FAYETTEVILLE, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Generating only $150 within the first 17 hours of a restaurant’s operation would discourage most aspiring restaurateurs, but not Shelley “Butch” Anthony III. Taking a step of faith, Butch found the Lord and decided to let Him drive his vision – blossoming into a multi-million dollar fast-casual, “cafeteria” style restaurant franchise with record sales reaching $30,000 in one day.
Today, Butch’s restaurant chain—This Is It! BBQ & Seafood—has nine locations in operation and a strong fan base extending past the metro Atlanta community with regulars visiting from as far as Nigeria for its authentic, home-style southern meals. Well-known for its rib tips, the fast-casual, “cafeteria” style restaurant offers three different cuisine styles under one roof—barbecue, seafood and southern comfort—allowing for a versatile menu that caters to every family member.
“At This Is It! BBQ & Seafood, you’re part of our family,” Butch said. “Our menu consists of favorite, Anthony-family recipes that have been enjoyed for decades. We want guests to feel like This Is It! is a second home – creating a place for families to make memories in a comforting, welcoming environment. We’ve been blessed to serve the Atlanta area over the past 30 years and want to continue spreading the This Is It! experience, values and vision with others across the nation.”
As part of its strategic growth efforts, This Is It! BBQ & Seafood seeks single- and multi-unit franchise agreements to help develop the brand across the Southeast. Initially, the company is targeting the following markets for new locations: Birmingham, Ala.; Charlotte, N.C.; as well as Alpharetta, Augusta, Cumming, Douglasville and Macon, Ga.
Interested parties ideally have 3-5 years’ restaurant experience and must be willing to adhere to the Christian principles driving the restaurant’s operations (e.g., closed on Sundays, prohibiting alcohol, etc.). Further, franchisees must be owner operators for a minimum of two years, with the exception of having an operating partner with restaurant experience. Prospective franchisees should be financially capable to invest in the franchise with restaurants ranging from $625,040 to $1.157 million, based on location, site development, etc.
“No other restaurant shares our same vision or menu variety. While barbecue is a staple in our restaurants, we offer a harmonious blend of delicious seafood and savory southern comfort cooking to distinguish ourselves among both consumers and franchise partners alike,” Butch said. “With guidance from the Lord, we’ve created a differentiated, profitable business model that has withstood the test of time.”
For more information about the This Is It! BBQ & Seafood franchise opportunities, contact David Gary at (678) 817-7757 or visit http://www.ibelievethisisit.com/.
ABOUT THIS IS IT! BBQ & SEAFOOD
Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Fayetteville, Ga., This Is It! BBQ & Seafood specializes in authentic, home-style southern meals based on long-time, family recipes and cooked with love. The fast-casual, “cafeteria” style franchise specializes in barbecue, seafood and southern comfort cuisine – all prepared fresh and made from scratch daily. Derived from family recipes, This Is It! keeps its customers in mind by providing a diverse menu that maintains flavor profile expectations, yet reduces levels of sodium and sugar. Each restaurant offers delicious, real food – including entrees such as barbecue chicken, barbecue ribs and seafood; sides such as baked macaroni and cheese, collard greens and sweet potato soufflé; and desserts such as banana pudding and peach cobbler. This Is It! BBQ & Seafood has nine restaurant locations throughout the Metro Atlanta area and has grown steadily while giving credit to Jesus Christ. Catering services are available at all locations, meanwhile select sites also include drive-thrus and banquet rooms. For more information regarding This Is It! or its franchise opportunity, visit http://www.thisisitbbq.com or http://www.ibelievethisisit.com/.
