies a real maturing of our Moe’s brand,” explains Founder and Chief, Martin Sprock. “Coupled with our Mid-West growth, we are beginning to establish a national footprint that will prove beneficial to the brand and all those connected with it.”

Appealing to a more health-conscious public, Moe’s food is prepared fresh daily. There are no freezers or microwaves at any of the locations. 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 menu and adult beverages.

About Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s Southwest Grill offers fun, fresh, southwest cuisine with a healthy twist. The Atlanta-based company was founded by Martin Sprock in December 2000 and currently has 133 restaurants in operation and an additional 700 more Franchise units scheduled for 38 states. Greeted with a trademark "Welcome to Moe's" cheer that sets the tone for a lighthearted experience in each store, Moe’s is part of Raving Brands which also Franchises Mama Fu’s, Planet Smoothie, PJ’s Coffee and soon to open, Doc Green’s Gourmet Salads.