Huddle House returns to Ohio with Southern Ohio development deal

Huddle House has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with a Jackson County family to open its first Southern Ohio location, starting with a build in Wellston. The deal brings the breakfast chain back to Ohio and adds to a recent push that has topped 120 franchise agreements in three years. Why it matters: - The deal gives Huddle House its first planned location in Southern Ohio and returns the brand to Ohio. - The move adds a new market for the breakfast chain as it looks to keep expanding beyond its existing footprint. - The Graham family is building the restaurants as a long-term family business, not just a single-store launch. What happened: - Huddle House signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with Triple G Enterprises, LLC. - The franchise group is led by Andy Graham and his sons AJ, Brice and Reece Graham. - The first restaurant is planned for Wellston, Ohio, in Jackson County. - The location will be a ground-up build. - Brice Graham said the family expects the community to embrace a full-service breakfast concept in Wellston. The details: - Andy Graham is a chemical engineer by training and has more than 25 years of experience running a construction business. - Andy Graham also brings experience in convenience stores, commercial real estate development and business ownership. - Brice Graham graduated from Miami University with a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. - Reece Graham graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management and Technology. - Reece Graham works as an estimator and project manager at his father’s construction company. - Brice Graham works as a systems engineer at General Mills. - Brice and Reece Graham will oversee day-to-day operations and future growth across south and central Ohio. - AJ Graham is attending Ohio State University and plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. - AJ Graham is the youngest franchisee in Huddle House history. - AJ Graham is expected to take a larger role after graduation. - Huddle House has nearly 300 restaurants nationwide. - The brand has been serving communities for more than 60 years. - Huddle House has signed more than 120 franchise agreements in the past three years. - The brand says it offers strong brand recognition, operational support and a flexible development model. - To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit Huddle House franchising . - For more information about the brand, visit Huddle House . Between the lines: - The Graham family’s background in construction and commercial development lowers the risk of a ground-up restaurant build. - The father-and-sons structure gives Huddle House a franchise partner with local ties and a built-in succession plan. - Peter Ortiz, chief development officer for Ascent Hospitality Management, called the Southern Ohio opening a landmark moment for the brand and said the Graham family fits the type of entrepreneurial partner the chain wants. - The family’s plan to split responsibilities across generations suggests the deal is designed for growth beyond a single opening. What’s next: - The Wellston restaurant is the first planned Huddle House in the family’s Southern Ohio rollout. - Brice, Reece and later AJ Graham will help drive operations and expansion in south and central Ohio. - Huddle House will keep using franchise growth to enter both existing and new markets. The bottom line: - Huddle House is betting on a local family with construction chops and multi-generational ambition to reestablish the brand in Ohio and scale it across the region.