Franchising Forward: Beef-A-Roo’s Expansion and the Trends Shaping 2025

By: April King, Account Executive, Restaurant365

Visiting the new Beef-A-Roo in Spring Hill, Tennessee, was more than just a chance to see the latest addition to this beloved franchise—it was an inspiring look at how a legacy brand is making waves in a vibrant and growing market. As I walked through the restaurant, I could feel the unique energy of a space designed to honor both the traditions of Beef-A-Roo and the local Tennessee culture. Sitting down with Austin Capoferi, President of Next Brands, was equally insightful as he shared his vision for blending the brand’s rich history with the dynamic trends shaping the future of franchising. This newsletter dives into the broader franchising landscape, the story behind Beef-A-Roo’s expansion, and how innovations like those in Spring Hill are positioning the brand for sustained growth in the years to come.

The Franchising Landscape Today

The restaurant industry in 2024 is navigating a transformative period shaped by rising costs, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences. Over 78% of operators report increases in food and labor expenses, prompting a shift toward innovative solutions to maintain profitability. According to Restaurant365, 22% of operators are investing in tools like POS systems and analytics to streamline operations, while 37% are enhancing customer engagement through loyalty programs. Diversifying revenue streams, such as catering (33%) and takeout (24%), and focusing on regional growth and menu personalization are further redefining how businesses adapt to meet customer demands.

Franchising, in particular, continues to show robust growth. The International Franchise Association's 2024 Franchising Economic Outlook projects the addition of over 15,000 new franchise establishments, with total franchise output expected to grow by 4.1% to $893.9 billion. This momentum highlights the opportunities available for brands that embrace innovation and respond to consumer needs effectively.

Spring Hill, TN, is an ideal market within this landscape, reflecting the regional growth trends driving restaurant expansion. Beef-A-Roo’s arrival brings a nostalgic yet modern dining experience to an area primed for culinary innovation. With its proven brand legacy and adaptability to local preferences, Roo aligns perfectly with the broader franchising trends shaping the industry’s future.

Building Brands, One Franchise at a Time

Next Brands & Development is a family-owned business redefining the way food franchise concepts scale and thrive. Established in 2021, Next Brands combines decades of experience in construction, business development, and franchise operations to help brands like Beef-A-Roo expand efficiently while maintaining their core identity. By focusing on operational excellence and tailored franchise support, Next Brands empowers franchisees to deliver memorable dining experiences.

Central to Next Brands’ approach is its commitment to building robust operational standards. For Beef-A-Roo, this meant transforming the successful practices of a family-run business into a scalable, systematic framework. "We took the time to work directly with the family and store managers to capture everything that made Beef-A-Roo successful," said Megan Rosen, Certified Franchise Expert at Next Brands. "From daily opening routines to the recipes that customers love, everything was documented into a comprehensive Operators Manual.”

This meticulous process involved securing a national supply chain for proprietary ingredients, such as Beef-A-Roo’s iconic bread, which previously had been sourced locally. "We worked with suppliers to ensure that items like our bread and other key ingredients could be delivered nationally while maintaining the same quality customers expect," Rosen added.

Beyond operations, Next Brands is deeply invested in selecting and supporting the right franchisees. "We’re not just selling units; we’re building partnerships," said Rosen. "It’s crucial that franchisees align with our core values and have the resources to succeed. We want to ensure they’re not just opening a restaurant, but a thriving part of their community."

Through its comprehensive process, Next Brands not only scales iconic concepts like Beef-A-Roo but ensures they remain true to their roots while adapting to new markets. As Rosen noted, "Franchising is about more than expansion—it’s about preserving the heart of a brand while sharing it with more people."

By combining operational expertise with a commitment to franchisee success, Next Brands continues to set the standard for sustainable growth in the restaurant industry.

Source Info: Insights and quotes from Megan Rosen, Certified Franchise Expert at Next Brands, as shared during her discussion on the David C. Barnett Podcast and official Next Brands materials.

