Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, a leading fast casual Mediterranean franchise concept best known for its preservative-free, nutrient-rich menu, announced Monday an aggressive franchise growth initiative to increase its presence across the United States. Planning to add 50 new locations to the brand’s development pipeline annually, expansion will focus on territories from the Rocky Mountain states to the Midwest and down south through Texas.
The concept has put itself on an impressive growth trajectory that has positioned the brand for strategic expansion this year and for years to come. Garbanzo recently completed two major franchising deals that stand to spark growth in key markets—a five-store deal for the Boston area, and a 25-plus location area development agreement that covers all of Indiana and Kentucky, as well as Southwest Ohio, primarily in the Cincinnati area.
“Momentum is on our side and now is the time to join the next wave of fast casual growth,” says Larry Sidoti, chief development officer of Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh. “The Garbanzo franchise opportunity has been developed with low start-up costs, which results in a quick ROI for franchisees. The brand has driven positive same-store sales for twelve consecutive quarters and has managed to support profitability with low pricing despite rising commodity costs.”
Building off of its high performing business model, Garbanzo has become a highly sought-after brand. With multiple upcoming openings at airports across the country, including Denver International Airport, as well as new locations at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign, the brand is poised to make its presence known on the national scene. Couple that with the fact that there are currently more than two dozen additional locations in the development pipeline with restaurant franchise investors and foodservice groups, including St. Louis, Boston and Indianapolis. Additionally, Garbanzo has prime markets available for franchising in major cities across the United States such as Cincinnati, Houston, Lexington, Louisville, Nashville and San Antonio. Currently, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh has 30 restaurants open across nine states.
Under the strong leadership of Sidoti and Chief Executive Officer James Park, who both have extensive restaurant franchise experience, Garbanzo has all the pieces in place for rapid expansion.
“Prospective franchisees must be aligned with our ‘feel brighter’ movement and believe in what the brand is doing. There is no cutting corners as a Garbanzo franchisee,” adds Sidoti. “The goal has been set to sign at least 10 more franchisees in 2019, and grow by at least 50 locations each year.”
As the brand continues to expand into key markets, Garbanzo is actively seeking qualified multi-unit owners looking to add an exciting health-forward fast casual concept to their portfolios. Ideal Garbanzo franchisees must not only have restaurant operations and management experience, but share the brand’s values and mission of showing the world how delicious nutritious can be. Franchisees must have a minimum net worth of $1,000,000 and meet the minimum liquid assets requirement of $400,000. The initial investment per restaurant ranges between $387,400 and $783,967.
