Already a household name in its home state of North Carolina and a highly-decorated brand in the restaurant industry and franchising community, Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes and Fries is planning to expand its All-American, retro-themed diner to Louisiana.
Hwy 55 announced Thursday it has signed a master franchise agreement with current franchise owner Jason Hall to bring more than 50 locations to Louisiana in the next 10 years. Currently, Hwy 55 has locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Ohio. The brand is slated to open its first location in West Virginia later this summer.
Hall, who began his career at South Carolina-based Groucho’s Deli and owns three Groucho’s locations, opened his first Hwy 55 in Lancaster, South Carolina in 2013. With additional locations in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Weddington, North Carolina, Hall will be opening his fourth Hwy 55 location next month in Indian Land, South Carolina.
“I grew up listening to the John Boy & Billy radio program with my dad and they always talked about their BBQ sauce, southern food and Hwy 55,” says Hall referring to The Big Show—The John Boy and Billy Radio Show—which is broadcasted weekdays across America with jokes, bits, and commentary, “so it was really my dad that inspired me to become a Hwy 55 owner. I’m proud and excited to continue the brand’s growth as the master franchisee in Louisiana.”
Hwy 55 boasts a fresh, All-American diner experience with fresh, never-frozen burgers, premium sliced cheesesteaks piled high on steamed hoagies, and frozen custard made in-house every day. With its open-grill design, the kitchen's dedication and care when hand-crafting meals is front and center.
“Hwy 55 is not a franchise concept, it's a true American success story,” adds Hwy 55 president and founder Kenney Moore, who recently published a book, Behind the Drive, which details his own journey from growing up poor to now owner and founder of America’s next great burger joint. “Jason started with one Hwy 55 location three years ago and now is leading the brand by expanding into Louisiana. All of our master franchisors also operate their own locations so they have skin in the game. It’s core to the brand, a highly effective business model and vital to the continued success of Hwy 55.”
Celebrating its 25th year in business, Hwy 55 has sold the rights to more than 1,000 franchise locations around the world. Currently with 125 locations, Hwy 55 is one of the fastest growing restaurant brands in the US. In the past year, Hwy 55 has signed franchise agreements for Texas, West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, Indiana, and western Virginia for a total of 390 locations. The brand plans to open 25 locations in 2016.
