Rumbi plans to debut stores in Calif., TexasRumbi plans to debut stores in Calif., Texas

Lisa Jennings

SANDY Utah The 24-unit Rumbi Island Grill fast-casual chain said Wednesday it would bring the tropical-theme brand to California and Texas for the first time as part of an ambitious franchise agreement that calls for 36 new units over the next five years.

First-time restaurant franchisees Ron Brown and Michael Hamilton of Rumbi-LCW, based in Torrance, Calif., are planning to open six Rumbi Island Grill restaurants in Orange County before the end of the year, with the first two slated to open in Irvine, Calif., and Brea, Calif., by the fall. The initial build-out for Orange County includes 20 stores with the potential for more.

In 2010, the franchisees plan to begin opening stores in Texas, with Houston as the primary target. The deal calls for 16 locations in Texas initially.

Specializing in rice bowl dishes, salads and Pacific Rim-style entrees such as grilled salmon and luau pork, the Sandy, Utah-based chain currently has units in Utah, Arizona and Colorado.

Stuart Gee, Rumbi's president and chief executive, said the franchisor had a previous agreement with another group last year to open stores in Southern California, but financing for the deal fell through.

The company is looking for franchise operators interested in deals involving multiple units of five or more, Gee said.

Rumbi Island Grill was founded in Salt Lake City in 2000. Gee said the company plans to continue opening corporate locations within the core markets of Utah and Arizona with another one or two that could open before the end of the year.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].