With a focus on advancing and enhancing its franchise development efforts, Bar Louie – America’s #1 Happy Hour spot – has announced a pair of top-shelf hires poised to drive and elevate the brand’s franchising efforts.
Brian DeHart will assume the role of Vice President of Franchise Operations, bringing his extensive experience to drive operational innovation. Steve Culbert has joined as Vice President of Franchise Sales and Administration, leveraging his expertise to enhance franchise owner relations and develop advanced sales strategies.
“I am thrilled to welcome Brian and Steve to our leadership team as I am confident they will significantly enhance and improve our business and franchise activities,” said CEO Brian Wright. “With strong franchise interest driving our growth, evidenced by newly signed agreements, the addition of these seasoned executives signals a promising future for Bar Louie, where the sky’s the limit!”
A recently finalized five-unit agreement with a prominent Midwest-based hotel group is set to bring Bar Louie to the vibrant Chicago and Indianapolis markets. The first location under this multi-unit development deal is underway in Indiana, positioned as a flagship eatery within an upcoming retail complex that will also feature shops and hotels. Additionally, January also saw the grand opening of a new Bar Louie in Naperville, IL, a suburb just outside of Chicago, further solidifying one of the brand's longest franchise partnerships.
As Vice President of Franchise Operations, DeHart will oversee all aspects of operations for both franchise locations and new locations. His expertise will be critical to ensuring consistency across the brand, in addition to providing support for franchise owners. With a background as Director of Operations for 5 1⁄2 years, Brian brings a wealth of experience, including being awarded Bar Louie’s “DO of the Year” in 2023. Prior to that, he served as General Manager for nearly six years at the brand’s Geneva, IL location.
In his role as VP of Franchise Sales and Administration, Culbert will spearhead franchise development, manage franchisee relations and sales, and oversee Bar Louie’s corporate locations in Florida. With over three decades of industry experience including roles at Carrabba’s, Bennigan’s, Einstein’s Bagels and Tijuana Flats, Culbert brings a wealth of industry knowledge to his new position.
Late last year, with a commitment to further developing franchise growth, the brand unveiled a new program focused on incentivizing potential new owners. Until June 2024, Bar Louie is offering qualified franchise partners 50% off their initial franchise fee. In addition, qualified hospitality partners in the hotel franchising space may be eligible for royalty relief for new or existing developments.
Additionally, in preparation for accelerated growth, Bar Louie recently unveiled a more contemporary restaurant layout and design at their high-traffic Nashville location featuring upscale-yet-approachable finishes throughout the dining room. The modern redesign was chosen specifically for the Nashville location and demonstrates the unique flexibility that can be customized to match the feel and needs of the community, providing a localized experience that customers crave and appreciate.
With nearly 70 locations across the country, Bar Louie combines the consistency of a national brand with a locally hospitable appeal. No two Bar Louie restaurants are alike, but each has a modern, relaxed vibe that expresses the brand’s identity, taking the bar and eatery experience to new heights, attracting an affluent crowd that enjoys premium cocktails, local brews, great food and hanging with friends.
For more information, visit www.ownabarlouie.com.
About Bar Louie
Founded in downtown Chicago in 1990 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Bar Louie is the original Gastrobar with an award-winning collection of neighborhood bars with a lively, social atmosphere. With 67 locations across the United States, Bar Louie is known for its signature handcrafted martinis and cocktails, Gastrobar menu of appetizers, burgers and sandwiches served every day until close. For more information on Bar Louie, visit www.barlouie.com.
