Black Bear Diner Expands with New Franchise Locations and Market Growth

Estimated read time: 3 minutes and 38 seconds

CARE BEARS

Black Bear Diner's Growth Continues Strong After Post-Pandemic Pause (Read More)

Expansion: Black Bear Diner, known for its breakfast and lunch offerings, plans to open 14 new locations this year, including in Texas, Kansas, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado. The company will seed new markets with company-owned units before franchisees develop.

• Franchise Development: Black Bear Diner is fully in growth mode again after pausing franchise development during the pandemic. The chain opened 10 new locations in 2022 and added seven more in the previous year.

• Commitment to Full-Service Model: The company remains committed to its full-service dining model and emphasizes the unique experience it offers to customers, which helps the brand stand out in the crowded breakfast space.

• Off-Premises Sales: While off-premises channels account for about 15% of sales, Black Bear Diner is "fiercely protective" of the in-person dining experience and won't sacrifice it for off-premises orders.

• Investments in Technology: Black Bear Diner has made investments in to-go packaging, a new kitchen display system, and adjusted kitchen design to improve throughput. Handheld ordering tablets for servers will roll out system-wide this year.

• Menu Innovation: The brand introduced a sandwich melts promotion and plays with limited-time offers to provide value and a lower price point while remaining profitable for franchisees. Average gross sales for franchise restaurants increased to $2.7 million in 2022.

• Expansion Plans: Black Bear Diner is studying markets in Florida as it continues to push deeper into territories outside California. The brand is resilient despite the challenges of the past four years.

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NET LEASE NUGGIES

• McDonald’s reports mixed Q4 earnings, impacted by Middle East conflict. The company's quarterly same-store sales fell short of expectations at 3.4%, due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. Domestically, same-store sales were up 4.3%, in line with expectations but below recent quarters. CEO Chris Kempczinski expects this year to show "normalized growth" similar to Q4. Middle East tensions will continue to affect performance in markets like Indonesia and France. To address reduced transactions from lower-income consumers, McDonald’s plans to focus on affordability and value messaging, leveraging its loyalty program and digital platforms. (Read More)

• Golden Chick hires new director of marketing for fresh perspective. Texas-based fried chicken chain, Golden Chick, has announced the hiring of Sharon Pewitt as director of marketing. With extensive knowledge of the brand, Pewitt aims to bring a newer and fresher perspective to the quick-service legacy brand as it approaches its 60th birthday. Golden Chick plans for aggressive growth in 2024, particularly in the Southwest and Southeastern states, and Pewitt will spearhead menu innovation and new marketing campaigns. She emphasizes the importance of brand authenticity, consistency, and connection to connect with younger Millennial and Gen Z guests. (Read More)

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