Mooyah Burgers, Fries and Shakes will open its first Washington state franchise in Federal Way.

Based in Dallas, Texas, the fast casual restaurant chain specializes in Mooyah Burgers, fresh-cut fries, fresh-baked buns and milkshakes made with 100 percent ice cream.

Aside from the original Mooyah Burger, the menu includes turkey and veggie burgers as well as condiments like Mooyah Sauce. Little Moo Meals for children 10 and under come with applesauce and include choices like chicken strips, a hot dog, grilled cheese or a Little Moo Burger.

Mooyah is slated to open in early 2013 at 1706 S. 320th St., across from The Commons mall. The restaurant will employ about 30 people, said Peter Marthedal, development agent.

The Federal Way location is a pilot store for Western Washington. Mooyah hopes to open a total of 12 restaurants in the region, said Marthedal, a Gig Harbor resident who owns several Little Caesar’s franchises in the area with business partner Sebastian Brost.

Locations for the other Washington restaurants have not been determined, Marthedal said.

“We love the location off 320th Street,” he said. “We plan to grow pretty quickly.”

According to a franchisehelp.com interview with Mooyah president Alan Hixon, the company has 36 locations and is growing rapidly.

“We expect to reach 50 locations by the end of 2012, and grow to 100 open/under contract by the end of 2013,” he said in the September interview. “Our primary target markets include Texas, California, Virginia, Washington, Kansas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Connecticut, Florida, and many others.”

To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/Mooyah.