The Cereal Bowl leading restaurant race

Over the past few years I have been watching with interest the fledgling growth of cereal restaurants. It's an innovative concept that has much promise, but is still struggling to get traction.

Exactly one year ago today the initial frontrunner in the race, Cereality, was bought out by Cold Stone Creamery. While Cold Stone has experimented with two combo stores (one in Colorado, the other in Arizona), Cereality is down to four locations. They had such promise.

The clear leader in the race today is the The Cereal Bowl. They now have twenty-two franchise locations, and are looking ahead with new store designs suited for more urban areas than college campuses, and new sustainable packaging. They appear to be one to watch now. (Source: QSR magazine).

Technorati Tags: cereal, restaurants, The+Cereal+Bowl, Cereality, breatkfastbowl

Cereal restaurant updates

It's been awhile since I've last reported on developments in the fledgling cereal restaurant industry. A few years ago it looked like this would be a fast growing industry under the banner of early leaders Cereality and The Cereal Bowl.

But things did not take off as originally anticipated, perhaps because of inadequate strategies.

Nevertheless, the concept is not dead and there are those still working to see cereal restaurants a ubiquitous presence across the country. In addition to the frontrunners there are a growing number of independents and newcomers, such as the new The Milky Spoon in California.

In addition, cereal restaurants are experimenting with partnerships with other restaurants. According the Miami Herald, the latest is The Cereal Bowl partnering with P. B. Loco, an operator of peanut butter cafes.

Obviously, this restaurant concept has a way to go toward full acceptance and maturity. But, it is interesting to watch it emerge and evolve.

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Technorati Tags: cereal, restaurants, The+Cereal+Bowl, BreakfastBowl

The Cereal Bowl announces expansion

I have long been intrigued with the development of cereal restaurants over the past few years. Cereality was the emergent leader but had some early struggles, and may have some new life having been bought out by the parent company of Cold Stone Creamery.

But now, the other big contender, The Cereal Bowl, has announced expansion. They claim several thousand franchise inquiries, and say that they will be going nationwide with 16 store now under development.

I sure hope one of these companies gets wise and builds one close to me somewhere!

LINK to press release

Technorati Tags: cereal, The+Cereal+Bowl, restaurants, breakfastbowl

Cereal Bowl's plans

The Miami Herald frequently (for example) highlights one of the its local cereal restaurants, The Cereal Bowl. A recent article provides insight into the company's plans for growth and franchising, and some of the challneges that are faced. An interesting read.

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Technorati Tags : cereal, restaurants, Cereal+Bowl, franchises, breakfastbowl