February Franchising World 2011
As members of the franchising community gather for the International Franchise Association’s 51st Annual Convention, they will learn first-hand the diversity of concepts within the sector. The “Taste of Franchising” event is set for Feb.13 and will again become a popular oasis for participants who will be surrounded by savory dishes, thirst-quenching beverages and the company of their peers. The donated food, beverage items and non-food products will be provided by association-member franchisor companies.
Time to Network
Top-quality educational sessions and general sessions, recognition ceremonies and the state-of-the-art exhibits await participants attending the IFA Annual Convention. While this is a time to give serious consideration to enhancing careers in franchising through certified programs, it’s also a time for networking with peers. There is no livelier backdrop to get reacquainted or introduced than at the popular “Taste of Franchising” event, now known as the convention’s “kick-off party.”
More than a dozen companies are participating in this festive event.
Buffalo Wing Factory and Pub
www.buffalowingfactory.com
Buffalo Wing Factory and Pub is the franchise that truly reflects the sports family category and the traditional Buffalo, N.Y. culture. The company took several years to improve systems before embarking on franchising. In 2011, the franchise program commenced proactively with multi-unit franchisees and those looking to develop and learn within the system.
Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
www.capriottis.com
Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop is a rapidly expanding 70-plus restaurant chain serving award-winning sandwiches in 11 states. Growing primarily via multi-unit franchising, the franchise serves “Extraordinary Food for Those Unwilling to Settle!” and was voted America’s Greatest Sandwich by AOL Online/Lemondrop in 2009 and No. 1 in Overall Customer Excellence! by a Sandelman & Associates 2009 survey released in 2010.
Fannie May Fine Chocolates
www.fanniemay.com
Customers turn to Fannie May Fine Chocolates to mark special occasions, celebrate holidays, and connect with loved ones. Its signature products, which include Pixies, Trinidads, Mint Meltaways and Truffles have a luscious taste that makes each customer feel truly special. The company also offers fine food and gift items, including ice cream, cheesecake and more and currently franchises in the Midwest, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and into Florida.
Golden Krust Caribbean
Bakery & Grill
www.goldenkrustbakery.com
Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill is the nation’s largest Caribbean franchise chain with over 120 stores located in nine states. Started back in 1989 on East Gun Hill Road in the Bronx, N.Y. by the Hawthorne family, who are Jamaican immigrants, the company’s products can be found not only in its franchises, but also in supermarkets, hospitals, schools, retail outlets and at special outdoor events throughout the United States.
Great American Cookies
www.greatamericancookies.com
Great American Cookies was founded in 1977 and is known for its signature Cookie Cakes and menu of delectable products baked fresh in-store. There are currently around 300 locations across the United States, as well as internationally in Bahrain, Canada, Guam, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates.
Jersey Mike’s
www.jerseymikes.com
Since 1956, Jersey Mike’s has had one recipe for success. In strong and weak economies, Jersey Mike’s has thrived and continued to grow because it won’t sacrifice the quality of its product. No one does what it does to ensure that its customers get the freshest, best tasting, authentic subs. This simple formula has helped the company to grow to over 450 locations in 29 states, and has earned it Best Sub Awards in virtually every market it serves.
Marco’s Pizza
www.marcos.com
Marco’s Franchising, LLC is the 31-year-old franchisor of the 225 units of the Marco’s Pizza chain. Operating in 17 states, Marco’s also has more than 1,200 stores sold in its area representative development program. Marco’s Pizza stores sell “Authentic Italian” pizza, and also fresh oven-baked subs, cheesy bread and chicken wings.
McDonald’s USA
www.aboutmcdonalds.com
McDonald’s USA is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to more than 26 million customers daily. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local business men and women. Attendees at February’s Taste of Franchising event will have the opportunity to sample McDonald’s delicious new Real Fruit Smoothies.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
www.nothingbundtcakes.com
Nothing Bundt Cakes began franchising in 2006 and is a unique concept which offers a luscious bundt cake that celebrates special occasions with homespun care, premium ingredients and a dash of flare. There are 32 units in various stages of opening located from the Mississippi River to the West Coast.
The Original SoupMan
www.originalsoupman.com
The Original SoupMan is a fast-growing national franchise that is bringing the much-loved brand to prime locations around the country. The soups, which are rated “Best” by Zagat and Consumer Reports, are made in small batches with relentless attention to fresh ingredients. With 20 locations and counting, the company’s plans are to expand with seasoned and experienced multi-unit food operators in the United States.
PepsiCo, Inc.
www.pepsico.com
PepsiCo offers the world’s largest portfolio of billion-dollar food and beverage brands, including 19 different product lines that each generates more than $1 billion in annual retail sales. Its main businesses—Frito-Lay, Quaker, Pepsi-Cola, Tropicana and Gatorade—also make hundreds of other nourishing, tasty foods and drinks that bring joy to its consumers in more than 200 countries.
Port of Subs Inc.
www.portofsubs.com
Port of Subs Inc., a Reno, Nev.-based restaurant chain founded in 1972, now with over 140 restaurants in seven western states features a menu of sliced fresh sandwiches, salads, wraps and catering to satisfy any occasion is a proud member of the IFA and participant in the IFA’s annual “Taste of Franchising” event.
Tony Roma’s
www.tonyromas.com
Tony Roma’s is the largest international casual theme franchisor specializing in ribs in the world. Tony Roma’s first opened in 1972 and today operates and franchises almost 200 restaurants in 32 countries on six continents. Its world famous ribs can also be found in over 12,000 retail grocers, chain and club stores across the United States.
Tropical Smoothie
www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com
Tropical Smoothie Café strives to be its consumers’ No. 1 choice for a higher quality, healthier way of life. Besides great real fruit smoothies, it includes bold, flavorful and made-to-order toasted wraps, bistro sandwiches, gourmet salads and grilled flatbreads of the highest quality meats, cheeses and sauces. Quality not only in its ingredients, but unparalleled hospitality every day in each of its 285 Café’s since its 1997 inception are standard.
Wystone’s World Teas
www.wystonestea.com
Wystone’s World Teas is a full-service Tea Bar and Cafe offering over 150 different loose leaf teas from around the world, as well as tea-infused food items sold for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Wystone’s offers onsite and off-site catering, as well as celebratory parties, meetings and events at its Restaurant and Gift shop. The company began franchising in 2010, has one corporate store and has sold the area rights for Missouri.