SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Eggs Up Grill, a rapidly expanding breakfast, brunch and lunch concept, has signed a three-location development agreement with existing, multi-unit Franchise Owner Ken Bates for Knoxville, Tenn. He also owns two Eggs Up Grill restaurants in the Tri-Cities area of Tennessee and Virginia, and will open three more in 2025.

“We are thrilled to continue our growth in Tennessee, and look forward to entering the new market of Knoxville with Ken’s experience at the helm,” said Eggs Up Grill CEO Ricky Richardson. “Ken previously operated successful businesses in Knoxville. He understands the market and that there is a need for a great breakfast, brunch and lunch spot that provides an everyday value and uniquely friendly service that you can only find at Eggs Up Grill.”  

Bates is a native of Kingsport, Tenn. and is a seasoned restaurateur with more than 35 years of experience. Prior to Eggs Up Grill, he owned 24 Little Caesars restaurants across four states, including Tennessee, Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia. He says the core values of Eggs Up Grill are what attracted him to the brand. His son, Ethan Bates, will act as the COO and will oversee operations for all three Knoxville area-restaurants.

“The reason we chose to expand with Eggs Up Grill is because we have truly enjoyed being a part of the brand. We serve great food – real meats on the grill and we hand-crack every egg – not to mention it’s easy to attract great talent because of the hours and quality of life we can provide,” said Ken Bates. “This next step in our expansion gives us the opportunity to grow our business with a proven concept, as well as serve up smiles to our new neighbors throughout Knoxville.”

With locations across the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Texas and  Mississippi, Eggs Up Grill offers a rewarding experience for guests and franchise partners alike. The Brand is known for its uniquely friendly service, great tasting products and compelling value. There are more than 100 Eggs Up Grills under development or committed to open over the next decade. Eggs Up Grill is quickly becoming the largest franchised, full-service better breakfast concept in the U.S. marketplace.

About Eggs Up Grill:

Founded in Pawleys Island, S.C., Eggs Up Grill has been serving smiles for more than 25 years. The aromas of freshly brewed coffee, savory bacon and hand-cracked, farm-fresh eggs and juicy burgers on the griddle, and warm, attentive service make you feel right at home. We are “neighbors serving neighbors” daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a full menu of breakfast, brunch and lunch from open to close. Eggs Up Grill’s business model creates smiles for our Franchise Partners as well. Ranked as the No. 1 breakfast franchise by Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500® three years in a row, Eggs Up Grill is experiencing record growth and is seeking both experienced and first-time franchise partners. The Brand has 81 locations in operation, with more than 100 under development or committed to open this decade. For more information, visit eggsupgrillfranchise.com.