Opening is part of a record year of growth for the brand
CANTON, Ga. — Andy and Penny Wright have traded in corporate America and non-profit work for restaurant ownership. The couple opened the first Eggs Up Grill in Canton on December 28th, with an additional agreement for four more in North Georgia. The opening is part of the breakfast, brunch, and lunch brand’s focus on expanding in Georgia, where there are three restaurants to date. Restaurants currently under development will grow that number to more than a dozen in the state within the next two years.
Located at 104 Prominence Point Parkway in Canton, Eggs Up Grill will serve guests seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. with dine-in, online ordering, takeout and delivery options available. Additionally, the new Canton Eggs Up Grill will be focused on proving itself as a top catering go-to for the large number of thriving businesses located in close proximity to the restaurant.
Franchisee Andy Wright grew up in Gainesville, Ga., and chose Canton because of family ties to the community. This is the first venture outside of corporate America for Andy, whose resume boasts serious business acumen for big brands. Wright left his job as CFO of Eggs Up Grill in April 2020 to focus on developing his restaurants. Prior to that, he was CFO for Pure Barre.
“The first time we walked into an Eggs Up Grill on our anniversary weekend in Greenville, the seed was planted for opening our own,” said Andy, co-owner of the Canton restaurant. “As I learned more about Eggs Up Grill and gained first-hand experience, the feeling that this was the right fit as a long-term opportunity grew. The excitement found in a thriving brand, the community focus, the quality of the food, the opportunity for growth – those are just a few of the reasons my wife and I are continuing our journey with Eggs Up Grill in this new role as franchisees.”
With seating for 133, this 3,562-square-foot restaurant is designed to make guests feel at home. As Canton is a growing town with a strong sense of family that aligns with the brand’s model, the new Eggs Up Grill will be focused on serving the community.
“I’ve worked as a firefighter and paramedic, in ministry, and most recently, as a community involvement manager for a non-profit,” said Penny Wright, co-owner of the Canton location. “The common thread in my previous jobs, and really throughout my life, has been connecting and serving people. We are really committed to building relationships with residents and local organizations and look forward to finding ways to use Eggs Up Grill to support community efforts.”
The Canton restaurant will employ 25 team members, all of which are currently filled. The Wrights say they take COVID-19 very seriously and will meet and exceed local, state, federal and brand guidelines to protect guests and team members.
Eggs Up Grill currently operates 44 restaurants in four states – Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina. The new Canton restaurant is part of the brand’s aggressive expansion plans into Georgia. The Wrights signed a five-restaurant agreement for the northern Georgia market. Construction is beginning this month on the second restaurant, located in Rome, Ga. They are looking at Cartersville, Cumming and Athens as possible sites for future Eggs Up Grill restaurants.
Eggs Up Grill provides great-tasting, freshly prepared breakfast and savory lunch options. At Eggs Up Grill, guests experience delicious food in a comfortable atmosphere, delivered with a smile, or on the go with takeout and delivery options.
Menu categories include breakfast sandwiches, benedicts, omelets, pancakes, waffles, French toast, as well as classic breakfast entrees, home-fry bowls and fan-favorite muffins. The full menu is available open to close with lunch choices including burgers, sandwiches, wraps and salads. The menu also offers heart-healthy and gluten-friendly options and a kids’ menu. Family Bundle meals are offered for takeout and delivery, providing an easy way to feed four people starting at $25.
About Eggs Up Grill:
Eggs Up Grill is home to the whole neighborhood, serving smiles from sunup through lunch. The aromas of freshly brewed coffee, savory bacon and hand-cracked, farm-fresh eggs on the griddle and warm, attentive team members will make you feel right at home. We are “neighbors serving neighbors” daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Originally founded in Pawleys Island, S.C., in 1997 by restaurateur Chris Skodras, Eggs Up Grill has grown to 44 restaurants across the Southeast and is headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C. With strong AUVs and consistent comp sales momentum, no wonder existing franchisees are reinvesting in the brand and new franchisees are joining the Eggs Up Grill family.
In 2018, private equity firm WJ Partners acquired Eggs Up Grill, building the team and priming the brand to rapidly grow in more communities across the U.S. with plans underway to reach the 100-restaurant mark by 2022. For more information, visit https://www.eggsupgrill.com/franchise.
