Basketball Stars Anthony Davis Jr., Derrick Rose and Tim Hardaway Jr. Bring Fatburger Back to Illinois

Rhea-AI Summary

FAT Brands Inc announces the opening of its first Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express location in Orland Park, IL, through franchisee A.D.T.J. Development LLC, a partnership involving NBA stars Anthony Davis Jr., Derrick Rose, and Tim Hardaway Jr. The venture marks the start of a multi-unit expansion in Illinois, driven by local businesswomen Toi Salter and Jackie Jackson, who emphasize their commitment to bringing this beloved brand back to a region with deep ties to the athletes. The grand opening on March 13 will feature promotions for the first customers, showcasing the diverse menu including customizable burgers and chicken wings.

Positive

• Launch of new Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express locations in a promising market.
• Partnership with well-known athletes could enhance brand visibility and attract customers.
• Presence of experienced local businesswomen in the expansion team may drive successful market penetration.

Negative

• None.

Sports Stars Partner with Local Businesswomen, Toi Salter and Jackie Jackson, to Open First Location Tied to a Multi-Unit Illinois Development Deal

LOS ANGELES, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. announces the opening of Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express in Orland Park, IL with franchisee A.D.T.J. Development LLC. A.D.T.J. Development LLC, a company created in partnership with professional basketball players, Anthony Davis Jr., Derrick Rose and Tim Hardaway Jr., and Chicago businesswomen, Toi Salter and Jackie Jackson, will also be bringing additional franchised locations of Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express to Illinois in the coming years.

The star-studded team was created thanks to two successful female entrepreneurs – Salter and Jackson. All three players have family ties to the Chicago area, while Salter and Jackson are reputable African American businesswomen in the area.

“Our team is excited to bring the iconic brand Fatburger back to the state of Illinois,” said Toi Salter, Managing Partner of A.D.T.J. Development LLC. “It is truly our favorite burger, and we look forward to entering this market.”

“Chicago has been hungry for a Fatburger for some time, and we are excited to now be able to deliver our one-of-a-kind burger experience to locals,” said Jake Berchtold, COO of FAT Brands’ Fast Casual Division. “This opening is the just the start of our growth in the state, and it is particularly meaningful to have on-board such an experienced partner to lead our expansion, including such celebrated athletes as Anthony, Derrick and Tim.”

Ever since the first Fatburger opened in Los Angeles 70 years ago, the chain has been known for its delicious, grilled-to-perfection and cooked to order burgers. Founder Lovie Yancey believed that a big burger with everything on it is a meal in itself. At Fatburger, “everything” is not just the usual lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, mustard, pickles and relish. Burgers can be customized with toppings including bacon, eggs, chili and onion rings. In addition to its famous burgers, the Fatburger menu also includes Fat and Skinny Fries, sweet potato fries, scratch-made onion rings, turkeyburgers, hand-breaded crispy chicken sandwiches, and hand-scooped milkshakes made from 100% real ice cream.

A perfect complement to Fatburger, Buffalo’s Express menu includes delicious bone-in and boneless chicken wings accompanied by a range of original sauces. All of Buffalo’s Express’ wings are accompanied by celery, carrots, and blue cheese, ranch or honey mustard dressing.

The Orland Park Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express is located at 15110 South La Grange Road, Orland Park, IL 60462 and is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. A grand opening celebration will be held Monday, March 13 where the first 100 customers will receive a free Original Fatburger. Guests can also score free fries with purchase through the day.

For more information or to find a Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express near you, please visit www.fatburger.com

About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands

FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets and develops fast casual, casual and polished casual dining restaurant concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 17 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza^®, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Native Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit http://www.fatbrands.com.

About Fatburger

An all-American, Hollywood favorite, Fatburger is a fast-casual restaurant serving big, juicy, tasty burgers, crafted specifically to each customer’s liking. With a legacy spanning 70 years, Fatburger’s extraordinary quality and taste inspire fierce loyalty amongst its fan base, which includes a number of A-list celebrities and athletes. Featuring a contemporary design and ambience, Fatburger offers an unparalleled dining experience, demonstrating the same dedication to serving gourmet, homemade, custom-built burgers as it has since 1952 – The Last Great Hamburger Stand^™.

About Buffalo’s Express

Founded in 1985 in Roswell, Georgia, Buffalo’s Express is a fast-casual chain known for its world-famous chicken wings and proprietary wing sauces. Co-branded with over 100 Fatburger restaurants to date, Buffalo’s Express’ significant growth can be attributed to its high-quality menu offerings and unparalleled dining experience. Featuring a contemporary design and ambience, whether guests are dining-in or having take-out/delivery, Buffalo’s Express offers friends and families the flexibility to enjoy their world-famous chicken wings however they prefer. Buffalo’s Express – Where Everyone is Family^™.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the timing and performance of new store openings. Forward-looking statements reflect expectations of FAT Brands Inc. (“we”, “our” or the “Company”) concerning the future and are subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies, including but not limited to uncertainties surrounding the severity, duration and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors are difficult to predict and beyond our control, and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We refer you to the documents that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, for a discussion of these and other factors. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Erin Mandzik, FAT Brands
emandzik@fatbrands.com
860-212-6509

FAQ

When did FAT Brands open the new location in Illinois?

FAT Brands opened the new Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express location on March 9, 2023.

What are the stock symbols for FAT Brands?

The stock symbols for FAT Brands are FAT, FATBP, and FATBW.

What is significant about the Orland Park location?

The Orland Park location is significant as it marks the return of Fatburger to Illinois and is part of a multi-unit development plan.

Who are the franchisees behind the new Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express locations?

The franchisees are A.D.T.J. Development LLC, a partnership involving NBA stars and local businesswomen.

What promotions are available for the grand opening of the Orland Park location?

At the grand opening on March 13, the first 100 customers will receive a free Original Fatburger and free fries with purchase.