Sponsored By

Mighty Quinn’s founder Micha Magid discusses how their fast-casual barbecue became a winner in off-premise during the pandemic lockdowns

Magid said that even with eight out of 12 of their locations closed, they’ve still managed to stay afloat with takeout and delivery solutions

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

May 11, 2020

1 Min Read
RestaurantHospitality logo in a gray background | RestaurantHospitality

What can a business owner do during a pandemic when nearly half of their units are located inside now-closed malls, sporting events, dining halls and stadiums? Micha Magid – co-founder of Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, a fast-casual barbecue restaurant chain based in New York City — had to close eight out of 12 of his locations in New York and New Jersey since March. But even though only 1/3 of Mighty Quinn’s locations are in operation, Magid said that they have easily pivoted to a takeout and delivery-only model.

“Fortunately for us, barbecue is something that can be enjoyed in the restaurants and outside the restaurants at multiple different venues so we’ve adapted by making a couple of changes,” Magid said, adding that they’ve supplemented their usual menu with family meal kits and refrigerated products like brisket and spareribs in cryovac packaging that can be reheated at home.

Of course, this period has not been without its challenges. For the locations that did close, Mighty Quinn’s had to lay off their entire staff, including staff from the two newest locations inside Madison Square Garden that just opened in late winter.

“Our goal is basically just to figure out the foundational elements of Mighty Quinn’s and run as lean as possible because we want to be able to merge on the other side of this crisis with the capital to be able to move forward,” Magid said.

Continue to hear about Mighty Quinn’s story in our video interview below.

Contact Joanna Fantozzi at [email protected]

Follow her on Twitter: @JoannaFantozzi

About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Get the latest breaking news in the industry, analysis, research, recipes, consumer trends, the latest products and more.

You May Also Like