Thunderdome Restaurant Group, a Cincinnati-based restaurant group, has announced plans to open both Currito and CityBird locations in Columbus.
With 23 locations across seven states, Currito is set to open 16 new units through nine development deals in five states, including two units in Ohio. CityBird, another concept from Thunderdome Restaurant Group, is to have 15 new locations signed by the end of the year. CityBird has nine locations in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and North Carolina. The restaurant group plans to open at least one location in Columbus, according to the Business Journal. Considering it is early in the process, it’s unclear when or where either of these concepts is expected to open.
These 16 new units reflect an impressive 70% increase in newly signed units versus current open units, according to a press release. The brand is set to open in five new markets this year, planning to open in Indianapolis in March, Nashville in June, and Dayton, Lexington, and Knoxville in Q4, according to a press release. These new openings are a massive step forward for Currito’s strategic development as they plan to open as many as nine new locations by the end of 2025, with the opportunity for further expansion for interested prospective franchisees.
Founded in 2005 by brothers and restaurateurs Joe and John Lanni, Currito was born to bring something fresh to the fast-casual space. The brand’s globally inspired menu, made with nutritious, locally sourced ingredients, has been a hit among consumers who continue to emphasize delicious and healthy meals. The Lanni brothers’ backgrounds in the food industry started from a young age, having witnessed their dad, Nick Lanni, find the Great Steak and Potato Company and grow it to more than 250 locations before selling it. Following in his footsteps, Joe and John created the Thunderdome Restaurant Group, which houses several brands, including Bakersfield, The Eagle, Krueger’s Tavern, SoHi, Maplewood, Pepp & Delores, and CityBird, in addition to Currito.
“These new locations are a tremendous step forward in Currito’s expansion journey,” Joe Lanni, Co-Founder of Currito, said in a press release. “In 2024, we proudly introduced our healthy, creative takes on cuisines from around the world to new communities, thanks to the dedication of our outstanding franchise partners. Each location represents an opportunity to build strong, local connections and deliver fresh, quality-driven dining experiences that make a difference in people’s lives. As we look ahead in 2025, we are eager to build upon this momentum and remain committed to supporting our franchisees and creating an impact in each community we serve.”
As Currito continues to focus on intentional growth in 2025, the brand is actively looking for dedicated franchisees who want to bring a better dining experience to their communities and driven area developers. As they look at future growth, Currito is targeting major territories for expansion this year, including Columbus and Cleveland, OH; Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, IN; Nashville and Memphis, TN; Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, NC; and Orlando and Jacksonville, FL. The initial franchise fee for a Currito is $30,000 for single-unit locations and $25,000 for multiple units.
