Opportunity Knocks for Local Franchisors and Investors

A local franchisor or investor will soon have the opportunity to introduce one of three iconic American food brands into the South African market, with the imminent arrival of fast food franchise Carl’s Jr, fondue restaurant The Melting Pot, and frozen delicacy chain, Rita’s Italian Ice.

Edwards Global Services (EGS) Senior Director, William Gabbard will be travelling to South Africa at the end of August for meetings with potential South African franchisors or investors with the view of awarding the area development licence of each of the brands to a suitable franchisor or investor. Gabbard notes that being awarded one of these brands will provide considerable growth opportunities not only for the franchisor or investor, but for the South African food market as well.

“These three brands are all recognisable and highly successful in the US, and I am confident that by partnering with an ambitious, determined, and hardworking franchisor or investor, they can achieve similar status in South Africa. The subsequent success of these brands will also benefit South African consumers, adding considerably to the variety and quality being offered in the food franchise space.”

Carl’s Jr has been in business for over 65 years, building a reputation for quality large-size charbroiled burgers. Its wide-variety menu features a gourmet line of 100% Black Angus Beef burgers, whole fillet chicken sandwiches, as well as hand-scooped ice cream milkshakes and malts made with real ice cream. The brand currently has 1,300 franchise units operating in 17 countries, and its system-wide sales exceed $3 billion (R20 billion) annually.

The Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant franchise which allows customers to prepare their food at their table. What makes The Melting Pot such a unique dining experience, besides for the fact that diners cook their own food, is that it offers an ambiance that one would be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Patrons are able to tailor their dining menu with a variety of cheese-, entrée- and dessert fondues. Experience is not necessary to become a Melting Pot licensee, as its complete site selection, restaurant design and build-out package ensure that licensees are able to get their franchises off the ground. The franchise has 150 locations across the US, Canada and Mexico.

The third brand, Rita’s Italian Ice, offers a range of frozen desserts, including its signature Italian Ice range, which combines ice with real fruit. Rita’s flavoursome products are so tasty that consumers would feel as if they actually eating the fruit itself. The stores also serve up old-fashioned frozen custard, a creamy soft-serve that rivals traditional ice-cream, as well as gelato, which blends Italian ice and frozen custard. It is the largest Italian ice franchise in the US, with 560 stores.

Gabbard concludes that local franchisors and investors should welcome the opportunity to be awarded one of these three brands.

“In being offered the area licensing rights of one of these brands, the franchisor or investor will not be exposed to an untried concept, but gradually ingrained into proven franchise models which have the potential for substantial future growth across South Africa, and ultimately, long term success. The opportunity is therefore an exciting one, and one which should be seized by an ambitious individual.”

Edward’s Global Services specialises in helping both publicly traded and private companies find suitable and profitable international markets to thrive in. The company is a specialist in identifying, evaluating, planning, implementing and directing international business development and projects that build and grow its clients' businesses outside their home markets. The company was awarded the 2011 Presidential “E” Award for Exports by U.S. Department of Commerce. The “E” Awards are the highest recognition any U.S. entity may receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. EGS is the first franchise sector service company to have received this national award.

PR Worx
Madelain Roscher
+27 (0) 11 896 1818
madelain@prworx.co.za
1 Sirius Street
Sunward Park
Boksburg
1459

This release was published on openPR.