Restaurant owners endure intense competitive arena

Independent restaurateurs are toughing it out in a tightening market.
While some have gone over to the other side, entering into franchise agreements, others have taken a page from the enemy battle plan and have begun to branch out to increase their market share.
Fletcher Richards has successfully operated Lucile’s Creole Cafe in downtown Boulder for 15 years. But because he doesn’t own the building his restaurant is in, he has acquired a partner and will open a Fort Collins store at 400 S. Meldrum, and plans to open restaurants in Lafayette, La., and Lawrence, Kan.
“I am taking control…