Baskin-Robbins Opens Virginia Beach / Norfolk for Franchise Sales
America's Favorite Neighborhood Ice Cream Shop Hosts Local Franchising Seminar on September 10, 2009
CANTON, Mass., Sept. 3 // PRNewswire // -- Baskin-Robbins, America's favorite ice cream shop, is rapidly expanding its national footprint with today's announcement that Virginia Beach, Norfolk and the surrounding region are now open for franchise sales. More than 30 new stores are projected throughout the area over the next several years.
Baskin-Robbins currently operates more than 6,000 stores in 35 countries and opened more than 600 stores globally in 2008. With a domestic footprint of nearly 2,700 locations, Baskin-Robbins is now seeking exceptional franchisee candidates in Virginia Beach and Norfolk to be part of an unprecedented growth campaign designed to increase its U.S. presence over time. Built over the last 64 years, Baskin-Robbins currently enjoys 98 percent brand awareness across the country and was named for the second consecutive year the number one ice cream and frozen dessert franchise in Entrepreneur magazine's annual "Franchise 500" ranking.
To fuel this growth in and around Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Baskin-Robbins is actively seeking store developers who possess strong financial backgrounds, the desire to maximize their territory's sales and have a passion for the communities they will serve.
"As the Baskin-Robbins brand continues to develop in Virginia, we're excited to provide new store owners with the unique opportunity to capitalize on their territory's potential, serve as the face of the brand in the community, as well as set the direction of the market's growth," said Salman Siddiqui, vice president of global business development, Baskin-Robbins.
To share information about franchising opportunities in and around Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Baskin-Robbins is hosting a franchising seminar at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront on September 10, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Included in the discussion will be the brand's new store designs, marketing, training, site selection and franchising in general. To register for the event and learn more, please visit www.baskinrobbins.com/franchiseopportunities or contact Dwayne Greer at 615-545-7766 or dwayne.greer@dunkinbrands.com.
Baskin-Robbins enters 2009 with several new real estate concepts that provide interested area developers with a range of flexible real estate design options. Part ice cream indulgence, dessert-theater and test kitchen rolled into one, the revolutionary Cafe 31 model operates as a high-end dessert bar with unique ice cream and coffee products. Cafe 31 is currently being tested outside of Boston. The traditional concept is an updated, stand-alone store featuring all of Baskin-Robbins' standard equipment and offerings. Traditional stores can also support a drive-thru depending on the real estate selected. Lastly, the BR Express concept is a kiosk design offering a convenient and simplified solution for malls, sports arenas, airports or other small co-branded real estate opportunities.
"By continuing our history of developing new product innovations and keeping our focus on customer service and business success for our franchisees, Baskin-Robbins is providing a completely new experience in 2009," said Siddiqui. "We share common objectives with our store developers, which focus on building and sustaining a profitable business and strong brand in this increasingly challenging economy."
Furthering its commitment to its franchisees, Baskin-Robbins also offers extensive training programs and comprehensive operating systems designed to help build business. A broad franchise support team is geared to simplify operations and includes development and construction experts, operational support professionals, training managers and field marketing managers. Baskin-Robbins also employs state-of-the-art technology and the latest point of sale terminals to help stores run more efficiently and cost effectively. Baskin-Robbins has proven to be a simple business to run with convenient hours of operation, minimal equipment, little waste and a majority of inventory that has a shelf life of one year with proper storage.
Over six decades ago, Baskin-Robbins was founded by ice cream enthusiasts Burton "Burt" Baskin and Irvine "Irv" Robbins who shared a dream to create an innovative ice cream store that would be a neighborhood gathering place for families. Today, over 300 million people visit Baskin-Robbins each year to sample the more than 1,000 flavors available in its ice cream library, as well as enjoy its full array of frozen treats including ice cream cakes, frozen beverages and sundaes.
"Baskin-Robbins will satisfy a growing demand in and around Virginia Beach and Norfolk for high-quality ice cream, specialty frozen desserts and beverages," said Siddiqui. "Over the past 64 years, Baskin-Robbins has become the brand of choice for consumers and has consistently delighted them with our irresistible flavors and treats. We look forward to being an important part of the communities."
About Baskin-Robbins
Named the top ice cream and frozen dessert franchise in the United States by Entrepreneur magazine's 30th annual Franchise 500(R) ranking, Baskin-Robbins is the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops. Baskin-Robbins creates and markets innovative, premium ice cream, specialty frozen desserts and beverages, providing quality and value to consumers at more than 6,000 retail shops in 35 countries. Baskin-Robbins was founded by two ice cream enthusiasts whose passion led to the creation of more than 1,000 ice cream flavors and a wide variety of delicious treats. Headquartered in Canton, Mass., Baskin-Robbins is part of the Dunkin' Brands, Inc. family of companies.
SOURCE Baskin-Robbins
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