Dine Growth Group Debuts to Rethink Restaurant Franchising
Dine Growth Group (DGG) is a new entrant with a clear point of view: franchise sales should serve the long game. The company is launching to help restaurant brands grow in a way that lasts, pairing development goals with steady, practical support. Its aim is straightforward—to become a trusted partner for restaurants that want to scale without losing their footing.
Brand Partners at Launch
Two concepts anchor DGG’s start: East Coast Wings + Grill (ECW+G), a recognized name with a loyal base, and Sammy's Sliders, an emerging brand with room to run. As DGG’s inaugural partners, they illustrate the group’s focus on sharpening what works and building with intent, not haste. Both brands signal the type of relationships DGG wants to cultivate—hands-on, collaborative, and aligned with sustainable growth.
Experienced Leadership, Practical Focus
DGG’s development efforts are led by Chief Development Officer Carrie Evans, a franchise veteran with more than 22 years in the field. Her background spans well-known names, including CiCi's Pizza and Nothing Bundt Cakes, and she’s known for translating strategy into day-to-day progress. Evans brings a builder’s mindset: set standards, choose the right partners, and support them well.
Built Around Sustainable Growth
DGG’s model centers on relationships. The team works to match each brand with franchisees who see the bigger picture and share the brand’s long-term goals. That alignment matters; it keeps growth healthy and helps protect the system as it scales. The result they’re aiming for is simple: a franchise network that’s strong, resilient, and set up to perform over time.
A Playbook, Written With Care
As Evans puts it, "There's something special about helping a brand create its franchising playbook right from the beginning." That outlook shapes DGG’s approach. The support isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s tailored to each concept’s needs, stage, and voice. Attention stays close to the details that compound—clear processes, consistent messaging, and a measured pace that keeps quality intact.
Guided by Seasoned Operators
DGG draws on the experience of industry figures who’ve spent years building and protecting brands. That includes Sam G. Ballas, founder and CEO of East Coast Wings + Grill, and Sammy Gianopoulos. Their perspective—earned through growth cycles, market shifts, and franchisee partnerships—helps steer DGG’s mission: assist brands in reaching their goals without trading away stability.
Strategy That Sticks
"Having been in the restaurant franchising business for over two decades, I understand the importance of scaling a brand for sustainable success," said Sam Ballas. The vision behind DGG is to share hard-won insights and practical guidance that other brands can apply. In today’s crowded market, that kind of grounded advice can make the difference between expanding and overextending.
Laying the Right Foundation
Collaboration sits at the center of DGG’s work with its partner brands. As Ashley Mitchell, VP of Marketing at ECW+G, noted, "I'm looking forward to working with Carrie and the Dine Growth Group team in collaboration with our growth efforts." It’s a signal that development and brand-building aren’t separate tracks. When teams align, growth doesn’t just continue—it improves.
About Dine Growth Group
Founded recently, Dine Growth Group exists to help restaurant brands grow with intention. The team provides strategic guidance, operational support, and access to resources that strengthen both the concept and the franchise network. DGG’s role is to highlight what makes each brand distinctive, then build a plan that respects that story while charting a path forward.
The throughline is consistent: grow, but grow wisely. With partners like East Coast Wings + Grill and Sammy’s Sliders, and leadership grounded in practical experience, DGG is positioning itself as a steady hand for brands ready to scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dine Growth Group’s core purpose?
Dine Growth Group helps restaurant brands expand in a sustainable way, pairing franchise sales efforts with strategic and operational support so growth holds up over time.
Which brands are working with DGG at launch?
East Coast Wings + Grill and Sammy’s Sliders are the first partner brands under the DGG umbrella, reflecting the group’s focus on thoughtful, long-term development.
Who leads development at DGG?
Chief Development Officer Carrie Evans oversees development. With more than 22 years in franchising, including experience with CiCi’s Pizza and Nothing Bundt Cakes, she brings deep, practical expertise.
How does DGG choose and support franchisees?
DGG follows a relationship-driven model, aligning franchisees with each brand’s long-term goals and providing tailored guidance and operational support to help them succeed.
What vision guides DGG’s future plans?
DGG aims to help restaurant brands scale with stability—sharing seasoned insight, protecting brand integrity, and building a franchise system designed to last.
