They have identified Red Bay as a target market. They have pinpointed an ideal site for a restaurant. Now, all Huddle House officials need is to find a franchise partner to set up shop here.
The regional diner is looking to expand its footprint into Red Bay and has actively begun the search for a franchisee to lock down the market and build a restaurant here.
“When thinking about an ideal location to open a new restaurant, Red Bay is definitely the perfect place to be,” said Scott McIntosh, Director of Franchise Development. “Our famous Southern-style breakfast offerings are loved and admired by fans all across Alabama. We are excited to be sharing the joys of our homecooked comfort food by bringing our fast-casual franchise to the Red Bay community.”
Jessica Ray, Huddle House Director of Franchise Marketing, said the Red Bay market was identified as an ideal expansion opportunity as part of the company’s 2021 growth markets initiative.
“We would love to have a franchisee open in Red Bay as soon as possible and we are currently working to find matches in that area,” Ray said. “We do have several other Alabama locations, which would benefit a new location in Red Bay with the brand recognition. At this time, the location in Red Bay is opened to both existing franchisees and new franchisees looking to start a new venture.”
Huddle House operates nearly 400 locations in 24 states. Ray said about 300 of those locations are franchisee-operated.A Red Bay restaurant would make the fourth Huddle House location in northwest Alabama, joining those in Russellville, Hamilton and Winfield. In Northeast Mississippi, Huddle House currently operates in Fulton, Tupelo, Booneville, Corinth and Amory. A typical Huddle House restaurant employs between 30 and 40 people in full-time and part-time positions.
The company has added a page to its website specifying the reasons it is attracted to the community, specifically pointing out the number of manufacturing jobs here with Tiffin Motorhomes, Sunshine Mills and others listed.
Securing a franchise and opening a restaurant is not an inexpensive venture, though, with the company’s breakdown of costs showing a typical franchisee should expect to initially invest a minimum of $520,000 to get off the ground. Depending upon real estate costs, size and style of the restaurant chosen, equipment, startup capital and other factors, those initial costs could range as high as $1.34 million.
While a considerable amount of financial liquidity is required, Ray said finances aren’t the only thing the company considers when selecting a franchisee.
“While it is important that a franchisee meets our financial requirements, we also look for people who are passionate and care about the community,” Ray said. “Huddle House prides itself on being a small-town favorite and a place where locals can enjoy good food served from the heart “Any Meal, Any Time.”
While Huddle House restaurants focus on a breakfast-all-day menu, the fare offered also includes a host of burgers, chicken meals and even steak dinners.
“For those looking to provide round-the-clock dining options for both families and out-of-town visitors, Huddle House offers a solid opportunity for potential franchisees in the Red Bay area,” McIntosh said. “Additionally, local entrepreneurs will be able to save substantial time as our real estate team has already begun plans for an impressive preliminary site location.”
The site Huddle House has identified as ideal in Red Bay is high on visibility, but its availability is not key in landing the franchise.
“The site is currently still available; however, the market itself is not dependent upon this specific site,” Ray said. “If a qualified franchisee is interested in opening a Huddle House in Red Bay, our real estate team will be able to assist with finding a suitable site.”
For more information on the opportunity, go online to huddlehousefranchising.com.