Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, a leader in casual dining known for its vast craft beer selection, delicious handcrafted pizza and distinctive taproom fare, announced today it achieved record high system-wide revenue in 2016, reporting an 11 percent increase from 2015. Additionally, Old Chicago accelerated its national expansion efforts with the signing of 4 franchise development agreements that will bring 20 new locations to markets including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Montana, Wyoming, Michigan and South Carolina.
“Despite the restaurant industry facing headwinds in 2016, Old Chicago experienced tremendous growth. Our success stems from the increasing demand for craft beer and our concept being known as a place that introduces consumers to regional, hyper local and exclusive craft beers,” says Mike Mrlik, president of Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom. “Our commitment to quality, innovative food and the unparalleled service we provide to our guests has also established Old Chicago as an industry leader and further positions the brand for aggressive nationwide growth in the year ahead.”
Old Chicago experienced record-breaking success in 2016 reporting ten consecutive quarters of positive transaction and average unit volume of $2.8 million, resulting in $263 million in system-wide revenue. Old Chicago also launched its new restaurant prototype in 2015—a 5,000 square feet build with an additional 1,000—1,200 square feet of outdoor patio space, a new kitchen and upgraded bar technology. The continued rollout of this new prototype paired with Old Chicago’s on-going commitment to bringing the most expansive lineup of world-class craft beers through initiatives such as their Explorer Series has helped catapult the brand to its current level of success.
This year, Old Chicago has plans to develop nearly two-dozen new restaurants as part of its aggressive growth strategy to bring its expansive selection of craft beers, taproom classics and handcrafted pizza, to more cities across the country. Currently, the brand is targeting growth in markets such as Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, South Carolina and Texas among others.
A growing brand with more than two decades of successful franchise partnerships, Old Chicago is an established multi-unit concept with proven processes to support franchisees with site selection, lease agreements, facility design, operational training and marketing. To fuel franchise growth, the company is seeking multi-unit operators with business, management and foodservice and/or restaurant experience, and a passion for and commitment to exceptional customer service.
