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Despite the jittery economy, the National Restaurant Association predicts the number of food service industry jobs will increase more than 10 percent nationwide. The statistics look even better in Georgia, where the trade group predicts increases above 15 percent.
Experts say the numbers of entrepreneurs seeking to open restaurant franchises in Georgia are disproportionately high, compared to the state’s population, which the US Census Bureau estimates to be 9th largest in the nation.
“Georgia is 5th in the country in terms of the interest that we see from people who want to start a franchise,” said Garth Snider, president of FranchiseOpportunities.com.
A major driver is the large metropolitan area surrounding the state’s capital city.
“Atlanta seems to be a big test market for a lot of concepts because there is a big diverse demographic here,” said Jimmy Davis, a tenant representative with Colliers International.
When a concept does well here, others follow.
“Einstein Bros. does great in Atlanta,” Davis said. “Goldberg’s (Bagel Company) does great. So, Bruegger’s is coming to Atlanta, because they see the success that some of their neighbor competitors have.”
Metro Atlanta, which sprawls across much of the northern part of Georgia, is a region of commuters. Many of these travelers gravitate to familiar brands, compounding the success of restaurant franchises. (See my related blog).