The first Ground Round® was built in 1969, and provided a "neighborhood pub" experience where everyone, including couples and families, felt comfortable. The restaurant had a limited menu with only 12 items featuring primarily burgers in a basket, snack food and pitchers of beer. The atmosphere was casual, relaxed and permissive. As the original "no rules" place, the Ground Round® was a big success with customers. We have kept these great traditions and the franchise has grown over the years.

During the early 1980s, Ground Round® evolved towards a fun, family-oriented environment. In the 1990s, everyone, including families, began to dine out more often. People expected quality food and service, and once again, the Ground Round® met this guest expectation by improving food quality, taste profiles, portion size, customer service and overall value. These values have continued to improve into the 2000's and franchises continue to be built across the country.

We offer a substantial broad-based menu with a high quality/good value relationship for our guests. In addition we are one of the few family oriented restaurants where adults can enjoy full liquor service with their meals. We offer a variety of beer, wines, and mixed beverages. Our Sports Grille and lounges are a casual alternative where adults can relax, meet friends, watch the game, and enjoy the same full service menu, as well as, game day specials.Today, the Ground Round® menu offers a combination of variety, flavor profile and portion size that is unequaled in any other casual dining concept.

We continue to create a dining experience and level of service that surpasses customer expectations and provides a true value for our guests. In 2004, the ownership structure of Ground Round® changed. On July 28, 2004, a cooperative group of former franchisees successfully acquired the majority of the assets of Ground Round®, Inc. The newly formed company is named Independent Owners Cooperative, LLC. It is a diverse group with vast experience in the restaurant business, and a deep commitment to moving forward and offering guests the best dining experience possible. 

The Ground Round IOC represents a group of independent franchise owners who purchased the Ground Round Franchise Rights and Trademarks, and have owned and led its own brand since 2004. Comparable restaurant sales were up 4% in the first quarter of 2012, which is the 8th straight quarter of system wide comp sales growth for the brand dating back to April 2010. Ground Round IOC operates restaurants in 12 states spread across the Midwest and Northeast areas of the United States, with headquarters based in Freeport, ME. Under the watchful eyes and dedication of our owners, the chain and brand have evolved and improved over the years into a brand you still love and have great memories of, but a brand that has kept up with the times and evolved over time to expand our menu offerings, enhance our atmosphere and restaurant designs and comfort to enjoy.

A brand you know and love, only even better than you remember. What do we mean by that? You'll have to come and visit and see what's new at the Ground Round!