Backyard Burgers
The Backyard Burgers franchise off of U.S. 31 was acquired by the company’s corporate office earlier this month, and the company plans to make improvements on the location.
“Initially we are definitely going to be doing something to spruce up the interiors and exteriors, some signage and things like that,” said CEO David McDougall.
The Hoover location, at 1989 U.S. 31, was previously owned by brothers Stewart and Phillip Cox, along with a second location in Vestavia Hills. McDougall said they approached corporate about taking over the locations as they focused more on other business endeavors.
“They have been very good, long-standing franchise owners for Backyard Burgers,” McDougall said. “They have been involved in the brand for 25 years, and they have now become involved in some other businesses.”
McDougall said Stewart and Phillip Cox still have “a place” for Backyard Burgers and wanted to see the locations continue to succeed in the Birmingham area.
“We were able to work through a proposal and get it done,” McDougall said. “The interesting thing is [Stewart and Phillip Cox] are our landlords, so they still have an indirect involvement and certainly an interest to see it continue to be successful.”
Corporate kept the same employees at both locations although some decided to leave since corporate acquired the location. In addition to making changes to the current locations, McDougall said the company plans to look into future expansion in Birmingham.
“We’re certainly excited to be in the Birmingham area, and we’re excited for the Coxes as they move onto this new phase,” he said.
