One month after announcing its franchise expansion plan, DMK Burger Bar has signed its first franchise partner. Carolyn Michael will lead the restaurant’s growth in the Chicagoland area as the brand’s first franchisee. Carolyn plans to open multiple locations throughout the city in 2018 and beyond. Carolyn has more than four years of restaurant industry experience.

She is already a multiunit operator for the healthy fast food chain Freshii, making DMK Burger Bar the second restaurant concept that the female entrepreneur is involved with. Carolyn’s franchising career began in 2013 with Freshii, and she feels that the timing is right to add another brand to her repertoire.

Carolyn comments on why she sought out DMK Burger Bar Partner David Grossman’s mentorship and her future with the chef-driven concept, “I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside David Grossman for four years at Freshii, so the minute I heard he was leading DMK Burger Bar’s franchise development, I knew I wanted to be their first partner and take on a key role in growing the brand. I already crave their recipes and admire their smart sourcing strategy. I’m eager to open more burger bars, so everyone can experience these premium creations.”

David Grossman shares why Carolyn makes for a qualified first franchise partner to join the system. He says, “Carolyn is driven, hardworking and a natural at handling everything that comes with running a restaurant. I’ve seen Carolyn grow tremendously as an operator and am excited to watch her put everything she has learned the past four years in action with DMK. We know that Carolyn will play a big part in helping us achieve our goal of opening 400 stores in the next decade.”

DMK Burger Bar has seen success in a variety of locations during its 8 years in Chicago, a city known for its gourmet patties. From counter service in Soldier Field and the food court of a suburban mall to full service in the original neighborhood burger joint and at Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier, DMK Burger Bar has proven it can work in any setting with hungry customers.

DMK Burger Bar challenges its current and future guests and franchise partners to scour the planet to find a more crave-able burger with smarter sourcing. For anyone that can’t find one, learn more about franchise opportunities, menu and locations here: dmkburgerbar.com.