ARLINGTON, TX-A local company has signed a franchise agreement to open 35 UFood Grill locations throughout the Southwest over the next five years.
Congusto LP, a new venture between Gerald and Troy Alley, will focus the UFood Grill expansion primarily on the Lone Star State, according to Charles Cocotas, president and COO of UFood Grill. The new units will likely be located in non-traditional retail settings such as airports, medical centers/office buildings and college campuses, as well as government facilities and military bases.
Boston-based UFood Grill is a fast-casual restaurant concept that provides healthy food that also tastes good. It was created by George Naddaff, who founded Boston Market. Naddaff serves as the chairman and CEO of UFood Grill.
Currently, UFood Grill has two locations in the Southwest – one in Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and one in Parkland Health & Hospital System in Dallas. Additionally, it has several restaurants in its hometown of Boston including Boston Logan International Airport and just opened a location in Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
Cocotas tells GlobeSt. that Congusto’s principals were first introduced to UFood Grill while at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. “They loved the concept, and they picked up the phone, and within days they were in Boston meeting with us,” he says.
The Congusto principals also own Con-Real LP, Bravado Partners and The Alley Group. All three companies operate in real estate development, construction and facility ownership that serve the commercial, institutional and hospitality industries throughout the U.S.
“Gerald and Troy made the decision to expand into food service since they have built restaurants for a lot of different chains,” Cocotas says. “They think the trend is toward healthier food.”
In addition to Congusto, other UFood Grill franchisees include: The Hudson Group, JJR Concessions, Puente-Brancato Enterprises, Midfield Concession Enterprises and I.L. Creations.
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