Fast-Casual Barbecue Brand Mighty Quinn’s Is Eyeing D.C. Expansion

Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, the burgeoning NY-NJ chain, plans to open up shop in D.C. sometime soon reports QSR Magazine. Mighty Quinn’s currently operates 15 restaurants (largely in New York City) and is now preparing to franchise; the brand has set its sights on several major metropolitan markets — D.C. being one of them.

Mighty Quinn’s takes a fast-casual approach to barbecue — QSR Magazine calls it the Chipotle of barbecue (but then again, what fast-casual restaurant hasn’t been called the Chipotle of something?) Diners approach a kind of assembly line and meats — including brisket, burnt ends, half chicken — are carved while they watch. Side dishes at Mighty Quinn’s are as decadent as to be expected — both the broccoli salad and the potato salad contain bacon.

D.C. has had a flood of barbecue restaurants opening lately — at least eight have opened within the last year and a half.

Mighty Quinn’s/Facebook

This won’t be the barbecue brand’s first go at franchising — there are three locations abroad, in Taiwan, The Philippines and Dubai. Mighty Quinn’s plans to open 60 stores around the country within the next five years (including in D.C.)

• Mighty Quinn’s Launches Franchise Opportunity to Fuel Growth [QSR]
• The Hottest Barbecue Restaurants Around D.C. [EDC]