Freshii (USA) Signs Multiunit Deal for Middle East
21 Jan 2010 - Entrepreneurs Michael Boocher and Jennifer Ridgway have signed a multi-unit franchise deal to open 5 Freshii restaurants in Dubai. The wildly successful fast casual concept is known for its modern, hip vibe and convenient, healthy and delicious meals and snacks.
There are currently 16 units in Chicago and Toronto, several new restaurants currently under construction, and an additional 200 units in varying stages of development in the US (Washington, DC; Denver, Colorado; Orange County, California; Los Angeles, California; Houston, Texas; Manhattan, New York; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) and internationally in Canada & Europe.
The husband-and-wife team plan to open restaurants in select trade areas in Dubai and expand into Abu Dhabi. They have planned to open their 1st location in mid-2010.
No strangers to overseas success, Michael and Jennifer are among the highly-successful sundry shop owners in the UAE. Michael and Jennifer had discovered Freshii while vacationing in Toronto, Canada, and recognized an opportunity to bring a great new product home to Dubai. Says Jennifer, "We think patrons in Dubai, like others around the world, will demand fresher, healthier options from quick service restaurants in years to come and Freshii will fill that need. Freshii brings higher quality, more customizable menu options. The ingredients are fresh and healthy, but at the same time, full of taste and very fulfilling. The food is delicious and we think the market will respond well."
"We are excited to bring our concept to the Middle East. I'm confident we've picked the right partners to help us build Freshii as an international brand," says Freshii founder and CEO Matthew Corrin.
Freshii's popularity skyrocketed since the first location opened in Toronto in 2005, winning Freshii the title of Best New Retail Concept in Canada during its first year of business. Two years later, Freshii was named the 22nd Fastest Growing Company in Canada. In 2008, U.S.-based QSR Magazine dubbed Freshii "One To Watch." In October of 2008, Freshii founder and CEO, Matthew Corrin, was interviewed by Sir Richard Branson at an interactive entrepreneur's summit about the risks and rewards associated with owning and operating a fast growing business.
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