LEHI, Utah, Feb. 14, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In an age where everything from surfboards to the food we eat is mass-produced, Costa Vida is rebelling against soul-less food and expanding its Baja-inspired restaurant concept across North America.
As one of the nation's fastest growing restaurant brands and a leader in the fast-casual fresh-Mexican category, Costa Vida is emerging with ambitious growth plans. With 49 locations already open and operating in 10 states and Canada, and an additional 217 restaurants in various stages of development, Costa Vida plans to nearly double its North American presence in 2013 alone.
"Over the last three years, we've gotten the proverbial franchising ball rolling and have built some great momentum heading into this year," said Brian Dixon, Director of Brand Marketing. "I can say with confidence that this is just the beginning of what will no doubt establish us as a household name and a leading player in the fast casual segment."
After becoming the first Costa Vida franchisees in 2004, current CEO Sean Collins and president Dave Rutter decided to go one step further and acquire the brand outright in November 2009. The longtime friends quickly assembled a team of franchise veterans with more than 150 years of combined experience with such brands as Pizza Hut, Subway, Jamba Juice, Freebird's World Burrito, Carl's Junior, and Long John Silver's, among others, and created a contagiously energetic environment inspired by the scenic beauty, food and people of the Baja Coast.
Whether it be the thrilling surf videos played on flat panel TV's, the high-energy music thumping through the sound system or the incredible smells of intensely flavored sauces, salsas and meats made fresh daily – the Baja escape is inevitable.
Costa Vida food is freshly made-from-scratch every day. Each tortilla is hand crafted daily and served hot, ensuring that no customer will ever have to eat a factory-made tortilla pulled from a bag. The sweet pork and shredded beef are perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked for several hours to create the signature intense aroma and flavors of Costa Vida.
"Just open the door of a Costa Vida restaurant and your escape from the bland and boring begins," added Dave Rutter, President. "The sights, sounds, smells and tastes capture that unique and vibrant Baja experience – leaving our customers energized, inspired and satisfied."
Today, the demand for Costa Vida's uniquely prepared recipes is growing by leaps and bounds, opening up opportunities for expansion in new and existing markets. With a strong brand identity, flavorful food, exceptional franchisee relationships, and passionate executive team, Costa Vida is perfectly poised for development with the right investors.
To augment the company's growth, Costa Vida is seeking experienced multi-unit franchisees with the experience and capacity to manage a growing brand. A minimum development agreement of three locations is required.
"We have quickly passed other early entrants in the category to become the taste that customers prefer and the franchise that businesspeople want to own," said Sean Collins, CEO, noting the company's average franchise agreement to this point has been for nine stores.
About Costa Vida
Costa Vida is a fast casual restaurant inspired by the fresh tasting foods and vibrant lifestyle of the Baja Peninsula. Costa Vida's food is created every day from scratch using quality ingredients. The menu offers a variety of made-to-order items such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, salads and desserts. As a growing and successful brand, Costa Vida offers exciting and vibrant franchise business opportunities. For more information, visit www.costavida.net.
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