Calif.-based Habit Burger aims to hook new markets

The Habit Burger Grill, a 94-unit better burger chain based in Irvine, Calif., has signed franchisees to expand the brand to Las Vegas and Seattle, and plans to open its first East Coast units in New Jersey this summer. The chain, which saw sales grow 35 percent last year, will open about 26 new restaurants this year, including franchise locations and company-owned eateries that will operate with market partners. Read the Nation’s Restaurant News story here