Ohio-based Balance Grille is rolling out a targeted franchising strategy focused on finding multi-unit operators within select markets across the U.S. The chain, which opened its first franchise location last year in Colorado, has joined forces with Pivotal Growth Partners, a growth and development organization focused on expanding emerging brands, to help fuel growth.
With a refined focus on clean eating, a literal approach to menu transparency, authenticity and a digital-first approach, Cameron Cummins, PGP co-founder and Balance Grille CFO, said in a press release that Balance has several differentiators:
- Clean eating meets fast food: It features a Pan-Asian menu with bowls, snacks, tacos, bubble tea and seasonal specials — totally customizable and made to order with fresh, whole ingredients.
- Ahead-of-the-curve tech integration: Rooted in efficiency, Balance Grille has weaved technology into every aspect of the brand to optimize both the customer and employee experience, as well as automating administration. The brand’s digital-first approach includes iPad-based kitchen operations and a loyalty app experience with integrated online ordering and curbside check-in.
- Peer-to-peer management system: The company has “managerless” employment model that ensures personal accountability through digital task lists and continuous learning and self-driven advancement through an app-based learning management system.
- A labor disruptor: Offering well-paying work with well-rounded training and opportunities for advancement is how the brand emphasizes autonomy, resulting in a 2.46 years average tenure after first 60 days of employment.
“In today’s market there is nothing like it,” Cummins said in the release. “What you get as a franchisee of Balance is access to an ‘operating system’ predicated on transparency, technology and continuous improvement resulting in strong sales performance, minimal labor issues, and great-tasting food that customers love.”
Founded by Prakash Karamchandani and HoChan Jang, Balance Grille has five locations and is hoping to add at least 40 locations over the next five years by partnering with multi-unit operators through five-store minimum area-development commitments. Operators can expect an initial investment of $747,482 to $1,138,116 per location. Balance Grille is allowing early investors to participate in a corporate monetization event if a call option is triggered.
“Our ideal partner is someone who is passionate about the brand and its culture, has an entrepreneurial spirit, and has prior experience as a multi-unit operator,” Karamchandani said in the release. “We strongly put an emphasis on community here at Balance Grille and believe that our operators will not only help us reach new markets, but also continuously improve our brand.”
