Ground Round Debuts Prototype

Nearly a decade after its franchisees bought the chain out of Chapter 11, casual-dining chain Ground Round is making a comeback. The 27-unit chain has rolled out a new family-dining/sports-lounge prototype in Waconia, Minn., and is opening a smaller sports-themed concept in nontraditional sites. Ground Round also has inked deals for five units in New Jersey and eight stores over the next 10 years in the Minneapolis and St. Paul markets. The Freeport, Maine, chain will open up to five new units this year.