A regional restaurant group opened an Eggs Up Grill location in Stroud Twp. earlier this month with plans to establish additional franchises across Lackawanna and Luzerne counties.
Rick Sell, vice president of operations for Metz Group, based in Dallas, noted the company had been eyeing Eggs Up as it looks to continue its expansion in the breakfast restaurant industry.
“We’ve been studying and looking at this brand for quite some time,” he said. “We believe Eggs Up Grill offered something unique in the daytime dining space. It’s not trying to be a diner or compete with some of the legacy breakfast chains. I think that creates a clear opportunity for us and the daytime only model, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with the strong culture and support system the franchise offers made it a natural fit.”
Based in South Carolina, Eggs Up Grill’s menu of breakfast, brunch and lunch favorites, includes omelets, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, burgers, bowls and mimosas, officials said.
Sell anticipates opening at least three more restaurants across Northeast Pennsylvania throughout the next couple of years, including another one or two within the next 12 to 18 months.
Among potential locations, Sell noted the company has explored opportunities in areas like Carbondale, Scranton, Pittston and Kingston.
“We’ve identified sites locally that we’re looking at very closely,” he said.
Sell stressed the restaurants will generate funds for the local economy and bolster the job market in the local communities where they will be situated.
“Every time we open a new one, we’ll create at least 35 new jobs,” he said. “We think it represents a really nice opportunity to provide business growth and job opportunities.”
Eggs Up Grill adds to Metz’s portfolio of franchise brands including Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Dunkin’, Chick-fil-A and TGI Fridays.
“We have a long, rich history of more than 30 years with franchise brands, and we also own and operate restaurants — like Lucky’s Craft Food & Drink inside the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport in Pittston Twp. — that we developed and created on our own,” Sell said.