Founding Farmers announced this week that it will open its first location outside the D.C. area. The restaurant is set to open an outpost in King of Prussia, Penn., just outside of Philadelphia by spring of next year.
It's not the only homegrown restaurant going national. Here are a few others that have recently expanded or plan to expand their territory:
- Amsterdam Falafelshop. The restaurant already has two locations in Massachusetts (Somerville and Boston) but another franchise location will open in Dallas on May 1—with lamb in addition to the regular vegetarian fare. Beyond Texas, the falafel shop is also "moving forward with an aggressive U.S. franchise growth plan," according to a press release.
- Cava Grill. The Mediterranean fast casual eatery has 17 local spots and opened two California locations (Los Angeles and Woodland Hills) within the past year with a third on the way in Culver City. Next up is New York, where a location is slated for Union Square later this summer. Last April, the local chain announced a $16 million round of funding to help fuel national expansion. Then in September, it announced another $45 million investment. Co-founder Ted Xenohristos has moved to L.A to oversee the company’s West Coast growth.
- Sweetgreen. The salad chain has also received a massive influx of dollars over the years, including money from big name restaurateurs like Danny Meyer and Daniel Boulud plus Steve Case's venture firm, Revolution Growth. In addition to its more than 20 D.C., Maryland, and Virginia locations, Sweetgreen has a growing presence in New York, Pennsylvania, California, Massachusetts, and soon Chicago. It's quickly approaching 50 locations nationwide.
- Matchbox. Beyond its seven local restaurants, Matchbox has operated a place in Palm Springs since 2005. But it's geared up fundraising and expansion within the past year. The restaurant opened up in Dallas in February with another spot coming soon to Sawgrass Mills, Fla. Matchbox Food Group, which also operates Ted's Bulletin, aims to open six to eight new locations per year through 2020. Austin, Denver, Philadelphia, Orlando, Miami, and Tampa are all on the radar, along with more local openings.
Photo of Founding Farmers Tysons Corner by Jessica Sidman