Graze Craze, the leading franchise within the graze style food category, announced that it has expanded its brand footprint internationally, planting its first-ever locations in Australia and France. The rapidly growing charcuterie concept, which opened its first franchise location in January 2022, has now surpassed 50 locations systemwide with 175 more in the pipeline to be developed in the coming years.
“The opening of our first international locations in Australia and France is a testament to the strength of our brand and operations here in the U.S. as well as the viability of our franchise opportunity. In a historically fragmented industry with little consistency, Graze Craze is the first to have successfully scaled the art of charcuterie into a proven concept,” says Cory Hibbard, President of Graze Craze. “We are thrilled to ignite our international expansion plans and grow our Master Franchise network worldwide.”
In October, Graze Craze established its flagship operation in Australia as a corporate-owned location in Sydney. With the franchising industry flourishing in Australia, the country is an international operations hub for Starpoint Brands, a family of trusted brands which includes Graze Craze. As part of the brand’s ongoing franchise development strategy, Graze Craze is actively seeking a franchisee to assume ownership of its existing Sydney location and oversee its growth throughout the region.
Graze Craze also celebrated the grand opening of its first location in France, nestled in the quaint town of Ollioules within the vibrant city of Toulon. The opening marked the brand’s entry into the French Riviera and a significant milestone as Graze Craze’s 50th location worldwide. Master Franchisees Alexander Springer and Méline Enguent are owners and operators of the Toulon location and will be spearheading the brand’s development throughout the country. Springer and Enguent are both restaurant entrepreneurs and seasoned industry professionals with more than 15 years of combined experience.
“Master Franchisees are integral to any franchise brand’s success, and we couldn’t have asked for better owners than Alex and Méline. Their shared vision, dedication, and passion for our brand has been thrilling to witness and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish in France,” adds Hibbard.
2023 has marked a year of explosive growth for Graze Craze, with 29 new openings year-to-date and 5 more projected before the end of the year. The brand has sold 104 units this year and expanded its menu to include a new signature board: the Brunch Board – a gourmet and innovative twist on a morning routine. Packed with breakfast meats, fresh fruits, eggs, and pastries, Graze Craze’s Brunch Board is the perfect bagel-and-donut brunch alternative. Additionally, Graze Craze has enhanced its limited time offer program, featuring seasonal boards such as its Springtime Spread and Game Day boards. The brand also recently debuted its 2023 Holiday Board, making a perfect gift or centerpiece this holiday season. Since launching its franchise program through United Franchise Group in 2021, Graze Craze has become the leading concept within the graze style food category, backed by nine consecutive quarters of positive growth.
Graze Craze is a part of the Big Flavor Brands foodservice division of Starpoint Brands. Members of Starpoint Brands represent the very best in their industries and are the mark of quality of customers, providing the ultimate in service, reliability, and value.
