Amorini Panini will begin selling franchises this month in the Mid-Atlantic region. The fast-casual restaurant began serving its gourmet panini sandwiches, signature soups, salads, and specialty drinks in downtown Washington, D.C., in 2010.
Along with the brick-and-mortar stores, its food trucks have been serving various lunch venues and events throughout the metropolitan area.
For the past eighteen months, owner Matt Gray has worked with Chicago-based consulting firm The iFranchise Group to assist in the process. After realizing success with his corporate locations, Gray says his focus has shifted from “selling paninis to selling our franchise system.”
Gray adds that he waited to begin franchising until “the concept was proven successful in different markets and with various demographics.”
The locations in Washington, D.C., serve customers ranging from vacationing families to those working in the business districts of the city.
Amorini Panini franchises offer a unique idea in the restaurant franchise industry: “The Panini Machine,” its mobile food unit. This allows for additional revenue, while expanding the market and customer base.
The franchise system also boasts an impressive support structure, which begins with pre-opening training, and continues with five-day on-site guidance after the store’s grand opening.
Gray says it is important to foster a team relationship with his franchisees, allowing them to focus on serving quality food with superior customer service, while the corporate staff provides the support necessary to ensure success.
