Grilling prospects: after helping build a chain of sub shops, a franchisee chose to stir up something new in his hometown.(Opportunities)(Genghis Grill's )(Brief Article)

BRIAN WINDERS WAS LOOKING FOR something different. After spending three years co-owning Quizno's franchises, Winders wanted to run a franchise on his own, as well as bring a unique concept to his home of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "I had the desire to do something bigger," says Winders, 29.

That something came by way of Winders' two brothers, both of whom had eaten at Mongolian barbecue restaurants and were wowed by the concept. Winders researched franchise concepts on the Internet and came across Dallas-based Genghis Grill. But because the company was just launching its franchising program, Winders had some concerns. "We were worried about the stability of the company and the support we would receive," explains Winders, who is the sole owner of his Genghis Grill franchise but works with several family members.

His anxieties were calmed after visiting Genghis Grill's headquarters. Winders sold his ...