To jumpstart company plans to expand throughout Oklahoma, Schlotzsky’s signed a development agreement with local Oklahoma City business owner Shawn Islam. This new deal with Islam signals the beginning of Schlotzsky’s aggressive growth throughout Oklahoma. With 14 existing locations in the state, Schlotzsky’s has cultivated a loyal fan base and is looking to build on the already strong traction. The company aims to replicate the success in additional locations throughout Oklahoma with plans to add an additional 15 locations in Oklahoma City and 10 in Tulsa by the end of 2014.
With six existing convenience store franchises in the area, Islam joins the Schlotzsky’s system as an experienced entrepreneur. His newest bakery cafe, which is expected to open by December, will be located in one of the top three residential growth areas in the city.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of Schlotzsky’s growth in Oklahoma,” Islam says. “The fun and quirky atmosphere of the restaurant, paired with the delicious food on the menu, is what drew me to the franchise and is something I’m excited about sharing with more people in the area.”
In addition to the development plans Schlotzsky’s has with new franchise partners like Shawn Islam, the brand is still experiencing new growth with existing franchise partner relationships. Last month, Bryan Whitfiled, a Schlotzsky’s franchise partner in Stillwater, Oklahoma, signed a deal to develop two new markets in Edmond and Ponca City, Oklahoma.
“After the success I saw in Stillwater, I knew it was time to expand into other markets,” Whitfiled says. “Customers love the variety of menu options beyond the sandwiches, like fresh-tossed salads and gourmet pizzas.”
Schlotzsky’s locations in Oklahoma will feature the brand’s “Lotz Better” restaurant design complete with vibrant colors, playful slogans, contemporary furniture, and artwork, and cobranding opportunities with sister company, Cinnabon, offering franchise partners multiple streams of revenue under one roof.
“This is an exciting time for Schlotzsky’s in Oklahoma,” says David Wheeler, vice president of franchise development at Schlotzsky’s. “We couldn’t have asked for a better franchise partner than Shawn to join the team of already successful franchisees in the state and kick off our expansion plans. We’re excited to see this momentum continue in the near future.”
Development plans in the state are a part of Schlotzsky’s strategic growth initiatives across the nation. The fast-casual chain will continue by targeting qualified franchise partners in Oklahoma, in markets in their home state, Texas, and across the country.
