O'Charley's expands through franchises

O'Charley's Inc., Nashville, Tenn., a casual dining restaurant company, announced the signing of a franchise agreement with Covelli Enterprises to develop and operate up to 50 O'Charley's restaurants in the states of Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. With this announcement, the company has extended its franchising agreements to a total of 11 states, and has more than doubled its expected franchise development. Covelli Enterprises, one of the largest U.S. franchisees of Panera Bread Bakery-Cafes, plans to open its first O'Charley's restaurants in 2006. Initial development plans will focus on the Tampa, Orlando, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland markets. Other territories for expansion by the group include northwest Ohio, central Pennsylvania, and northern West Virginia. A minimum of eight O'Charley's restaurants are expected to open by 2007.