Black Rock Bar & Grill: Redefining Interactive Steakhouse Dining

Black Rock Bar & Grill has earned a reputation as an acclaimed steakhouse thanks to its distinctive “Steak on a Stone” experience, where guests sear their own steaks on a sizzling 755-degree volcanic rock. Launched in 2010 in Hartland, Michigan, the brand has successfully grown its footprint across multiple states. Its main offices remain rooted in Michigan.

The menu offers a wide array of appetizers, salads, burgers, and seafood, but what truly distinguishes the restaurant is its interactive “Steak on a Stone” feature. This hands-on approach guarantees that every bite stays hot and flavorful, leaving diners with an unforgettable experience.

By November 2024, Black Rock Bar & Grill had established several locations across Michigan, Ohio, Florida, and Maryland. The brand actively seeks new franchise partners in the U.S., providing entrepreneurs the chance to join a dynamic and growing restaurant network.

Training

Black Rock Bar & Grill provides an extensive training program to prepare franchisees and their teams for successful operations. Here’s a summary of the franchisor’s training programs:

1. Initial Training Program
   Black Rock Bar & Grill offers a mandatory four-week training program for up to three people—typically the General Manager, Kitchen Manager, and Assistant Kitchen Manager—at its headquarters or a designated location. This program includes classroom and on-the-job training, covering company policies, menu, bar operations, food preparation, management, customer service, POS systems, accounting, and marketing.
2. On-Site Opening Assistance
   For up to seven days around the restaurant’s opening, a Black Rock representative provides on-site training and support. This includes hands-on guidance to ensure the team is prepared to deliver the brand’s standards at launch.
3. Ongoing and Refresher Training
   Black Rock may require periodic additional training, refresher courses, or attendance at annual franchisee meetings. Franchisees must also ensure their team members are ServSafe and alcohol-awareness certified, and they cover all related expenses.

Territory Protection

Black Rock Bar & Grill provides its franchisees with a degree of territory protection, but it is not absolute. Franchisees are assigned a specific site that must be approved by the franchisor, and the restaurant may not be relocated without written consent.

The acceptance of a site only confirms that it meets minimum requirements and does not guarantee exclusive rights to a geographic area. While franchisees have rights to their approved location, Black Rock Bar & Grill retains the right to open other units or license additional franchises outside that specific site.

The franchisor also reserves flexibility in granting future units under multi-unit agreements, where territory approval will follow the then-current standards. Overall, the territorial protections mainly focus on the approved site itself rather than offering broad geographic exclusivity.