FCC adds to its stable

Add another concept to the menu of restaurant brands partially owned by Franchise Capital Corp. The Scottsdale, AZ-based finance company has been buying into small regional chains that seem at the point in their development where they're ready for more ambitious expansiion. Yesterday FCC announced that it planned to buy a 20% stake in Lucky Lou's, a gambling-themed concept generating more than $1 million at its sole present location, in Mesa, AZ. Two more are under development. The value of the stake was not disclosed. Nor did FCC disclose if it foresaw franchising for Lucky Lou's, which specializes in steak.

FCC already holds a piece of Creative Eateries Corp., the franchisor of eight small chains, including Kokopelli's Mexican Grill. Creative is led by Frank Holdraker, a veteran of the Ponderosa franchised family steakhouse chain and Jamie Coulter's Pizza Hut franchise.