Genghis Grill Explained

Genghis Grill is an interactive Mongolian Stir Fry fast casual restaurant. Customers can choose their own proteins, vegetables, spices, sauces and side options from the restaurant's "Fresh Bar," which might include over 80 ingredients. The customer then passes their selection to a "Grill Master," or chef, who places it on open grill. Genghis Grill has more than 50 locations across the United States.

History

Founded in 1998 by Dallas-based entrepreneur Jeff Sinelli, who also founded Which Wich?, the concept was bought in 2004 by The Chalak Group of Companies ^[1] who have expanded the company to over 70 locations in 19 states across the country, with plans to reach 100 locations by the end of 2011.^[2]

In 2010, Genghis Grill was ranked #3 in Fast Casual Top 100 Movers and Shakers,^[3] #5 in Restaurant Business’s Future 50,^[4] and listed in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500.^[5] Genghis Grill was ranked #812 in Inc. Magazine's 5000.^[6] Genghis Grill was ranked in Top 25 Restaurants in Social Media by the Restaurant Social Media Index.^[7] In 2011, Genghis Grill’s CEO, Al Bhakta, was ranked in Nation’s Restaurant News Top 10 CEO’s to watch.^[8] In 2017 Genghis Grill acquired bd's Mongolian Grill and Flat Top Grill forming Mongolian Concepts. Mongolian Concepts, led by CEO Jim Vinz, is based in Irving, Texas.

Notes and References

1. “Genghis Grill: Kahnquering Growth, One Bowl at a Time”. Fesmag.com. May 2, 2011. Retrieved on August 18, 2011.
2. “Genghis Grill Opens First Location in Abilene – New Restaurant Brings Healthy Dining Options and More Jobs to the Abilene Market”. Your-story.org. June 24, 2011. Retrieved on August 18, 2011.
3. “Genghis Grill – Ranks #2 on the Fifth Annual Fast Casual Top 100”. Hospitality Industry. February 25, 2010. Retrieved on August 18, 2011. “Genghis Grill – Ranks #2 on the Fifth Annual Fast Casual Top 100”. Hospitality Industry. February 25, 2010. Retrieved on August 18, 2011.
4. “Genghis Grill milestone: 50 locations with new Houston store”. Today’s Restaurant Texas Edition. September 14, 2009. Retrieved on August 18, 2011
5. “Genghis Grill – The Mongolian Stir Fry Franchise”. Entrepreneur. 2010. Retrieved on August 18, 2011.
6. “Top Companies in the Dallas metro area on the Inc .5000”. Inc 5000. 2010. Retrieved on August 18, 2011
7. “The Social Media 50”. MonkeyDish.com. April 1, 2010. Retrieved on August 18, 2011
8. “10 restaurant execs to watch in 2011”. Nation’s Restaurant News. December 31, 2010. Retrieved on August 18, 2011.