BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Inspired by Rochester's famous Garbage Plates, Binghamton University graduate David Whalen opened Binghamton Hots in 2011.  

Students love its late night service and signature hot plates — a dish made up of meat, sides and homemade chili sauce.

After six successful years, Whalen decided it's time to bring the dishes to other areas.  And now he can, as New York State approved his franchise proposal last week. 

"If you're not growing, you're dying so to speak. So, we're very excited to start rolling out this program and see where we go from here," Whalen said.

Whalen hopes to expand within 90 miles of Binghamton in college areas like Ithaca, Cortland and Syracuse.