SEATTLE, May 20, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Baristas Coffee Company, Inc. (OTCPK:BCCI), Via GlobeNewswire NASDAQ QMX worldwide news service announced that it has signed an exclusive Master Franchise Development deal with BMOC for the development, construction, and management of franchises in eight states including NJ, PA, OH, IN, IL, MI, WI, MN. The deal exempts the previously purchased franchise rights owned by Cuppa Joe's in Manalapan County, NJ managed by Joey Pagano.
The group led by Lance L. Lehr has a long history in successfully developing franchise territories, franchised hotels, independent hotel resort properties such as Hyatt, Starwood, IHG and Choice Hotels, Water Parks, numerous franchised and independent restaurant development including Applebees, Quaker Steak and Lube, Damons Grill, Valentinos Italian, Safari Steakhouse, and extensive consulting in Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Industries. As part of the deal BMOC will provide $25,000 of national advertising per month specifically targeted at attracting franchisees for the duration of the agreement. Mr. Lehr has 18 years of senior management experience in the hospitality industry. Mr. Lehr's entrepreneurial management style of leadership focuses on empowering associates and holding them accountable for high level performance. This has led to the successful development and operation of several companies in the hospitality industry recently including Hybrid Hospitality Inc. and American Resort Management, LLC.
CEO Barry Henthorn stated, "The new partnership came as a direct result of our recent exposure in Inc. Magazine being designated as "Most Exciting New Franchise of 2014" in the current issue including the franchise resource guide. The success of our Joint venture in Cape Coral, and our proven business model allowed us to demonstrate why Baristas provides a truly unique and sound opportunity that can be obtained with minimal upfront capital. Working with Lance and his team is just what we needed in order to propel our franchise initiatives and growth.
Lance L. Lehr commented "The Baristas Brand and concept is truly one of the best we have ever encountered. Baristas especially shines in its ROI of its relatively low capital cost coupled with aggressive labor and cost management. This has led to Baristas success in the cost sensitive hospitality market. The management understands the key ingredients to building an explosive brand that rewards its franchisees and we feel that Baristas is the best opportunity in existence for a new innovative concept that is instantly recognized. Baristas is not only the leader but the pioneer of an opportunity that we feel will resonate and sustain multiple markets. We are fully committed to the development of the Baristas franchises and will be growing not only the Baristas brand but leveraging our foothold in the hospitality industry to lower cost, streamline operations and further refine this amazing opportunity. This will be accomplished by aggressive cost control coupled with out of the box sales building efforts and an intense focus on the guest experience."
About Baristas Coffee Company (BCCI): Headquartered in the Seattle, Washington area, Baristas Coffee Company, Inc. was formed to create a national brand of drive-thru espresso stands. BCCI is accomplishing this by acquiring established businesses that fit its model, opening new locations, and by franchising. Baristas has separated itself from the competition with its "theme" of joining attractive female baristas in entertaining costumes preparing the finest beverages available on the market. Baristas can currently be found in six greater Seattle area locations as well as in Florida, and Montana. Your state, Coming Soon!
For more information on this fascinating concept please visit us at www.baristas.tv.