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The basics:

• Perkins Griddle & Go plans to open 46 locations in New Jersey
• First NJ spot tp launch by October at Fort Monmouth‘s RiverWalk
• Units will span Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties
• Fast-casual concept offers dine-in, grab-and-go options

Perkins American Food Co.’s new fast-casual brand is cooking up excitement among franchisees in New Jersey.

After signing multiple development deals, Perkins Griddle & Go said it expects to launch 46 units across Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties, according to a July 15 press release.

A spokesperson for the company said that the total includes previously announced commitments by two franchise teams to open 26 locations in the state. Plans set all 46 restaurants to open within 10 years, the media rep added.

Amid intensifying competition with other casual dining brands, like Denny’s, IHOP and Cracker Barrel, Perkins has embarked on a revamp. Updates include a name change, menu changes and restaurant redesigns.

Since unveiling Griddle & Go last fall as part of that larger rebranding effort, Ascent Hospitality Management-owned Perkins said the express concept is generating strong interest in New Jersey, Texas, California and Canada. The company noted that it sold out all four markets in New Jersey.

Fort Monmouth flagship

Perkins touts Griddle & Go as an “elevated café experience” designed to serve “delicious, high-quality meals at unbeatable prices.” The eatery’s dine-in and grab-and-go options will include breakfast, lunch, dinner and baked goods. Along with some of Perkins’ signature dishes, the menu will offer a new category of breakfast sandwiches as well as lighter fare.

Locations are designed to be between 1,500 square feet and 2,500 square feet. As such, Perkins believes the concept could work well in various settings. It cited airports, casinos, hospitals, hotels, travel plazas, universities and convenience stores.

Mike Ackley is senior director of franchise marketing and development for Ascent. “These are exciting times, and we are delighted to expand our presence with these dedicated individuals across the country,” he said.

“Franchisees from all sorts of backgrounds are joining us in growing Perkins Griddle & Go. From experienced operators to those switching careers, many have one thing in common, and that’s their shared passion for Perkins, which stems from being loyal customers who know and appreciate our brand,” he said.

The first Griddle & Go opened in late 2024 in Ontario, Canada. According to Perkins, the next outpost will open by October in Oceanport. The eatery will join RiverWalk Center, a new waterfront business complex that is part of the Fort Monmouth redevelopment project.

RiverWalk Center’s biggest neighbor is the new Netflix studios.

It’s also the first of 10 locations in Monmouth County developed by Colts Neck mother-son duo Lisa Dalton and Anthony Degrande.

A ‘modern take’

Ascent Chief Development Officer Peter Ortiz shared, “Franchisees across the country have shown strong interest in Griddle & Go. We signed an impressive number of units in New Jersey, which will be home to our flagship U.S. restaurant. We are eager to bring this modern take on Perkins to more markets – new and existing – with the support of our franchise partners.”

Within New Jersey, Perkins has four traditional restaurants: Colonia, East Brunswick, East Windsor and Hazlet.