Bagger Dave's, the well-known burger restaurant chain in the Midwest, is facing the possibility of shutting down all its outlets. The company is considering converting these locations into different types of food establishments.
This news comes as many Bagger Dave's locations have already closed down. The chain is contemplating this major transition, signaling a potential end to its role as a regional burger destination.
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Uncertain Future for Bagger Dave's: Exploring New Paths
Bagger Dave's, a Michigan-based restaurant chain known for its burgers, sandwiches, and pizza, seems to be nearing its end. The chain, which has become a familiar name in the region, is undergoing significant changes.
BT Brands, acquiring roughly 40% of Bagger Dave's in 2022, announced this week that they are jointly looking into different strategic options for the chain's future. This decision could lead to major changes for Bagger Dave's, especially for its six remaining locations, five of which are in Michigan and one in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The company's recent press release indicates that these discussions will likely transform these existing outlets, marking a potential shift in the chain's direction and offerings.
In a recent statement, BT Brands CEO Gary Copperud highlighted the prime locations of their six stores. He emphasized that each store, varying in size from 4,000 to 6,000 square feet, holds a full liquor license and is in great physical shape. Copperud's comments underline the advantageous positioning and well-maintained status of these establishments.
In addition, he mentioned that this transformation might open up opportunities for "potential career growth" for the chain's employees.
The press release from BT Brands stated that Bagger Dave's restaurants will operate as usual for now. However, the company plans to transform these locations into a different concept later in the year. If these plans are carried out successfully, it would signify the conclusion of Bagger Dave's as it currently exists.
From Expansion to Strategic Conversion
Founded in 2008, Bagger Dave's became part of Diversified Restaurant Holdings, a company that also operated Buffalo Wild Wings in Michigan. The brand gained traction in the "better burger" market, expanding to 26 locations at its peak.
However, in 2016, Bagger Dave's was separated from the Buffalo Wild Wings operations. Since then, the burger chain has faced challenges, leading to the closure of several locations.
Bagger Dave's was once publicly traded but chose to delist in 2018.
This decision came as the company decided to buy out its smaller shareholders during a time when it was experiencing declines in sales and customer visits.
Despite surviving the challenges of the pandemic, Bagger Dave's has determined that its best strategy moving forward is to transform its existing locations into a different brand. "We see a significant potential for returns from a successful conversion for Bagger Dave's shareholders, including BT Brands," stated Gary Copperud.
BT Brands, the current operator of Bagger Dave's, also manages Burger Time, a fast-food chain in the Dakotas and Minnesota, and runs other independent restaurants in Massachusetts and Florida.
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