Perkins Griddle & Go franchisees add six New Jersey locations

By AI, Created 4:22 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Giuseppe and Nicole Lahara expanded their Perkins Griddle & Go development agreement by six restaurants in Monmouth and Ocean counties, bringing their New Jersey pipeline to 16 cafés. Their first location is set to open in the Flemington, New Jersey area later this summer as Perkins widens its Garden State footprint.

Why it matters: - The expansion deepens Perkins Griddle & Go’s rollout in New Jersey, the first U.S. market for the brand’s domestic debut. - The Laharas’ larger commitment adds more restaurant growth to Monmouth and Ocean counties and brings the couple’s total planned New Jersey development to 16 cafés. - The move also extends a family-owned franchise bet on a newer, smaller-footprint format built for faster service.

What happened: - Giuseppe and Nicole Lahara signed a new agreement for six additional Perkins Griddle & Go locations in Monmouth and Ocean counties. - The new deal builds on a 10-unit development agreement the husband-and-wife team signed last year. - The Laharas now have a 16-unit development pipeline across New Jersey. - Their first Perkins Griddle & Go is scheduled to open later this summer in the Flemington, New Jersey area. - The first location is in Mercer County. - The development plan spans the next 10 years.

The details: - Perkins Griddle & Go is using New Jersey as the launch market for its U.S. expansion. - To date, 36 Perkins Griddle & Go locations have been signed across Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties. - Additional New Jersey markets remain available for development. - The concept uses a compact footprint with a streamlined, contemporary design. - The cafés include digital menu boards and self-order kiosks. - Guests can use the quick-service format or stay in a café-style setting. - Giuseppe Lahara said he and Nicole are expanding because they are longtime fans of the brand and want to build a legacy for their children. - Peter Ortiz, chief development officer of Ascent Hospitality Management, said the expanded commitment reflects confidence in the concept and its growth in New Jersey.

Between the lines: - Perkins is leaning on early franchisees to prove out a newer café model before broader national scaling. - The brand’s New Jersey concentration suggests a deliberate market-by-market buildout rather than a rapid nationwide push. - The family-legacy pitch signals Perkins is targeting operators who want long-term ownership, not just a single-store investment.

What’s next: - The Laharas’ first location should open later this summer in the Flemington area. - Additional stores are expected to follow over the next decade as the franchisees move through the 16-unit pipeline. - Perkins is still seeking development in more New Jersey markets. - More information about the brand and franchise opportunities is available at Perkins franchising and Perkins franchise opportunities.

The bottom line: - Perkins Griddle & Go is turning New Jersey into its proving ground, and the Laharas’ expanded deal is another sign the brand’s growth strategy is gaining traction.