Huntington Beach, CA-based BJ's Restaurants, with 39 units mainly in California, may not have a large national presence now, but company executives are poised for growth. Jerry Deitchle, BJ's CEO, who is a former Cheesecake Factory executive, predicted that his chain could roll out a total of 300 units.
The concept, which bills itself as a family restaurant that sells hand crafted beer, is forecast to have 8 to 9 new units this year, 11 to 12 next year and a future annual growth rate of 20% to 25%. "I think we're ready for the next stage of evolution and growth for the business," Deitchle said, stressing that expansion will take place in a "careful and controlled manner."
Though Dollar Tree, the Chesapeake, VA-based discount chain already has a presence in 48 states, the company is looking to double its nearly 2,800-unit store count, said Kent Kleeberger, the retailer's CFO. About 1,000 stores have been opened in the last four years, and the company is planning to roll out 225 in 2005.
Dollar Tree has primarily operated in suburban markets, but now urban areas are on tap Kleeberger said. "As Dollar Tree grows, it's apparent to us that we'll have to go in these more densely populated areas," he said. Right now, the company is slated to open 12 units the New York City metro area and already has units on Long Island.
Teen apparel retailer Charlotte Russe, based in San Diego, is looking to nearly double its store count in the next five years. The company currently operates just over 300 stores that share the name of the company and target 18- to 22-year-old women, as well as 67 Rampage units, which attempt to attract a slightly older demographic. The chain plans to open 50 stores this year, all Charlotte Russe units, while executives work on revamping the Rampage chain.
Anaheim, CA-based Pacific Sunwear also plans to grow, though its main chain, the surf- and skate-themed Pac Sun, is near its maximum potential, having already opened 765 of the 900 potential units executives have planned for the country. Most of the company's growth, said CEO Seth Johnson, will be in the hip-hop-themed demo chain, which will expand to 400 units from its current, 176-store base. Executives are also planning a third chain, the details of which they plan to announce by the end of the year.
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