AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 26, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a historic deal with far-reaching impact in the fast-casual segment, Schlotzsky's®, the home of The Original® round-toasted sandwich and famous Fresh-from-Scratch® buns, announced today it has signed the brand's largest franchise agreement in more than 40 years. Anchored by its new Lotz Better® model and consistent positive sales, the partnership calls for 170 Schlotzsky's locations throughout California, including Los Angeles, Riverside, Ventura and San Bernardino counties.
Each of the new restaurants will feature a new, contemporary design and an upgraded service model in which crew members hand-deliver food to the tables. In addition, as part of a co-branding deal with Cinnabon® and Carvel®, the locations will include counters offering signature treats from the iconic dessert brands.
"The magnitude of this franchise agreement is a testament to the growing strength of our brand in the marketplace," said Kelly Roddy, president of Schlotzsky's. "Between this agreement in California and multiple others we've signed in the past year alone, the momentum is incredible. On top of the obvious benefits the expansion is having on our brand, it's also creating job growth in communities around the country," noting that the new locations in Southern California will create nearly 7,000 jobs in the next five years.
After successfully completing its initiative to reimage its 350-plus unit franchise system, executives of Schlotzsky's are focusing on growing in markets where there is a demand for a high-quality franchise brand. In this newest deal, Moe Vazin is responsible for opening the 170 locations throughout the market. Prior to joining the Schlotzsky's family, Vazin experienced much success with his extensive management experience, accumulating a portfolio of supermarkets, manufacturing and distribution in the retail industry.
"Obviously, we look very carefully at brands before making a significant investment like this," Vazin said. "We had many reasons for choosing Schlotzsky's, but the key factors were its high-quality, fresh sandwiches, pizzas, salads and soups, the fact that we can offer Cinnabon and Carvel under the same roof, and an incredible management team that shares our vision of the brand in Southern California."
Roddy added that Vazin perfectly fits the profile for a Schlotzsky's multi-unit franchisee. "He's a top-notch operator, and we're confident he will not only uphold our brand standards and reputation, but knock it out of the park by making us the top fast-casual destination in Southern California," he said.
This partnership comes on the heels of Schlotzsky's signing a multi-unit franchise agreement in May 2012 with regional developers John Fehmer and Anastasia Rusakov to open 25 new Schlotzsky's locations throughout Orange County, Calif.
With more than 350 locations worldwide, Schlotzsky's continues its growth momentum by aggressively targeting markets in Texas and untapped markets around the country for multi-unit developers. These markets include: Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, Kansas City, Miami, Nashville, Raleigh, St. Louis and Tampa, as well as other underdeveloped markets through the United States. Roddy added that, ideally, Schlotzsky's plans to have upwards of 700 locations by 2016.
For more information regarding the Schlotzsky's franchise opportunity, visit http://www.schlotzskysfranchising.com/ or call 800-846-BUNS.
About Schlotzsky's
Since 1971, Schlotzsky's has been the home of The Original® toasted sandwich. The menu has evolved with customers' tastes to include the highest quality sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and soups available today. With more than 350 locations worldwide, Schlotzsky's is the fast-casual choice for a quick, healthful, and fresh dining experience. Schlotzsky's is enjoyed around the world, with restaurants in Turkey, China, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Jordan and Kuwait. Schlotzsky's is owned by FOCUS Brands Inc.®, the franchisor and operator of more than 3,300 Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Schlotzsky's®, Moe's Southwest Grill® and Auntie Anne's® locations and Seattle's Best Coffee® on certain military bases and in international markets. For more information, visit http://www.schlotzskys.com/">www.Schlotzskys.com.
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