Beef-A-Roo Unveils New Container Model

The regional chain Beef-A-Roo is banking on a new store model, one it says is unique to the fast-casual space, to grow its footprint from eight stores to 50 in the next several years.

The newly developed design—a container model—clocks in at 500 to 600 sq. ft., features a drive-thru, patio seating only and a fully functional kitchen. While the brand is using all the same kitchen equipment, the dimensions of equipment like its grills and fryers are smaller to fit inside the container.

Beef-A-Roo, known for its roast beef sandwiches, says the container model restaurant can be shipped directly to franchisees, requires half as many staff members to operate as a traditional store and can open faster and at a lower price point than standard brick-and-mortar restaurants.

“While the standard restaurant is still the core buildout, this container model offers lower overhead, a quicker opening timeline and flexibility to give franchisees another option at a different investment level and timeframe,” says Austin Capoferi, president of Beef-A-Roo Franchising and Next Brands and Development, in a press release. “We carefully engineered this opportunity that’s capable of exceptional revenue through dine-in, drive-thru, delivery, take-away and catering sales channels, and we expect this offering to create a lot of excitement and interest in the brand.”

According to Capoferi, drive-thru sales make up approximately 70% of the 55-year-old brand’s sales mix.

The Midwest chain will open its first container restaurant in Rose City, Mich., later this year.