Two Fast-Food Chains Scouting Locations in Northern New Jersey.

Byline: Joan Verdon

Apr. 23--Two casual dining chains -- a sandwich maker and a burger restaurant that isn't afraid of the word "fat" -- are looking to expand their presence in North Jersey.

Representatives of the Quiznos Sub sandwich chain and the Fatburger hamburger chain told real estate brokers and deal makers Thursday that they are interested in acquiring any available food locations along North Jersey's highways and downtown areas.

The chains made their pitches for real estate deals at a meeting in Teaneck of the International Council of Shopping Centers.

Quiznos, a Colorado-based chain whose claim to fame is toasted sub sandwiches, has deals pending to open franchises in Paramus, Carlstadt, Ridgewood, and Fair Lawn.

It has already opened franchises in Bergenfield and Hillsdale. It hopes to open more than 150 franchise stores throughout New Jersey this year.

East Coast Foods, based in Midland Park, has the franchise rights to bring the Fatburger chain to New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Fatburger chain was born in California in the 1950s, a time when "fat" was a compliment, as in "fat cat" or "fat city." The chain has something of a cult-like following on the West Coast, but is largely unknown on this coast.