Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill Franchising LLC announced it will begin franchising its fast-casual restaurant concept, which offers Mediterranean menu options. Franchising will be used as one of the growth strategies to build on the success of five restaurant locations currently operating in the Denver area, where the company is based. In addition to expansion through franchising, Garbanzo will continue its aggressive company store development in Colorado, including 10 additional stores scheduled to open in the next 14 months.
“Garbanzo is a result of our vision to bring the food culture of the Mediterranean to our guests, featuring fresh herbs, distinct spices, and a healthy, active lifestyle,” Mor says. “The franchising program will offer entrepreneurs an innovative and successful concept, and will give consumers the opportunity to experience our food outside the Denver market.”
Garbanzo will target experienced multi-unit restaurant operators who are capable and willing to commit to multi-store area development agreements. Garbanzo will provide franchisees with a variety of services to ensure their success, including site selection assistance, training, marketing support, and ongoing operations consulting. Franchisees will also benefit from Garbanzo’s experienced restaurant support teams and management, including Panera Bread founder and franchisee Ken Rosenthal.
Garbanzo units are typically 2,000 square feet and seat 65 to 85 guests. The restaurant offers a variety of healthy Mediterranean items. Guests have the ability to customize every meal with items such as pita (made on site from scratch each day), laffas, falafel, shwarma, hummus, spiced rice, sauces, and relishes. All Garbanzo salads and sauces are prepared on site daily as well. The menu features simple and easy definitions and descriptions of each item to make guests feel comfortable with trying food that may be new to them.
“We want to offer fresh-made authentic dishes, but still allow customers to feel relaxed and welcome so we created a simple menu to walk customers through the ordering process,” Mor says.
