with franchise fees and product quality led to a number of restaurants closing, however, and by 2002 the number of Maid-Rite stores had dropped to 83. In 2002, an investor group led by former Des Moines banker Bradley Burt purchased a majority interest in the Maid-Rite chain, with the Gillotti family retaining an interest. While up to 20 longtime franchisees left Maid-Rite during the first two years of its new ownership, Maid-Rite began to use computerized systems to control expenses, started offering ten-day courses on Maid-Rite food preparation to new franchise owners, and created a new uniform decor for its restaurants that retains the Maid-Rite brand's nostalgia. In 2006, Maid-Rite had a ten-year plan to open more than 1,000 restaurants throughout the United States. In November 2007, Maid-Rite announced an agreement with Hy-Vee Food Stores, a Midwest-based grocer, to operate restaurants in their stores. As of April 2021, there are 21 locations in Iowa, and 11 locations in other states. References See also Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop (Springfield, Illinois) Canteen Lunch in the Alley (Ottumwa, Iowa) Tavern sandwich Restaurants in Iowa Economy of the Midwestern United States Fast-food chains of the United States Regional restaurant chains in the United States Restaurants established in 1926 Iowa culture 1926 establishments in Iowa