Chitowngus LLC, a regional franchise holder for fast casual restaurant chain Hurricane Grill & Wings, appointed KLNB Retail as its exclusive leasing broker in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia trade areas. The franchise entity plans to open up to 40 new restaurants in the region.

Keith Barnett and Ryan Wilner, principals with KLNB Retail, will handle site selection and leasing for this assignment. The chain’s optimum restaurant size is 3,500 square feet, but it takes locations ranging from 3,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet. KLNB will target high visibility, high traffic locations for Hurricane Grill & Wings, consisting primarily of freestanding or end-cap properties with outdoor seating opportunities.

“The fast casual restaurant category continues to show growth and momentum in all sections of the country, and we see tremendous opportunities for new concepts that can differentiate [themselves] from the competition,” said Keith Barnett in a statement. “Hurricane Grill & Wings taps into consumer’s expanded need for a high-quality, fast and relatively low cost meal that they can enjoy with business associates, family members and friends. The concept’s emphasis on creating a relaxed and fun environment, indicative of the environment found while on vacation at the beach, has proven to be a successful draw at its current locations.”