Otter's inks first franchise deal

Eatery stays close to home for next expansion

Email | Print By Frank Shyong

Otter’s Chicken Tenders will open a franchise restaurant in Murfreesboro this December.

The 2,652-square-foot restaurant will be located at the Gateway Corner Shopping center and will be the company’s fourth in Middle Tennessee. Local attorneys Beau and Lauren Moss will operate the location, which will be close to the new Middle Tennessee Medical Center being built.

Talbott Ottinger, Otter’s founder, says the Murfreesboro expansion is part of a wider effort to spread his restaurant concept through the region and beyond.

“Otter’s has proven its ability to compete with national brands and we feel that we have been able to differentiate ourselves from other chicken concepts,” Ottinger said. “This first franchise agreement validates our dedication to creating and refining the Otter’s brand.”

The Nashville-based company also has a restaurant opening in East Nashville’s 5th & Main development later this summer, adding to its existing locations in Cool Springs and Music Row.