Houston star-chef Robert Del Grande and his partners in Schiller Del Grande Restaurant Group launched the fast-casual bakery-cafe Cafe Express in 1984. Upscale décor complements housemade Southwest- and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine served in all three dayparts. Besides soup, salads and sandwiches, menus feature simple roasts and grills and specials such as burrata Panini. The concept blends high-quality food with some elements of self-service, such as Oasis Table, a gourmet condiment bar. Online ordering, takeout and catering are offered. Wendy’s International owns a majority stake, but Schiller Del Grande maintains creative direction of the chain.
| Location | Houston, Texas |
|---|---|
| 2012 Systemwide Sales ($000) | $32,500,000* |
| YOY Sales Change | 6.6% |
| 2012 U.S. Units | 20 |
| 2012 Average Unit Volume ($000) | $1,700,000* |
| Future 50 Year | 2013 |
*Technomic estimate
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