Yard House Looks to Expand

Headnote

RESTAURANTS: Chain fought through downturn, ready to grow

Irvine-based Yard House USA Inc. pians an expansion into Northern California and other states that would grow its size by 50% in the next few years.

The restaurant chain - known for its wide selection of draft beers and rock vibe - has plans to open six restaurants starting in April with a location in San Jose's Santana Row.

Yard House is owned by San Francisco private equity firm TSG Consumer Partners, which bought a 70% stake in the company in 2007.

Huntington Beach-based BJ's Restaurants Inc. and Cheesecake Factory Inc. in Calabasas Hills are among Yard House's competitors.

Yard House had $213 million in sales last year. It counts on Southern California as a natural base, with about half of its 29 restaurants here.

Going into Northern California makes sense because people there are familiar with the Yard House brand, according to founder and Chairman Steele Piatt said.

The San Jose restaurant is set to be followed...