Sizzler Franchisee Debuts New Prototype

When Junaid Sheikh arrived in the United States, his first job was at a Sizzler restaurant. Years later, when it was time to pursue the American dream as an entrepreneur, he chose to invest in Sizzler. Now, Junaid's Whitman's Food LLC is the first franchisee to build Sizzler's new prototype, which opens today at 965 W. Craig Road in North Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 5,600-square-foot restaurant is Whitman Food's third Sizzler in Las Vegas. It previously bought two company-owned locations at 307 S. Decatur Blvd. and 4901 S. Eastern Ave. Sheikh soon will have a fourth Sizzler location in development.

Sizzler, founded in 1958, is undergoing a rebirth, having survived bankruptcy in the late 1990s. The 313-unit chain, having overhauled its menu and remodeled its restaurants, is experiencing a growth spurt. Sizzler's new prototype is key to its future development across the country.

"People in Las Vegas have high expectations of restaurants these days, and this new prototype is really going to surprise our guests," Sheikh said. "It is like no other Sizzler they have ever seen."

As in other Sizzlers, upon entering the restaurant, guests order and pay for their meals, which are then delivered to their tables. This service style allows guests to dine at their own pace, as there is no need to wait for a check at the end.

The new restaurant features a display kitchen with a strategically placed, famous Salad Bar to help showcase Sizzler's great steaks and seafood being prepared. The Salad Bar includes freshly prepared selections of fruits and salads along with hot appetizers and desserts.

Dual dining rooms with upscale furnishings, a signature ledge rock wall and skylights create bright, inviting yet intimate settings for guests. Sizzler's history is told through black and white murals that decorate the walls.

"Junaid has proven himself to be an outstanding operator," said Ken Cole, Sizzler president and CEO. "We appreciate his commitment to the Sizzler concept and his emphasis on great customer service, as we all work to rebuild a great American brand."

The restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

For nearly 50 years, Sizzler has served great steaks, seafood and salad - always at a great value. Acquired by Pacific Equity Partners in September 2005, Sizzler owns or franchises more than 300 mid-scale, casual dining restaurants worldwide. Having updated its restaurants, menus and marketing, Sizzler is expanding in the U.S., Asia and Latin America.



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