--- title: "Virginia and Washington, D.C. Stand Out as Key Development Markets as MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Builds on Strong Brand Momentum" url: https://burnaze.com/article/f5a1f81f-d5ba-4185-b050-4efb868ea98d source: "1851 Franchise" original_url: https://1851franchise.com/virginia-and-washington-dc-stand-out-as-key-development-markets-as-mooyah-burgers-fries-shakes-builds-on-strong-brand-momentum-11421 category: "Burger" industry: "Restaurants" segment: "Burger" published: 2017-03-28T19:14:23.000Z modified: 2026-11-01T03:05:57.567Z image: https://newimage.1851franchise.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=85,format=webp,width=1280,height=720/story/featureImage/60c5e6d3e06bbdc3e867ee6e782c409d6863.jpg --- # Virginia and Washington, D.C. Stand Out as Key Development Markets as MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Builds on Strong Brand Momentum **TL;DR:** MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes is expanding in Virginia and Washington, D.C. with existing franchisees driving development activity. The brand plans to launch 20 new restaurants this year in key markets like Bethesda, Annapolis, Virginia Beach, Alexandria and Richmond. *originally published in 1851 Franchise on 2017-03-28. [Read the original](https://1851franchise.com/virginia-and-washington-dc-stand-out-as-key-development-markets-as-mooyah-burgers-fries-shakes-builds-on-strong-brand-momentum-11421).* ## Story As the saying goes, “Virginia is for lovers.” And Texas-based better burger brand MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes is finding that statement to ring true. Ever since opening its first Virginia franchise in 2012, the brand’s unique business model has found success in markets like Newport News, Williamsburg and Hampton. There’s a real demand among consumers in the area for top quality burgers, and MOOYAH’s innovative menu is hard to beat. That’s why as MOOYAH gets closer to celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year, the brand is seeing expansion activity throughout the state. “Virginia and Washington, D.C. are going to be major development markets for us in 2017. Our existing franchisees that are currently operating in the area are seeing tremendous success there, and we’re looking forward to replicating that in new communities,” said Jordan Duran, director of franchise sales for MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes. “With new units expected to open their doors for business and the reopening of our Williamsburg location in the coming months, we’re establishing strong momentum that we plan to use as fuel for the rest of the year.” One of those franchisees is Alpen Patel, who owns the MOOYAH location in Hampton, Virginia. He says that since opening for business in June of 2014, the restaurant has continuously seen increased success. Now going on three years of ownership, the restaurant has been especially well received by families and members of the military. “I've been increasing sales each year since we've opened. Each day and week is better than the last. I have tremendous support in the community. The word is getting out that we have the best burger in town. Everything is fresh from our buns to ingredients, and that has really resonated with the Hampton community,” Patel said. The brand has become such a hit in Hampton that Patel said he’s actively looking to bring another MOOYAH restaurant to an area nearby. He’s currently looking at the possibility of expanding in the greater Virginia Beach community, where he believes that MOOYAH will be welcomed like it has been in Hampton. It’s clear that there’s a real need for a brand like MOOYAH in the area—even folks who don’t live specifically in Hampton are making the trek to his existing location. “One of our best customers is a guy named Warren. He’s an 80-year-old man who lives 45 minutes away from our restaurant, but makes the drive to our MOOYAH in Hampton four times a week because he likes the burgers so much. His order is always the same—he sticks to his favorite burger and fries. Warren even told me that our eight dollar burger beats the best 20 dollar burger where he’s from,” Patel said. “That’s how you know that MOOYAH has tapped into something special. We’re bringing a great product and unrivaled experience to our guests.” At the end of the day, Patel points to MOOYAH’s franchise model as one of the main reasons for his success. With an emphasis on service and making sure that all guests are treated like family, the brand’s restaurants bring a level of quality to the restaurant industry that’s otherwise missing. Patel—along with other franchisees—are dedicated to making sure that each guest feels like they’re at home every time they walk through MOOYAH’s doors. MOOYAH is planning to bring that one of a kind experience to new communities across the Virginia and Washington, D.C. area. The brand has its sights set on launching 20 new restaurants this year, with plans to open its doors for business in key markets like Bethesda, Annapolis, Virginia Beach, Alexandria and Richmond. To make those development goals a reality, MOOYAH plans to continue working with passionate and dedicated franchisees. And given its affordable initial investment range that falls between $373,350 and $623,300, the brand makes it easy for entrepreneurs to adapt its simple business model. “I don't think that any brand services their customers like we do. It really sets MOOYAH apart from the competition. If you leave with a smile on your face, you're going to come back for the experience,” Patel said. Cassie has over five years of digital and traditional media experience. She joined NLA after working as a television news producer in both Milwaukee and Chicago, and now specializes in aligning strategies across the board for her clients, ultimately building buzz and telling compelling stories through content marketing, social media, digital campaigns and traditional PR. Cassie has a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast and Electronic Communications from Marquette University. In her spare time, Cassie enjoys traveling and exploring what new cities have to offer in addition to spending time with her friends and family. ## Entities - 1851 Franchise (publication) - Restaurants (sector) - unit expansion (topic) - franchise development (topic) - MOOYAH (company) - market growth (topic) - Virginia (location) - Washington, D.C. (location) - Richmond (location) - Virginia Beach (location) - Annapolis (location) - Alexandria (location) --- Originally reported by 1851 Franchise (https://1851franchise.com/virginia-and-washington-dc-stand-out-as-key-development-markets-as-mooyah-burgers-fries-shakes-builds-on-strong-brand-momentum-11421). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/f5a1f81f-d5ba-4185-b050-4efb868ea98d).