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El Pollo Loco, Sweetgreen and more restaurant chains open new units as coronavirus restrictions lift across the U.S.El Pollo Loco, Sweetgreen and more restaurant chains open new units as coronavirus restrictions lift across the U.S.

States including Texas, Arizona and California are seeing brand-new units pop up from big brands

Holly Petre, Assistant Digital Editor

June 15, 2020

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Restaurant chains across the country have not only begun to reopen dining rooms, but they are opening new units as a sign of hope for the future.

Last week, BJ’s announced 85% of units were open for dining, and Bloomin’ announced that over 75% of stores are open. Meanwhile, companies like Panda Express, Dunkin’ and Taco Bell are hiring thousands of new workers.

And it seems brands can’t resist opening new units in addition to ones that had been closed due to COVID-19.

Most of the new locations listed here are opening in Texas, which was one of the first states to lift restrictions and open at reduced capacity on May 1. But Arizona, California, Illinois and Colorado are seeing new restaurant locations as well.

From larger brands like El Pollo Loco to Slater’s 50/50, restaurant chains are capitalizing on the increased real-estate opportunity and customer base itching to leave their homes.

While all of these locations have to follow social-distancing guidelines for restaurants in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they’ve all seemingly opened in states where restrictions are light, like Texas and Arizona.

Check out the newest social-distancing units from some big brands.

Contact holly at [email protected]

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About the Author

Holly Petre

Assistant Digital Editor

Holly Petre is a digital editor for Nation’s Restaurant News as well as the host of NRN’s podcast, Extra Serving, and producer for Informa Restaurant and Food Group’s other three podcasts, One On One by Food Management, Off the Shelf with SN and In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn. Holly holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Sculpture, fibers and Material Studies and Ceramics from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. A native New Yorker, Holly enjoys her place on staff as the resident pop-culture expert and millennial with a sassy attitude and great sense of style.

Holly Petre’s work on Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality often covers marketing and trends, either aimed-at or examined-through the millennial mindset. Holly is responsible for introducing TikTok and Twitch to NRN and RH readers as well as explaining terms like “Karen” to staff and readers alike. She also spends her time on staff trying not to make every headline a pun.

Holly Petre hasn’t spoken at any events or on panels, but she is readily available with a killer shoe wardrobe and several witty quips.

 

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