October 20, 2009 // Franchising.com // Mountain Mudd Espresso drive thru specialty coffee franchise has executed a contract to expand its retail operation into Long Island, NY.
Mountain Mudd Espresso, founded in 1994, is now one of the leading drive-thru specialty coffee franchises in the United States. The drive-thru segment of the specialty coffee industry has been riding a steady incline over the past 16 years. In relation to small to medium sized companies, it's showing no signs of slowing down.
The US based franchise is being introduced in the Long Island through a strategic partnership with the RMT Specialty Coffees, owned by entrepreneur Ralph Tasso. Mr. Tasso has a long history of successful ventures, both in the franchise industry and private small business ownership. Mr. Tasso lives in Ronkonkoma with his family. Mountain Mudd Espresso has become his full time initiative.
Regarding this expansion, Mountain Mudd's National Sales Manager Jackie Mota says, "New York coffee drinkers are connoisseurs. We know that our flavors will impress them."
Gary Braaten, President of Mountain Mudd expands on the relationship between Mr. Tasso and the corporation "We couldn't be any more confident in Mr. Tasso's ability to promote and protect the Mountain Mudd Espresso name. We are excited to welcome him to our network. "
Tasso and Mountain Mudd executives meet regularly to finalize all necessary preparations for the store openings and review the details for the development and expansion plan.
The first phase of development includes two Mountain Mudd kiosks to open early in 2010 in Suffolk County. Gradually over the year, more Mountain Mudd kiosks will be dispatched into other public and private key locations in Nassua, Queens, and Brooklyn. By 2014, 50 stores will be open in Long Island.
This agreement is the beginning of a flurry of activity for the franchise in the East. Additional agreements are being negotiated between Mountain Mudd Espresso and investment groups along the coast.
Mota says, "Many areas around the world have capitalized on the market of convenience. Though many have not yet seen drive thru specialty coffee, the progressive partners we seek are currently working with recognize that it's on the horizon."
Mountain Mudd Espresso manufactures their industrial 8'x8' building from rolled steel. Though the corporation is headquartered in Billings, Montana it boasts just under 100 retail outlets worldwide today and has a goal of 500 by the year 2014. Mountain Mudd also owns and operates 15 of their own retail stores in Billings, MT.
When asked about how this high-end brand will adapt its products and clever building to suit global conditions, Braaten responded, "This expansion fits our mission: to become the dominant, premier drive thru specialty coffee retailer worldwide. We've always been true to this mission and our beans. We have no intentions of changing that. The success of our franchisees is our highest priority."
Mountain Mudd Espresso franchise is registered in all 50 states and 4 countries and offers the same great experience, with the same delectable products, whether you order your latte in Long Island, NY or Byblos, Lebanon."
Mountain Mudd Espresso is held by Partnered Beverages LLC, which is a subsidiary of CHS Inc. CHS Inc. (www.chsinc.com) is a diversified energy, grains and foods company committed to providing the essential resources that enrich lives around the world. A Fortune 200 company, CHS is owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives, along with thousands of preferred stockholders, from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest and from the Canadian border to Texas. CHS supplies energy, crop nutrients, grain, livestock feed, food and food ingredients, along with business solutions including insurance, financial and risk management services. The company operates petroleum refineries/pipelines and manufactures, markets and distributes Cenex® brand refined fuels, lubricants, propane and renewable energy products. CHS is listed on the NASDAQ at CHSCP.
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