[Grand Rapids Restaurant Rumor Mill]

I hear Wolfgang's in Eastown will be open until 5 on weekends and is franchising. Have we discussed this?

AWESOME!!!

Now that I'm getting too old to stay up that late!

[Grand Rapids Restaurant Rumor Mill]

Does anybody know where the nearest Sonic is? I know, it doesn't fit the mold of most of the other restaurants discussed in this thread. However, they flood Grand Rapids television stations with advertisements, and there isn't one anywhere in town. My buddies and I always talk about pulling a Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle move and taking a road trip to a Sonic on those nights with nothing else to do.

For the aspiring entrepreneur, I bet a Sonic would take in some serious $$ in the right location.

KOKOMO, IN

There isn't one in Michigan, but everyone knows about the Sonic commercials. I always thought Sonic would be a great business to open...BUT...here's the info I found on the Sonic website:

These are the basic requirements to own a SONIC franchise:

* The term of a SONIC franchise is 20 years, plus a 10-year renewal.

* The franchise fee is $30,000, with a total initial investment ranging from $710,000 to $2.3 million.

* You must have prior or current successful restaurant experience and/or strong entrepreneurial skills.

* Royalty fees are 1 to 5 percent; advertising fees are 4 to 5 percent.

* Financial Requirements Are:

Liquidity Net Worth

1 Store $500,000 $500,000

2 Stores $1,000,000 $1,000,000

3 Stores $1,500,000 $1,500,000

5+ Stores $2,000,000 $3,500,000

[Grand Rapids Restaurant Rumor Mill]

Monte's is closing for 90 days to remodel the place. O'Tooles will remain open.

Maybe they're trying to capitalize on the Riverhouse and Unionsquare condos going up in the neighborhood? Gain some new buzz, maybe attract some higher $ clientele?