Healthy Fast Food Inc., the owner and franchisor of U-SWIRL Frozen Yogurt stores, announced that it awarded franchise area development rights to a multi-concept franchise system operator based in Phoenix, providing for a minimum of 18 U-SWIRL self-serve frozen yogurt stores to be opened in the Phoenix market over the next five years.

“Expanding into Phoenix represents an important step in our efforts to ultimately establish U-SWIRL as the nation’s preferred destination for quality, great-tasting frozen yogurt,” says Rico Conte, Healthy Fast Food’s vice president of franchising. “We’re very pleased with the brisk pace at which we are rolling out our unique self-serve concept and with the tremendous attention our profitable franchising model is winning within the food service arena.”

“With seven stores in full operation in Nevada, additional company-owned locations in development, franchise agreements in place for 20 new stores, and discussions advancing with several new potential area development partners in key target markets around the country, U-SWIRL is fast transforming from what was a single concept store just one year ago to an emerging national retail brand and noted industry leader.”