Big Whiskey's inks Alabama franchise deal

Ozark-based Big Whiskey's is expanding its presence in Alabama through a new franchise deal.

The company signed a franchise agreement with restaurant industry veterans Terry and Aimee Sims to open three Big Whiskey's restaurants in the Huntsville metropolitan area, according to a news release.

The Simses are adding Big Whiskey's to their portfolio of 13 existing quick-service restaurant franchises.

“We are so excited about working with a high-potential brand like Big Whiskey’s," Terry Sims said in the release. "We love the passion of the organization, the modern menu and the growth vision of the company. We can’t wait to get things rolling to maximize the potential."

A franchise document available on Big Whiskey's website points to a franchise fee of $50,000, royalties of 5% of gross sales and 1% of gross sales toward a national marketing fund.

Big Whiskey's previously penned a separate franchise deal for Hoover, Alabama, according to past reporting.

Austin Herschend, Big Whiskey's co-CEO, said in the release that the expected opening of eight locations within the next 12 months would bring the company's store count to 23. Other contracts are in negotiation, he said.

"We are thrilled to be entering a phase of growth, having assembled a team of talented individuals who will help us expand the reach of the beloved Big Whiskey's brand," Herschend said in the release.