Creative Expands Kokopelli

The new Kokopellis are being opened through Kokopelli Franchise Co. LLC, which "has received significant interest from restaurant developers" interested in the fast-casual format, according to Frank Holdraker, CEO of Creative Eateries Corp. The corporation maintains a 50-50 profit sharing agreement with Kokopelli Franchise Co.

Kokopelli Sonoran Grill was founded in Phoenix in 1997 and, according to Creative Eateries, differentiates itself from other fast casual chains by serving made-to-order big burritos, tacos, fajitas, and other Sonoran specialties. One of the differences the company emphasizes is that Kokopelli specializes in many menu items found in full-service Mexican restaurants, such as Sonoran Garlic Steak, Grilled Chicken Sedona, Margarita Shrimp and other dishes that are served "platter style."

The expansion plan for Creative Eateries includes both corporate growth and franchising, the corporation says. Last year, for example, it bought the rights to a concept called the Fit-n-Healthy Market Cafe, which it describes as a combination of fast casual dining and retailing. Each Fit-n-Healthy Market Cafe combines a quick-serve restaurant with a convenience-style retail store that carries health-oriented products such as protein powder, vitamins, healthy snacks and natural foods.

At the time of the acquisition, Creative Eateries said that it expected to have the first Fit-n-Healthy Market Cafe open in the second quarter of 2006 and to open more than 20 units within the year following the opening of the first.