Desert Moon Opens Its Second Restaurant In Northwest Indiana

Posted on December 07, 2006 by Ginger Watford

Valley Cottage, New York - Desert Moon Franchise Corp. operator and franchisor of 19 fast casual; Fresh Mexican restaurants announced today that its Multi-unit franchisee, Trios Hospitality Group has opened its second of four units scheduled in northwest Indiana. This second location is in the Beacon Hill Shopping Center on Broadway in Crown Point, Indiana. This unit opened just six months after the successful launch of Desert Moon in Valparaiso. In addition, a second franchisee (Cactus Pad, LLC) is scheduled to open a new Desert Moon in the Heritage Square Shopping Center in Granger, Indiana by February, 2007.

Trios Hospitality Group acquired the rights with the intention of developing the first three of twenty units slated for the Chicago suburbs of northwest Indiana within the next 24 months.

President of Desert Moon, Gary Occhiogrosso said “we are very excited about our two franchisees in northwest Indiana. They understand the importance of great sites, building restaurants at the right price, running efficient operations and effective marketing programs. We think it’s a great match!”

The growing need for an alternative to Fast Food in northwest Indiana is one that Desert Moon Fresh Mexican Grille plans to meet. The company’s brand position of “The Fresh Healthful Alternative to Fast Food” will play well in an area with very few options for the health conscience consumer.

Desert Moon has been on an aggressive expansion in the Northeast and now looks to open its unique restaurants in key Midwest markets. In addition to Chicago and northwest Indiana, Desert Moon has multiple units scheduled to open in Florida, Maryland and Pennsylvania. “Our fresh made Burritos, Tacos and Salads will go over very well here in the Midwest” said Fred J. Kirvan, Director of Brand Development for Desert Moon.” People want great tasting, high quality food, in a comfortable setting along with speed, value and convenience, that’s what Desert Moon delivers to our guests” says Kirvan.

A representative from Trios Hospitality Group said “We believe our expertise in the market combined with the years of experience Desert Moon has in the Fresh Mexican category is a great synergy. We love the concept and the fresh flavor of all the items. When we first visited New York and saw the Desert Moon units, tasted the product and spoke with some of the folks in the restaurants, we knew we had a winner. I am very excited about getting started.”

About Desert Moon Fresh Mexican Grille

Desert Moon Holdings Corp. currently operates and franchises 19 Desert Moon Fresh Mexican Grille locations in eight states. Their restaurants define a new higher standard for fast-casual, fresh Mexican cuisine by serving only the highest quality, skillfully prepared food.