FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., the parent company of Fatburger, Buffalo’s Express, and 13 other brands, has announced its largest advancement into the Midwest market. The company will partner with A.D.T.J. Development LLC to open 25 Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express stores throughout the state of Illinois with particular attention on Chicago and its surrounding areas. The stores will open over the next 8 years, shares a press release.
This isn’t the first time FAT Brands Inc. has broken into the Chicago market, but, according to the release, this will mark the company’s largest presence in Illinois to date.
“The city of Chicago has a vibrant restaurant scene and has welcomed fast casual eateries over the past decade. It’s an exciting time for FAT Brands to be growing our presence in the area,” FAT Brands CEO Andy Wiederhorn said in the release. “We are eager to plant our roots down in Chicago and the state as a whole, delivering an unparalleled burger and wing experience to new audiences.”
Fatburger, founded in 1947 by Lovie Yancey, is known for its handcrafted patties made with never-frozen beef, scratch-made onion rings, and hand-scooped milkshakes. The California-based chain has hundreds of locations throughout the nation. Buffalo’s is a fast-casual chain known for its chicken wings and sauces. It has co-branded with over 100 Fatburger restaurants to date.
“Fatburger has always been our favorite burger and we have each traveled far and wide,” Managing Partner of A.D.T.J. Development LLC Toi Salter said in the release. “We are excited as a team to bring the Fatburger experience to the state of Illinois.” What Now Chicago reached out to Salter for comment and is awaiting further details. Salter is also the president of Salter Financial Management.
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