Marble Slab Creamery announced today that it will start a new international franchise venture in Mexico. The franchise agreement will allow Marble Slab to continue to expand its reach and provide gourmet products to a growing number of countries. The initial agreement calls for a minimum 35 stores to open over the next 20 years throughout the country. The first stores are scheduled to open in early 2009.

Operadora Peninsular Jucumi SA DE CV will handle the development of the first 35 stores. Operating principal Julian Reyes Cuevas is confident that Marble Slab will be a welcome addition to the area, and that its high quality products will appeal to the Mexico market. Cuevas' interest in the brand began when he visited his first Marble Slab store while living in the states. Shortly after, Cuevas and his family began working with Colin Fitzpatrick, franchise development manager for NexCen Franchise Management Inc. to develop the brand in Mexico.

"Julian's patience and commitment to the process of negotiating and executing this agreement is indicative of the caliber of partner he will be for the Mexico market," says Colin Fitzpatrick who closed the master franchise agreement. "We are confident they will have great success and are very excited to begin development of the Marble Slab Creamery brand in Mexico."