The Market Place, a family-owned/operated restaurant known for its gourmet sandwiches, tasty smoothies, and iced tea spiced with cloves, announced today that Aaron Anderson has joined the company as Co-CEO. Anderson has more than eight years of experience in franchise operations, sales and development with multiple restaurant service brands. Immediately starting with a focus on territories throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida and Ohio, Anderson will spearhead The Market Place’s ongoing expansion nationally throughout 2024.
“We are so thankful to have Aaron Anderson on-board,” says Founder and Co-CEO, Luke Black. “His strategic investment and leadership have been central to the expansion and progress of The Market Place’s restaurant franchise,” he adds.
Anderson found immediate success when opening The Original Hot Dog Factory in Philadelphia during the peak of the 2020 pandemic. His tenacity, drive and dedication to the front-line workers made the organization appoint him as an area representative and trainer for new franchisees.
Anderson went on to open four Original Hot Dog Factory restaurants (including one in Suburu Park), acquired two Rita’s Italian Ice franchises in 2021-2022 and also purchased and sold three Chef Rube Kitchen franchises (including one in Philly’s soccer stadium). He also opened two Brunchaholics restaurants over the past year, a Metro Philly-based delicious brunch spot that serves up unique twists on classic brunch dishes.
Anderson’s priority is to seek out single and multi-unit operators to join in the brand’s rapid expansion.
“As a franchisee, you get access to The Market Place’s cooperative advertising, training/support, brand recognition, mass purchasing power and proven program,” says Anderson. “We plan on targeting the passionate people to help franchise a family-owned restaurant that has already been around since 1980.”
With a startup cost as low as $150,000, and high profit margins, Anderson will facilitate franchisees getting marketing, operational and purchasing support, site selection, financial and legal support, and ongoing research and development. Anderson and Black are both working to keep costs low for their franchisees, including fee flexibility for select franchisees as a first mover’s advantage.
The Market Place boasts an extensive menu of homemade and signature dishes. Franchisees gain all proprietary recipes, branding, and several other key areas of support.