Fast-casual Hooters spin-off Hoots Wings signed its first franchise agreement to open 60 locations in Texas, targeting the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex and Austin markets.
Dallas-based AE Restaurant Group, led by Cary and Jackie Albert, plans to open at least 6 Hoots Wings locations in 2021, and 8 to 10 locations each year thereafter. The company anticipates opening initial locations in northern Fort Worth and suburban Dallas. Cary Albert will handle real estate, development and build-out, while Jackie Albert will be hands-on in every restaurant, handling operations, marketing, training and hiring.
“Hoots Wings is an attractive franchise option to Cary and me because we get to be on the ground floor of an emerging concept on the fast-track for growth, while benefiting from all the perks of having a national brand backing us,” says Jackie Albert.
The Alberts are no strangers to multi-unit franchise development. Albert Enterprises and its 525 employees operate 30 Schlotzsky’s throughout Texas, and have more than 250,000 square feet of retail, office and restaurant space, per a company release.