DALLAS--Boston's Restaurant & Sports Bar,the Dallas-based casual concept that bridges family dining with asports-bar aesthetic, has re-launched its franchising effort acrossthe country.

The restaurant, which has five locations across the North Texasarea, is branching out in the northeast U.S., having recentlysigned a deal for five units in the Baltimore, Md., area with newfranchise partner, Keith Asante. The restaurantswill open throughout the city of Baltimore, Baltimore County andHartford County. Asante was motivated to join up with Boston'sbecause of the widespread success of its sister brand,Boston Pizza, which has more than 375 restaurantsin Canada.

“After realizing the unquestionable success of Boston's inCanada, and the fact that the brand presence throughout the countryis undeniable, it instantly became clear to me that the company hasa solid, proven business model,” said Asante, the new franchisee.“I want to do what I can to help Boston's become equally well-knownthroughout the states and it starts here, within the Baltimoreregional markets.”