Wednesday, August 08, 2007

HAPPY HOUR CENTRIC HOULIHAN’S TO EXPAND IN CA, AZ AND FL

Houlihan’s, a place known for its happy hour and specialty cocktails, says it expects to add 34 franchised stores in Arizona, California and Florida to the 92-unit chain. The new stores are a part of a $68 million national expansion.

Houlihan’s struck a 22-unit deal with SunPacific Partners for California and Arizona and a 12-unit agreement with Northeast Casual Food for Florida. The agreement requires the franchisees to follow the new "Houlihan's of the 21st Century" design, which debuted last year in Chicago. The new format features a contemporary look, patio-style dining and a spacious, centerpiece "ageless" bar. All the new prototypes have experienced solid, consistent sales figures well above system-wide averages, with the latest store opening in San Antonio, TX.

To check out they’re “hip” website, which appears to be geared towards image-conscious diners in their 20s-30s, click here. It’s also worth pointing out that Houlihan’s offers many “ladies night” options, clearly as a way to drive their female clientele. And where there’s woman, men are usually not too far behind.