DOTHAN, Ala. – Houston-based breakfast chain The Toasted Yolk is expanding to Memphis, Tennessee, and Dothan, Alabama.
This is the chain’s first time expanding outside of the greater Houston area, except for a Beaumont location.
The company announced that it added both single-unit and multiunit franchise owners in the two states. The Houston Business Journal reached out for more information about the franchise deals but has not received a response.
The announcement also says the company is eyeing South Florida.
“We are very happy that we are expanding the brand in the Southeast, especially with the quality of operators that are new to our system,” said Chris Milton, co-founder and CEO. “In the South, the restaurant industry has benefitted from reasonable Covid restrictions, so we saw very little dip in 2020 sales, and in fact were up substantially in sales the last two quarters of the year and have continued that momentum into 2021. The (breakfast) category is still hot; the South is primed for growth, and we feel like The Toasted Yolk brand is really resonating more than ever with customers.”
The Toasted Yolk was founded in 2010 and serves breakfast and lunch items like eggs, pancakes, sandwiches, salads, soups and more.
The company wants its franchisees to move into second-generation restaurant spaces with 4,000 to 5,000 square feet, patios, a minimum of 150 seats, ample parking and the ability to obtain a full liquor license. The company prefers shopping areas with upscale grocery anchors, like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. Other details on franchising were not immediately available.
“We are seeing a substantial increase in inquiries from very qualified franchisees with other brands who appreciate and see the value of our hours of operation, bar-forward approach and simplicity of our concept and who are looking to add to their portfolio, which is promising for our growth in and outside of Texas,” said Milton.
The Toasted Yolk currently has 15 locations and will open more in 2021, with a Bellaire restaurant coming in June and four to five more later in the year. The company boasts that its League City location was its least expensive yet, costing that franchisee just $500,000 to open, thanks to targeting lower-cost real estate.
