Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom Targets the Midwest for Expansion

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, a leader in casual dining known for its delicious, handcrafted pizza, distinctive taproom fare and vast craft beer selection, announced today accelerated franchise development expansion throughout the Midwest, targeting Illinois, Indiana and Ohio to grow the brand's presence.

"The growing demand for a unique dining experience and customized selection of craft beer has fueled our current success throughout the Midwest, with our existing restaurants in the region consistently performing well," said Mark. A Belanger, CFE, vice president of global franchise operations and development for CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries, Inc. "As we continue to establish Old Chicago as The Craft Beer Authority and a leader in the casual dining segment, there's tremendous opportunity for growth in this market. With a proven record of success, we're eager to build on this momentum and are seeking new franchisees to introduce Old Chicago to communities in the Midwest, specifically Illinois, Indiana and Ohio."

Old Chicago's ongoing success is propelled by its expansive lineup of world-class craft beers and commitment to introducing customers to a variety of flavors within the industry. Every location features eight to twelve selections dedicated to local and regional breweries, expanding each guest's knowledge of the craft beer world that exists in their own backyard. The Brewers Association is forecasting a growing demand for fuller flavored products from small brewers over the next decade. To remain at the forefront of current and projected craft beer trends, Old Chicago continues to put an emphasis on innovative consumer-facing initiatives such as its Explorer Series, with each installment offering selections from a featured brewing company and a collaboration beer that captures the most unique flavors in the craft beer world.

Old Chicago experienced record-breaking success in 2015 achieving $254 million in system-wide revenue, and is currently reporting 29 consecutive months of positive transaction counts. Old Chicago also launched its new restaurant prototype – 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. To further enhance the experience, the company has also updated its training programs and guest proven menu categories.

A growing brand with over 16 years 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. For information about franchise opportunities, visit www.ocfranchising.com.

About Old Chicago
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is a leader in the casual dining restaurant segment, specializing in the best local and regional craft beer, serving handcrafted pizza and distinctive taproom fair. Founded in 1976, the crave-able Old Chicago menu has played a complementary role to the vast craft beer selection, a concept differentiator to this day. With over 30 craft beers on tap, Old Chicago is also the home of the World Beer Tour, which rewards members for enjoying 110 of the best craft beers from across the globe. Old Chicago operates in 24 states with more than 100 restaurants nationwide. Visit www.oldchicago.com to learn more and to find the restaurant nearest you. For information about franchise opportunities, visit www.ocfranchising.com.

About CraftWorks
CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries, Inc. is the largest craft brewery restaurant operator in the country with nearly 200 franchised and company-owned restaurants primarily operating under the Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurants, Rock Bottom Restaurants & Breweries and ChopHouse & Brewery brands.  As a leader in the craft beer focused casual dining segment, CraftWorks also operates strong regional brands, and employs more than 12,000 people throughout the U.S.  All of CraftWorks' restaurant brands have innovative menus with made-from-scratch food and a vast selection of unique craft beer, as well as unbeatable service and loyalty programs with over a million active members.  Based in Broomfield, Colo., CraftWorks is not only committed to serving its loyal guests, but also the communities in which its restaurants operate. The CraftWorks Foundation has contributed millions of dollars, positively impacting communities throughout the country. For additional information about CraftWorks, the Foundation, and its restaurant brands, please visit www.craftworksrestaurants.com.

CONTACT: Courtney Whelan           
Fish Consulting
954-893-9150
[email protected]  

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SOURCE Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom

Related Links

http://www.oldchicago.com

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