Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom Signs Franchise Development Agreements To Open Nearly Two Dozen Restaurants Across Eight States

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, a leader in casual dining renowned for its delicious, handmade pizza, taproom fare and assorted craft beers, announced today that it signed franchise development agreements with three of its existing franchise partners to open nearly two dozen new restaurants. These agreements will grow Old Chicago's footprint across eight states, including Tennessee, South Carolina, Montana, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi. "We're thrilled to be continuing nationwide expansion with franchise partners who have been committed to accelerating the growth and success of Old Chicago," said Mark A. Belanger, CFE, vice president of International franchise operations and development for CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries, Inc., the operating company of Old Chicago. "We're continuing to make significant investments into our company that reinforce Old Chicago's growth potential and position our franchisees for success, so that they ultimately want to expand their portfolio and introduce Old Chicago to new markets. These agreements are a testament to the strength of our evolving business model and exceptional offerings, and we look forward to developing new Old Chicago locations across the country." The existing franchise groups to sign new agreements are The Collier Group, who will develop seven more Old Chicago locations in South Carolina and Tennessee; The Johnson Group, who have plans to bring three restaurants to Wyoming and Montana; and The Nursariwala Group, who will expand their portfolio with six new locations in Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas and Mississippi. "It's an exciting time to be part of the Old Chicago family, as we propel Old Chicago's national expansion efforts forward," says AJ Nursariwala, CEO of The Nursariwala Group and an Old Chicago franchisee. "Old Chicago is a strong concept and based on the success we've been seeing in our Joplin restaurant, the company is poised for tremendous growth over the next several years. I've seen firsthand the company's commitment to its franchisees and am eager to continue the relationship with the development of my new restaurants. I look forward to being part of the brand's continued success and becoming an integral part of the communities we will serve."
 Nursariwala has been an Old Chicago franchisee for just over a year, and currently runs a location in Joplin, Missouri. His first restaurant under the new development deal should open in Rogers, Arkansas in 2017. 
Old Chicago experienced record-breaking success in 2015, achieving $254 million in system-wide revenue, and is reporting 27 months in a row of positive comp sales. Old Chicago launched its new restaurant prototype - a 5,000 square feet build with an additional 1,000 - 1,200 square feet of outdoor patio space, a new kitchen and better bar technology. To further enhance the experience, the company has also renovated its training programs and menu categories proven by guests.
A growing brand with over 16 years of successful franchise partnerships, Old Chicago, with proven processes to support franchisees with site selection, lease agreements, facility design, operational training and marketing, is an established multi-unit concept. To fuel franchise growth, the company is seeking multi-unit operators with business, management and foodservice and/or restaurant experience, and a passion and commitment to exceptional customer service.
 About Old Chicago
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is a leader in the casual dining restaurant segment, specializing in the best local and regional craft beer, serving hand-made pizza and a variety of taproom fair. Founded in 1976, the crave-able Old Chicago menu plays a complementary role to the vast craft beer selection, a concept that differentiates to this day. With over 30 craft beers on tap, Old Chicago is the home of the World Beer Tour, which rewards members for enjoying 110 of the best craft beers from across the globe. Old Chicago operates in 24 states with more than 100 restaurants nationwide.
About CraftWorks
CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries, Inc. is the biggest craft brewery restaurant operator in the country with nearly 200 restaurants primarily operating under the Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurants, Rock Bottom Restaurants & Breweries and ChopHouse & Brewery brands. The leader in the craft beer focused casual dining segment, CraftWorks also operates strong regional brands. CraftWorks employs more than 12,000 people throughout the U.S.  All of CraftWorks' restaurant brands have innovative menus with made-from-scratch food and a vast selection of unique craft beer, unbeatable service and loyalty programs with over a million active members.  Based in Broomfield, Colo., CraftWorks is committed to serving its loyal guests and the communities in which its restaurants operate. The CraftWorks Foundation has contributed millions of dollars, positively impacting communities throughout the country.

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