Chef Looi Is Franchising

I just saw Chef Looi on "Secrets of Louisville Chefs" (I DVR'd Fridays show) where he discussed his plans to franchise his August Moon/Asiatique concept as Asiatique Bistro. He hopes to have five or more spots.

Does that mean he will become a dreaded "chain" no longer worthy of a visit by some of our forumites -- just kidding!

All the luck in the world, Looi!

Ugh, I hope not. Nothing kills a great concept faster than the rush to franchise. It is very difficult to make the transition from a unique, single-store restaurant to a nationally or even local chain and maintain the quality and standards of the original store. You really have to have people who know what they are doing leading the charge.

If they do go franchise, I certainly hope they will keep August Moon the way it is and allow the franchise to grow and develop on its own based on and rooted in the original restaurant.

Big Love for August Moon!

I'll let Looi pop up with more specifics;

but the first location is set to open in the West Chester area of Cincinnati;
and that plans have been well underway for over a year.

pretty much a amalgam of the two concepts, i've seen the 3D renderings of the interior of the place, and it's gonna be gorgeous.

If i remember correctly, i think plans were to begin construction sometime this fall.

west chester is an amazing place! very good location

west chester is an amazing place! very good location

I am not sure that amazing is the word I would use to describe westchester, but I am glad for Chef Looi.

I am not sure that amazing is the word I would use to describe westchester, but I am glad for Chef Looi.

well i have family, that includes my mother that live there. It depends on the location in west chester, but for the most part, i have always considered it a upper middle class town

I am not sure that amazing is the word I would use to describe westchester, but I am glad for Chef Looi.

I have family that lives there, that I visit quarterly. It depends on the location in west chester, but for the most part, I have always considered it a upper middle class town

Yes, it is definitely upper middle class. I didn't mean to imply otherwise.