Chicago-based airport operating group, The Grove, Inc., recently signed a franchise agreement with Intelligration Capital BB, LLC, the exclusive licensor and franchisor of Bobby Flay’s eponymous burger joint, Bobby’s Burgers, with plans to open its first outpost in The Crystals – the Eighth Concourse of Terminal Four’s new food hall – early next year, according to The Grove’s CEO Nina Madonia.
“My history goes very far back to the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. I actually went to college there, I own a home there now, so I’m very excited that we are expanding our business to Phoenix,” says Madonia, adding, “Bobby Flay is a new business partner for us and it’s just fantastic – super high quality and he is such a wonderful person and does so much so we’re really excited to be partners with him in Pheonix, and we know that’s a city he loves as well.”
Similarly, in a statement, co-founder and managing partner of Bobby’s Burgers, Laurence Kretchmer, said, “The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport agreement reflects a significant achievement, coming as our first license agreement with an incredibly talented operator group. We seek franchise and license partnerships with experienced and entrepreneurially-driven operators, and The Grove, Inc. is a perfect match.”
Meanwhile, Flay himself had this to say: “At Bobby’s Burgers we strive to quench the appetite of everyone. Burgers, fries and shakes are my thing, and I truly believe we deliver the best in the business. This is the first airport location of our new and shiny approach, and I’m thrilled to launch in the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. We have our concept focused and dialed-in to satisfy lots of hungry travelers. We’re so excited and we’re just getting started.”
In addition to the restaurant’s signature menu offerings such as its Crunchburger, The Crystals outpost will also feature exclusive breakfast items, “so that more customers are able to enjoy the Bobby Flay experience,” said Kretchmer.
The Grove’s footprint at The Crystals doesn’t stop there, however. According to Madonia, the group will be partnering with and overseeing operations for three established Arizona brands – acclaimed brewery and restaurant, Pedal Haus, the sandwich and “iconic frozen treat” concept Eegee’s, and signature acai bowl purveyors, Berry Divine – as well as national chicken sandwich chain, Chick-fil-A.
