Blimpie International, Inc. (Amex: BLM) recently opened Romania’s first Blimpie Subs & Salads, making Blimpie the first sandwich concept to open in the country. The restaurant, located in the first mall in the country, opened for business in Bucharest on October 2, 1999. Master licensee Dr. Nawar Douadari is the owner and operator of this Blimpie location, the first of a dozen Blimpie/Pasta Central/Smoothie Island restaurants to be opened in Bucharest.

“Dr. Douadari, along with his team, is focused on the three “P’s” for success in this country,” said Chris Joseph, group vice president-international region for Blimpie Subs & Salads. “They are passionate about the development, they have a great sense of pride about the brand, and they realize the profit potential.” With only four other U.S. quick service concepts open in Romania, Blimpie has positioned itself as an alternative to burgers, fried chicken, and pizza. With limited competition, franchising represents a significant opportunity in this burgeoning economy, and Blimpie Subs & Salads is well positioned as the first sandwich concept in the country.

At the new Blimpie location in Bucharest, customers can enjoy a variety of Blimpie menu offerings. In the near future, the restaurant will be co-branded with Blimpie International’s two growing concepts Pasta Central and Smoothie Island. Pasta Central offers prepared pasta meals and pasta meal components for eat-in or take-home consumption, while Smoothie Island offers refreshing fruit-based beverages blended with ice, real fruits, yogurts and sorbets with optional nutrition supplements.

Headquartered in New York, Blimpie International, Inc., franchises Blimpie Subs & Salads and Pasta Central and is the majority owner of Maui Tacos International, Inc., the franchisor of Maui Tacos and Smoothie Island. Blimpie Subs & Salads, a quick-service sandwich chain, has over 2,100 units operating in locations throughout the United States and in 14 foreign countries. The Company also owns the subsidiary BI Concept Systems, Inc., a professional design and equipment service company.