Kelly’s Roast Beef Plans Expansion to The Granite State

This planned expansion announcement comes after the brand launched its franchise opportunity last year, opening up the opportunity for qualified candidates to launch a Kelly’s of their own. Looking to bring a taste of Boston to new communities throughout the Northeast is Neil Newcomb, CEO of Kelly’s Roast Beef Franchising.

“As we continue to grow, we have gotten a lot of interest in New Hampshire,” said Newcomb. “People want us to grow in areas like Concord and Manchester so they don’t have to drive an hour to reach the nearest Kelly’s. We are excited to grow in New England communities like these where we can reach long-time Kelly’s fans while also introducing the brand to newcomers.”

The history of Kelly’s dates back to 1951, when founders Frank McCarthy and Ray Carey first worked together at the Paul Roger House in Revere Beach. The duo decided to go into business together and opened up a hot dog stand next door while continuing to work at the inn’s restaurant. The iconic roast beef sandwich was created on a whim one night after a wedding was cancelled, and the two took the roast beef from the event over to their hot dog stand and served it on a grilled hamburger roll. Since then, the Kelly’s Roast Beef sandwich has become a local legend.

Newcomb launched Kelly’s Roast Beef’s franchise opportunity just before the pandemic, and has been connecting with prospects steadily, despite in-person limitations.

“The timing of everything has slowed us down a little bit, but our plans to grow are still very solid,” added Newcomb. “We have been in touch with a lot of great prospects who want to open up their own Kelly’s, and we know that this growth will be well-received by the local community.”

Kelly's hasn't gone towards a commissary set-up. Instead, each location roasts its beef in-house all through the day, ensuring that sandwiches can still be carved to order as they have been for decades. Other beloved menu items include fried clams, lobster rolls, crispy french fries, onion rings, hot dogs, and chicken finger plates.