Healthy Rice Bowl Chain Jumps 17 Spots to #28 on Prominent Industry Ranking
Anaheim Hills, CA (RestaurantNews.com) WaBa Grill, one of the nation’s leading healthy rice bowl chains, has been named to Fast Casual’s 2023 Top 100 Movers & Shakers list, climbing to #28. Listed for the first time among the top 30 brands, the healthy fast casual chain jumped 17 places from last year’s ranking and grabbed an impressive spot inside the top 50 on the industry list for the third consecutive year. For nearly two decades, the Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers has identified the industry’s most successful brands, focusing on factors beyond profitability and growth, and accounting for other areas such as innovation, leadership, nimbleness and creativity. WaBa Grill, well-known for its healthy and fresh menu served at super speed, continues to exceed guest expectations, establish new benchmarks and deliver resoundingly on all business fronts as the demand for healthy fast casual continues to rise.
“It’s a tremendous honor to see WaBa Grill named as a top brand by Fast Casual, especially as we continue to expand in new and existing markets to ensure our unmatched guest experience and innovative menu are accessible to more guests who demand healthy, delicious and convenient food,” said Andrew Kim, President & CEO of WaBa Grill. “WaBa is on track to record another successful year and maintain its standing as a leader in the healthy rice bowl sector due to the efforts of many dedicated individuals, including our franchisees and corporate support team, and this accolade is a testament to their work and commitment to the brand.”
Franchise growth and sales momentum have fueled WaBa Grill’s recent success. The brand’s same store sales and total system sales have increased by nearly 25% since 2020. WaBa Grill also reported that 2022 AUV for the brand’s top 25% of locations reached more than $1.3M, with the top 50% of locations achieving an AUV of more than $1.15M – another milestone for the popular brand. WaBa Grill’s strong growth across numerous fronts is underpinned by the brand’s passionate franchisees, loyal fans and new guests who continue to make health and wellness a priority. WaBa Grill was founded on the principle that healthy food made with fresh, quality ingredients should be delicious and accessible to all – without asking consumers to compromise on value or convenience. With nearly 200 units in operation and more than 70 units in various stages of development, WaBa is continuing to expand its flame-grilled footprint to new geographies and new guests seeking healthier dining options. The brand’s attractive franchising model with endless growth opportunities is significantly fueling development.
“As WaBa Grill continues to grow throughout the West, we are experiencing tremendous brand recognition as more and more diners are seeing WaBa as a go-to destination for the best, healthiest and most delicious fast casual food,” said Vivian Mendoza, Director of Marketing at WaBa Grill. “With sales and franchise growth driving significant brand momentum, we are excited to be achieving our many goals, including industry accolades that cement our position at the top of the healthy rice bowl sector.”
With restaurants throughout California and Arizona, and locations in Nevada and Texas in the works, WaBa Grill is primed to continue expansion having identified key markets throughout the Western U.S. and is seeking franchise partners interested in expanding their portfolios with an established healthy fast casual brand on the rise. For more details about partnering with WaBa Grill, visit www.wabagrill.com/franchise.
About WaBa Grill
WaBa Grill was founded in 2006 on the principle that healthy food made with quality ingredients should be accessible to all. With a goal of serving the best possible food on the go, WaBa’s famous rice bowls, plates and salads are made with fresh vegetables, healthy grains and high-quality proteins including fresh, never frozen chicken, marinated ribeye steak, wild-caught salmon, jumbo shrimp, plant-based steak, and organic tofu, all prepared to order on an open-fire grill and customized with a variety of flavorful sauces including the fan favorite WaBa Sauce. Learn more at www.WaBaGrill.com.
WaBa Grill Social Media Pages
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wabagrillofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wabagrill/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/wabagrill
Media Contact:
Dani DeVries
Powerhouse+Co.
dani@powerhouseandco.com
949-261-2216
