Agreement calls for a minimum of five stores to open within a seven year period
October 08, 2008 // Franchising.com // Atlanta – For Immediate Release – Marble Slab Creamery announced the opening of its first franchise location in Lebanon. The company established an international master franchise agreement with operating principal, Nidal Nhara in 2007, who is expected to open five stores within a seven year period of the agreement. The new store locations will initially concentrate inBeirut before expanding into other cities. The agreement is supported by NexCen Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: NEXC) ("NexCen"), parent company to Marble Slab Creamery.
The first store opened September 3 at the City Mall in Beirut. Operating principal, Nidal Nahra is an architect from Beirut's nearby suburb, Jouneih, and develops commercial projects in many key locations.
"I am pleased to open the first Marble Slab in Lebanon," said Nidal Nhara master franchise owner. "I believe in the brand and its gourmet quality products, and I am confident that Marble Slab will be a welcome addition to the city of Beirut."
The new agreement demonstrates Marble Slab's continued efforts to expand its international and domestic presence. Currently the brand has over 390 locations in the United States, Canadaand the United Arab Emirates and will expand into Mexico at the beginning of next year.
"Nidal's impressive background in the real estate and development business provides him with the knowledge and experience to successfully integrate Marble Slab into the Lebanon market," said Marty Amschler executive vice president international development of NexCen Franchise Management. "His enthusiasm for the brand's super-premium ice cream products demonstrates Nidal's commitment and passion for success."
About Marble Slab Creamery (www.marbleslab.com)
Marble Slab Creamery, a leading purveyor of super-premium hand-mixed ice cream and the innovator of the frozen slab technique, was founded in 1983. Every batch of Marble Slab's ice cream is made on location using ingredients from around the world and fresh dairy from local farms. Marble Slab's famous mix-ins include fresh fruits, fine nuts, candies and cookies that can be blended into all ice cream flavors. Today, Marble Slab has an international presence with nearly 400 locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates.
About NexCen Brands, Inc. (www.nexcenbrands.com)
NexCen Brands, Inc. is a strategic brand acquisition and management company with a focus on franchised brands. The company franchises, licenses, and markets a portfolio of global brands that includes; The Athlete's Foot®, Bill Blass®, Great American Cookies®, MaggieMoo's®, Marble Slab Creamery®, Pretzelmaker®, Pretzel Time®, Shoebox New York™ and Waverly®. NexCen Franchise Management, a subsidiary of NexCen Brands, supports approximately 1,900 franchised stores in over 50 countries around the world with its experienced brand management, marketing and operations teams.
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