Expanding Horizons: Beef-A-Roo’s Growth Across the Country

With a 56-year legacy of serving fresh, made-to-order meals, Beef-A-Roo is expanding beyond its Rockford, Illinois roots into new markets across the U.S. Recent openings in Freeport, Illinois; Royal Oak, Michigan; and Spring Hill, Tennessee highlight the brand’s growing presence under the leadership of Next Brands & Development. By tailoring its approach to each location, Beef-A-Roo maintains its quality and charm while adapting to local markets.

The Spring Hill restaurant embodies this strategy, featuring Tennessee-inspired decor to create a welcoming atmosphere for its new community. "This location is a prime example of how we blend Beef-A-Roo’s legacy with local charm," said Austin Capoferi, President of Next Brands. "Jon and Natasha [Recknagel] have brought such great heart to this space, and it’s amazing to see this brand come to life in a new market."

Next Brands has ambitious plans to continue the brand’s growth, with additional expansions targeted for Texas, Arizona, and Oklahoma. Combining innovative strategies with operational excellence, Beef-A-Roo aims to meet growing demand while staying true to its roots. "Seeing locations like Spring Hill and Royal Oak thrive is a testament to the hard work of our franchisees and the strength of the Beef-A-Roo brand," Capoferi added.

As Beef-A-Roo’s footprint grows, the brand remains focused on delivering its signature dining experience to communities nationwide.

Bringing Nostalgia and Flavor to the South

Beef-A-Roo has been delighting customers for over five decades with comfort food that offers a unique twist. Originally established in Rockford, Illinois, the brand has become a fan favorite for its iconic roast beef sandwiches, cheesy fries smothered in "liquid gold," and creamy milkshakes. Beyond these classics, the menu includes juicy burgers, hearty salads, loaded baked potatoes, and crispy chicken sandwiches—something for everyone.

With its retro vibe and commitment to fresh, made-to-order meals, Beef-A-Roo is a natural fit for the Nashville area, known for its rich food scene and love of authentic flavors. The Spring Hill location captures the essence of the brand while integrating local charm. "This is exactly what makes Beef-A-Roo so special—it’s not just about great food but about creating a place where families and friends can gather and enjoy a truly unique dining experience," Capoferi shared.

By blending nostalgia with a modern touch, Beef-A-Roo is set to become a cherished destination for diners, bringing its famously delicious menu and welcoming atmosphere to a growing audience.

Spring Hill Joins the Culinary Explosion

Nashville’s evolution into a nationally recognized culinary hub is shaping dining trends in surrounding areas like Spring Hill. Known for its eclectic mix of classic Southern fare and innovative concepts, Nashville’s food scene attracts diners seeking local flavors, comfort-driven dishes, and experiential dining. This growth is extending outward, influencing communities like Spring Hill, where a growing population and demand for diverse food options are creating exciting opportunities for restaurant brands.

With more families and professionals settling in Spring Hill, the community is seeking high-quality yet approachable dining options that reflect both tradition and modern tastes. Beef-A-Roo’s arrival in the area aligns perfectly with this demand. The Tennessee-inspired decor at the new location ties the brand to the local culture, adding a personal touch that resonates with the community.

As Nashville’s food scene continues to thrive, its ripple effect ensures that surrounding areas like Spring Hill become destinations for innovative and memorable dining. With its blend of timeless flavors and regional charm, Beef-A-Roo is poised to become a favorite for locals seeking a unique and satisfying experience.

Spring Hill’s dining scene continues to flourish in 2024 with exciting new restaurant openings that cater to the community’s diverse tastes. Among the highlights are Tower 31, which debuted in January, Rock N Roll Sushi in February, and Bubbakoo’s Burritos in May. Rounding out the year, Beef-A-Roo brought its signature Midwest comfort food to Spring Hill in November.

