Uno debuts 'Plus' outlet, readies fast-casual unit

Nation's Restaurant News,  Oct 29, 2007  

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SWAMPSCOTT, MASS. -- Casual-dining operator Uno Chicago Grill has debuted a stylish, new prototype dubbed internally as "Uno Plus" in this suburb about 20 miles north of Boston.

Chief executive Frank Guidara has projected that the 185-seat, 5,700-square-foot location will generate 20 percent to 40 percent higher sales than the chain's average annual unit volume of about $2.3 million.

A second Uno Plus unit is scheduled to open in Winter Garden, Fla., in December.

The debut of Uno Plus--it boasts such "upscale" elements as wine and ingredient displays, a posher lounge, flat-screen TVs, and a display kitchen--comes as the 200-plus-unit brand is preparing to introduce a more downscale fast-casual concept called Uno Due Go. Positioned by West Roxbury, Mass.-based Uno as a vehicle for such venues as colleges and malls, Uno Due Go would debut at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.

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