Big Whiskey's inks three-store franchise deal in Texas

Ozark-based Big Whiskey's LLC has signed a three-store deal to expand the restaurant chain into Texas.

Franchisees Tony and Mary Cook are first planning to open a Big Whiskey's in Willis, Texas, a city located north of Houston, according to a news release. Company officials could not be reached by deadline for the timeline of the plans, which also include potential locations in The Woodlands and Conroe.

"We are incredibly excited to support the brand expanding into Texas for the first time," said Austin Herschend, CEO of Big Whiskey’s, in the release. "Franchisees like Tony and Mary Cook help us bring that vision to life because they can see a market where Big Whiskey’s can thrive."

The financial terms of the franchise deal were not disclosed in the release. A franchising document available at BigWhiskeysFranchise.com points to an expected investment cost of $1.5 million to $5 million, a $50,000 franchise fee, royalties equal to 5% of net sales and a national marketing fund that's 1% of gross sales.

Tony Cook brings experience in restaurant development, having managed the construction of 46 restaurants in Nevada over a six-year period, according to the release.

In January, Big Whiskey's announced its debut in Florida, according to past reporting. The company has 19 locations listed as open or coming soon on its website.