Additionally, the much-anticipated Aubrey’s, a Tennessee favorite, is set to open its first Middle Tennessee location at Main Street and Miles Johnson Parkway, offering a spacious dining room and outdoor patio for guests to enjoy. These openings reflect Spring Hill’s growing reputation as a culinary destination.

Sources: Williamson Source, Restaurant News, Franchising.com, Carnivore Style.

Restaurant Franchising Trends Heading into 2025

As the restaurant franchising industry approaches 2025, several key trends are driving growth and reshaping the landscape.

Increased Tech Integration for Operations and Customer Experience

As the restaurant franchising industry approaches 2025, technology continues to be a pivotal driver of innovation and growth. Platforms like Restaurant365 offer comprehensive solutions that integrate accounting, inventory management, and workforce scheduling, enabling franchises to streamline operations and make data-driven decisions.

For instance, Five Guys NY partnered with Restaurant365 and Paperchase Hospitality Accountancy to support their rapid expansion across New York. This collaboration provided real-time financial insights, allowing leadership to monitor key metrics such as labor costs and prime costs. Over three years, Five Guys NY reduced labor costs by 4%, increased net profits by 6%, and expanded from 14 to 54 locations, achieving a prime cost of 47%, well below industry averages.

Similarly, GVCS Inc, a Whataburger franchisee, utilized Restaurant365 to enhance financial management and operational efficiency. Chris Johnson, a 25+ unit Whataburger franchise owner, stated, "I couldn’t grow my business without Restaurant365. It’s hard to have different systems for everything, especially when you’re growing quickly."

Restaurant365 provides a suite of tools, including payroll management, hiring and onboarding systems, LMS training, marketing CRM and GRM platforms, campaign templates with tracking capabilities, food safety certification tracking, labor law compliance tools, tax compliance features, and audit capabilities. These solutions help franchisors and franchisees to maintain compliance, optimize performance, and enhance both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

As the need for scalability and adaptability grows, Restaurant365 offers tailored solutions, allowing franchises to invest in specific tools or comprehensive systems based on their unique requirements. This flexibility ensures brands can implement technology at their own pace, optimizing operations while meeting evolving franchisee and customer expectations.

In summary, investing in technology remains a key driver for success in the restaurant industry. Brands that embrace tech-enabled solutions to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and support franchisee growth are well-positioned to thrive in the competitive market of 2025.

Focus on Community Engagement and Localization

Modern consumers value brands that reflect their local culture and engage meaningfully with their communities. Franchises are responding by tailoring menu offerings, decor, and marketing to align with regional preferences, creating stronger connections with diners.

Demand for Comfort Food and Nostalgic Dining Concepts

In uncertain times, diners gravitate toward comfort food and nostalgic dining experiences. Brands like Beef-A-Roo, with their iconic roast beef sandwiches, indulgent cheese fries, and retro-inspired atmosphere, are well-suited to meet this demand, providing a blend of familiarity and quality.

Conclusion

As the restaurant franchising industry continues to evolve, brands like Beef-A-Roo stand out by staying true to their roots while embracing the opportunities of a rapidly changing market. From leveraging technology to optimizing operations, to creating community-focused dining experiences, the future of franchising will be shaped by adaptability, innovation, and authenticity.

Beef-A-Roo’s expansion into Spring Hill is a testament to the brand’s ability to blend nostalgia with modern trends, offering something truly special for diners and franchisees alike. With the support of Next Brands & Development and its commitment to operational excellence, Beef-A-Roo is poised to become a household name across the country.

As we look toward 2025, it’s clear that investing in scalable solutions, fostering meaningful connections with communities, and delivering exceptional dining experiences will be the hallmarks of success. Whether you’re exploring the possibilities of franchising or simply a fan of great food, Beef-A-Roo’s journey serves as a reminder of what’s possible when legacy and innovation come together.

April King??

Account Executive, Restaurant365

662.279.2490 ??

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