Offerdahl's Cafe Grill: former linebacker scores a touchdown with growing team of Florida restaurants

Nation's Restaurant News, Jan 31, 2005 by James Gordon

Other touches that add to the character and the feel of the restaurants are the porcelain tiles, lush carpeting and a lot of wood as well as bright colors on the walls, including blues, greens, oranges and reds, Wegman says.

Wegman, whose design firm has operated from Naples, Fla., for four years, says working with John and Lynn Offerdahl was ideal because they "were very respectful of the design process." She says Offerdahl "had strong concepts," and they spent a lot of time up front, looking at the competition and coming up with a design concept.

But, she recalls, "when it came down to what material to use, the lighting and furniture choices, John said, 'That's your area of expertise; just make my dream come true.' "

AT A GLANCE

CONCEPT NAME: Offerdahl's Cafe Grill

OWNER: Offerdahl's Eat Fresh Inc., owned by John and Lynn Offerdahl

HEADQUARTERS: Sunrise, Fla.

YEAR FOUNDED: 2002

NUMBER OF UNITS: 9

CHAIN'S ANNUAL SALES: N/A

AVERAGE ANNUAL SALES PER UNIT: N/A

PER-PERSON CHECK AVERAGE: $8

TARGET DEMOGRAPHICS: Adults aged 25 to 55, professionals or families, depending on location

WHERE IT TRADES: Florida

NEW MARKET TARGETS: South Florida

TOP EXECUTIVES: John and Lynn Offerdahl, owners; Cathy Dematteis, general manager; Jeff Gorton, marketing manager