HOUSTON A company affiliated with Pizza Hut co-founder Frank Carney has agreed to open 10 franchised Genghis Grill Mongolian barbecue restaurants in the Greater Houston area, the Dallas-based franchisor said Thursday.
Carney’s partner in the venture is Martin Hart. Keith Sullins has been hired to serve as president of the newly formed franchisee, Mongolian Dining Venture LLC.
Carney is already affiliated with the Papa John’s pizza chain, an association the brand had highlighted in an advertising war with archrival Pizza Hut. He and his brother Dan launched Pizza Hut in 1958, using $600 they had borrowed from their mother. Frank parted with the brand in 1980, three years after selling it to PepsiCo.
Genghis Grill, a 2002 winner of Nation’s Restaurant News’ Hot Concepts! Award, currently consists of 17 stores, with five more slated to open by year-end.
“To have a restaurant group led by Frank Carney recognize the growth potential is very exciting for our franchise,” said Al Bhakta, Genghis Grill’s chief executive.
