Muscle Maker Grill is a chain of alternative “healthy” fast food restaurants founded by high-energy, New Jersey muscle man Rod Silva. He founded the company in 1995 while running a smoothie store. In 2007, he turned Muscle Maker Grill in to a franchise. Today there are more than 50 restaurants in eleven states including New York, California, Texas, Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina. In June 2015, the company was acquired by American Restaurant Holdings, Inc., which is run by CEO Tim Betts. (ARH also owns Canyon Fireside Grille, Fresca’s Mexican Grill, JoJo’s Pizza Kitchen, and Fronteras Mexican Grill.) Betts’ priority is to work closely with current Muscle Maker Grill franchisees to continue to grow new and existing markets. That’s one reason why he agreed to go on Undercover Boss.
What’s interesting about this Undercover Boss scenario is that Betts agreed to have Silva watch him on the job via a live video feed and give Betts commentary. They butt heads over one buxom employee in particular who likes to flirt with customers. (She’s seen hugging customers and allowing one to touch her chest.) “She needs to be a little more professional,” Betts says. Silva says, “She really makes the customers feel good.” Undercover Boss airs Fridays at 8pm on CBS.
