Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Lands The NO. 2 Spot on The Next 20 List By Nation's Restaurant News

Contact Information:

Caroline Graham

Rountree Group

770-650-2601

cgraham@rountreegroup.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FIREBIRDS WOOD FIRED GRILL LANDS THE NO. 2 SPOT

ON THE NEXT 20 LIST BY NATION’S RESTAURANT NEWS

Charlotte, N.C. (Aug. 30, 2017) – Charlotte-based Firebirds Wood Fired Grill has placed second on the respected 2017 Next 20 list by Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN), the leading resource for business intelligence in the foodservice industry. Restaurants on the 2017 Next 20 list generated less U.S. sales than the publication’s Top 200 restaurants, but have the momentum and guest base NRN deems necessary to swim against industry slowdown and continue to grow their brands. Some of the restaurants, including Firebirds, even have the potential to crack the Top 200 next year.

Firebirds was awarded second in the Next 20 with nearly $144 million in 2016 sales, a more than 6 percent jump from the previous year. The number of Firebirds units also increased by 10.5 percent.

Firebirds is no stranger to rapid growth. With only 20 units at the end of 2011, the scratch-kitchen restaurant expanded to 43 units across the United States in just six years. Firebirds CEO Mark Eason said the key to success is in the details.

“We believe in not only delivering outstanding cuisine, but creating an all-encompassing dining experience for each of our guests across the country,” Eason said. “Whether it is the friendly hospitality they are greeted with, the warm and inviting atmosphere they experience, their boldly flavored meal and refreshing drinks or their first impression of our restaurant as they get out of their car, we pay close attention to every aspect of a guest’s visit to Firebirds.”

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About Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is a polished-casual restaurant specializing in classic American cuisine, including fresh steaks and seafood prepared on an authentic wood-fired grill. The menu features a variety of innovative selections infused with bold flavors, created in its scratch-made kitchen and seared over local hickory, oak or pecan wood. Unique features, including custom-designed wine walls, exclusive artwork, inviting patios and the award-winning FIREBAR®, provide a full-spectrum dining experience. The FIREBAR® boasts a wide selection of artisan cocktails, craft beer and a robust wine list, including Firebirds’ own private labels, served at proper cellar temperatures. With its purpose to “Serve, Enrich and Exceed,” Firebirds prides itself on providing real value and unexpected delights to its guests. Firebirds partners with organizations such as Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to weave itself into the fabric of each community it serves, having donated more than $975K to date through the sale of its freshly squeezed lemonade. To become a member of Firebirds’ Inner Circle or to find a location, visit firebirdsrestaurants.com, like Firebirds on Facebook or follow Firebirds on Twitter at @FirebirdsGrill or Instagram at @FirebirdsGrill.