Kelly’s Roast Beef, an iconic restaurant chain that got its start in Revere, Mass., has launched a franchising business, and one of its first locations will be in New Hampshire.

The chain, which was founded in 1951 and claims to be the inventor of “the modern roast beef sandwich,” told the Boston Herald it is nearing deals to open locations in Concord and Salem, with a site in Manchester also under consideration.

Along with New Hampshire, the franchising expansion focuses on southern Florida, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The goal is to open up to 50 locations in the next five years, the company said.

Franchising opportunities became available just before the Covid-19 pandemic, but the firm hopes the first Kelly’s will open in New Hampshire by the end of the year.