The owner of Atlanta-based Fresh To Order wants to expand the company's reach. Pierre Panos said a franchising program launched last year should help the chain sign at least five multi-unit franchisees this year. The idea is to open a combined 15 to 20 stores within three years. By 2015, Fresh To Order expects to have 50 locations open nationwide and another 50 in various stages of development.

The company has six locations now, and all but one of them are in the Atlanta area. Panos told the AJC he also plans to remodel his existing restaurants to make them more hospitable for the dinner crowd.

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