Go Roma Launches Franchising with P.J. Evans as E.V.P.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Go Roma, the fast casual Italian restaurant serving a wide range of fresh Italian dishes, including hearty homemade soups, hand-stretched thin-crust pizzas, seasonal entrée salads, flatbread sandwiches, tossed pasta, and a variety of italian classics, will expand outside the Chicagoland area in 2012 through franchising, according to Jeff Drake, Go Roma’s co-founder, president and COO.

“Go Roma will do well in virtually any city in America.”

Go Roma was founded in 2004, by three restaurant industry veterans, Drake along with Lettuce Entertain You senior management alumni, David Wolfgram and Yorgo Koutsogiorgas, who shared a passion for great Italian food.

“Go Roma’s business has been thoroughly tested and proven over a period of seven years,” said Wolfgram, Go Roma’s founder and CEO. “The food and the fast casual service style consistently exceed guest expectations, and it’s Italian, the number one ethnic food category in the U.S. Go Roma is an incredibly efficient, diversified and profitable operation that will be very appealing to franchisees.” Go Roma operates in authentic fast casual style with a made-to-order menu, beer and wine offerings, and counter ordering with table delivery, using real plates and silverware for a true dine-in experience. Today, Go Roma has six locations throughout the Chicagoland area and expects to achieve five percent same store sales growth in 2011. Go Roma’s new proto-type footprint is approximately 2,400 square feet. Average unit volumes are $1.3 million, revenue that is achieved through a balanced business of lunch, dinner, catering and carry out.

“Very few true fast casual Italian concepts exist and thrive like Go Roma,” said Wolfgram. “Go Roma is leading the category, offering a premium food and service experience, all at a value that guests clearly appreciate.”

P.J. Evans joined the Go Roma team as executive vice president of franchise development in September 2011. Evans has more than 30 years experience running franchise development for some of the country’s best restaurant brands, including Panera Bread, Noodles & Company and Corner Bakery. “P.J. is one of the most experienced, effective franchising executives in the business,” said Drake. “We’re thrilled to have him launch and manage our growth with franchise partners.”

“Go Roma is a burgeoning brand with a real competitive advantage over a virtually untapped fast casual Italian space,” said Evans. “Together, the food, business model and culture form a unique consumer experience and a consistently profitable, diversified operation,” said Evans. “Go Roma will do well in virtually any city in America.” Go Roma has just completed its Franchise Disclosure Documents and state filings and can sell in 90% of the US.

Go Roma has been named a Nation’s Restaurant News Hot Concept! and Top 100 Fast Casual Mover & Shaker, most recently ranked #6 in the 2011 list. Go Roma is owned by Boudin Holdings, Inc., a portfolio company of GESD Capital Partners. Wolfgram also is CEO Boudin Holdings, Inc. GESD is a San Francisco-based private equity firm that funds consumer, restaurant and entertainment brands.

About Go Roma’s Leadership Team

Wolfgram joined Lettuce Entertain You in 1979 and became managing partner and vice president of operations in 1989 where he led the development and launch of Maggiano’s Little Italy, Corner Bakery Café and Papagus Greek Taverna. In 1994 Brinker acquired Maggiano’s and the Corner Bakery Café; Wolfgram became president and COO of Corner Bakery Café and was instrumental in growing the brand from coast to coast. He began developing the Go Roma concept in 2003 and launched its first location in 2004 in Warrenville, IL.

Drake began his career in the restaurant business as a manager, and later, as vice president of operations for Food & Drink, Inc., a Des Moines, Iowa restaurant management company. Drake later spent eight years in operations leadership positions for Brinker-owned Corner Bakery, where three years prior to launching Go Roma, Drake held the position of east coast regional director of operations.

P.J Evans joined Go Roma in September 2011 as executive vice president of franchise development. He is launching the franchising business and is responsible for creating growth by cultivating and securing franchise partnerships across the U.S. He will also lead franchise support services. Evans has spent his 30-year career in franchise development, operations, and human resources and training working for some of the nation’s most iconic brands and high-growth concepts in the fast casual and casual dining sectors. Throughout the last 15 years, P.J. led franchise development for Panera Bread, Corner Bakery, Noodles & Company and, now, Go Roma.

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