“Our plans are for three to four new locations a year going forward.” Humphries adds that the company’s commitment to wine is stronger than ever.

“We’re ready to move beyond the Midwest into other markets that we feel will be applicable to us,” said Humphries. The wine list encompasses 275 labels in each restaurant, with inventory exceeding 3,000 bottles. Each location spans about 10,000 square feet, with seating for up to 350 and average annual sales of $5 million, of which about 30% is in beverages. A new location in the Chicago market, downtown in the River North neighborhood, is also being negotiated, Humphries added.įounded in 2001, Eddie Merlot’s initially targeted such cities as Indianapolis, Louisville, Columbus, Ohio, and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. (near Dulles Airport), Scottsdale, Arizona, and Miami Beach and Orlando, Florida. Company founder and CEO William Humphries said additional units are planned for suburban Washington, D.C. The prime steakhouse concept, which opened its latest restaurant in downtown Pittsburgh this spring, is currently readying an 11th location in the Denver suburb of Englewood, Colorado, expected to launch by November.

The Fort Wayne, Indiana-based Eddie Merlot’s restaurant chain, which operates 10 locations in the Midwest, is poised to go national.

Restaurant Chain Eddie Merlot’s Looking To Go National June 13, 2014