Schlotzsky's Deli Franchise News

Three Schlotzsky’s Executives Recognized at Annual IFA Conference
February 23, 2012 // Franchising.com // AUSTIN – Austin-based Schlotzsky’s® announced today that three members of the franchise’s team were recognized as Certified Franchise Executives (CFE) by the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Institute of Certified Franchise Executives (ICFE). George Schaefer, vice president of restaurant operations & training; John Geyerman, regional vice president; and Debbie Gardner, senior director of PR and communications all completed a comprehensive course of study in franchise management offered by the Institute, which is the academic branch of the IFA’s Educational Foundation.
The world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide, the IFA recognized the accomplishments of Schaefer, Geyerman, and Gardner during its annual conference in Orlando, Fla...

Schlotzsky’s brings back trio of mouth-watering, crowd-pleasing ribeye favorites
AUSTIN, Texas – Schlotzsky’s® heads into the holiday season with the return of its popular premium ribeye steak sandwiches. From now until February 26, the home of The Original® round toasted sandwich will feature three new, limited-time-only signature sandwiches made with premium ribeye steak—the Bacon & Smoked Cheddar Ribeye, the Mushrooms & Grilled Onions Ribeye, and the Guacamole & Red Peppers Ribeye.
“Our guests fell in love with these tasty sensations last year, so we knew we had to bring them back for an encore,” said Kelly Roddy, president of Schlotzsky’s, expressing his enthusiasm for the company’s second For Goodness Steak winter promotion...

Local Multi-Unit Franchise Group Commits to Opening Iconic Fast Casual Sandwich Restaurants; Separate Agreements Call for Cinnabon and Carvel Concepts inside Each Location
November 15, 2011 // Franchising.com // AUSTIN – Schlotzsky’s® announced today that it has signed a history-making franchise deal to bring 30 new restaurants throughout the Philadelphia metro area that would also house Cinnabon® and Carvel® franchises inside the buildings.
Schlotzsky’s, Carvel, and Cinnabon are all part of the parent company FOCUS Brands Inc.®. The three iconic food franchises began partnering early last year to open tri-branded locations and have seen robust sales due to this strategy. In total, the new tri-branded restaurants resulted in a total of 90 franchise agreements to be signed—the largest in Schlotzsky’s 40-year history...

National Promotion Gives Lucky 40 Fans Free Schlotzsky's for a Year; Shops Nationwide Offer Special Promotion Oct. 4 for Legendary Sandwich
September 29, 2011 // Franchising.com // AUSTIN – From a small mom-and-pop shop in South Austin to more than 350 locations worldwide, Schlotzsky's has been satisfying taste buds with its round, freshly-baked buns for the past 40 years.
Celebrating its anniversary on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011, Schlotzsky's invites consumers nationwide to enjoy the sandwich that launched the brand's success…The Original®. Offered all day long, guests can purchase The Original (small) for a special promotional price of $1.99, with no coupon necessary.** Plus, throughout October, 40 lucky fans will win free Schlotzsky's for a year by signing up on the Schlotzsky's Facebook page or at any location...

Third time's a charm for this trio of mouth-watering, crowd-pleasing roast beef favorites August 29, 2011 // Franchising.com // AUSTIN – Schlotzsky's is ready to head into fall with the return of its popular Angus Round Up sandwiches. From now until November 27, the home of The Original® round toasted sandwich will feature three meaty favorites – the Bacon Beefy SmokeCheezy, French Dipsky and the Chipotle Guaca-Beefsky.

"Our famously warm and succulent roast beef sandwiches have been a big hit in the past and we're excited to bring them back for a third time," said Kelly Roddy, president of Schlotzsky's. "From their unique flavor profile to generous portions, the response to these sandwiches has always been truly unbelievable and we look forward to again serving guests only the best this season...

Brand development and retail design firm recognized for outstanding creative work July 27, 2011 // Franchising.com // AUSTIN – Schlotzsky's, the home of The Original® round toasted sandwich, today announced it has named Back Lot Productions, Inc., an Atlanta-based company specializing in retail design and brand development, as its Vendor of the Year.

Back Lot Production owners, Bart Mills and Tracey Barker, were recognized with the prestigious honor for their creation of the Schlotzsky's 'Lotz Better' prototype design. The first new Schlotzsky's 'Lotz Better' prototype opened in Waco, Texas in 2010 and was so well-received by customers that Schlotzsky's corporate executives made the decision to reimage all of its existing 350 restaurants with the same 'Lotz Better' design...

Newly Rebranded Image Captures Interest of Multi-Unit Investors in New Jersey and Central Texas June 27, 2011 // Franchising.com // AUSTIN – Schlotzsky's®, the home of The Original® round toasted sandwich, announced today it has signed 75 franchise agreements for a total of 25 restaurants that will each house the Schlotzsky's, Cinnabon and Carvel concepts under one roof.

Company executives said the restaurants will begin to open throughout New Jersey and Texas during the next six to 12 months. The first development agreement was signed with New Jersey-based Better Bunz, LLC for 17 tri-brand locations (a total of 51 agreements between the three concepts), to open in areas throughout New Jersey. Meanwhile, Texas-based Sac-N-Pac inked the second deal, with eight tri-brand locations, for a total of 24 agreements, to open throughout Houston, San Antonio and Central Texas...

Nation's leading fast casual concept serves up three new sandwiches for limited time June 08, 2011 // Franchising.com // AUSTIN – Schlotzsky's is spicing things up this summer as it brings back two popular sandwich combinations and unveils a third for its 'Hot Hitz' summer promotion.

Through August 28, 2011, the famous fast casual restaurant concept, home to The Original® round toasted sandwich, will offer two oldies but goodies, The Albuquerque Turkey and Windy City Pastrami, while rolling out its new Buffalo Chicken sandwich. The trio of mouthwatering sandwiches is sure to be a 'Hot Hit' with customers as they seek to satisfy their lunch and dinner time cravings at Schlotzsky's.

"The Albuquerque Turkey and Windy City Pastrami are two longtime favorites that our customers rave about," said Kelly Roddy, president of Schlotzsky's...

Mike Hathaway of Arlington, Texas Earns Spot on Thousands of T-Shirts for 5k Charity Event Benefiting Austin's Young Men's Business League Sunshine Camps April 18, 2011 // Franchising.com // AUSTIN, Texas – Austin's very own Schlotzsky's, home of The Original® round toasted sandwich and famous Fresh-from-Scratch® buns, today announced it has named Mike Hathaway of Arlington, Texas as the winner of its T-shirt design contest for the 29th Annual Bun Run®, the longest-running 5k in Austin's history. Hathaway will receive a $1,000 check on Sunday, May 1 prior to the start of the race for YMBL's Sunshine Camps charity.

"Mike is a talented individual and the public clearly loved his work by voting on his design as the winner of our contest," said Kelly Roddy, president of Schlotzsky's...

Fast-Casual Chain Awards 2011 Chevy Camaro March 08, 2011 // Franchising.com // AUSTIN, TX – Schlotzsky's® is giving one customer more than just their delectable, high quality Fresh-from-Scratch® bread and delicious sandwiches. In August, Schlotzsky's launched a fall promotion, offering three new limited-time-only sandwiches and a chance to win a classic American car, perfect for a drive down Route 66 – a 2011 Chevy Camaro.

Lindsey Lang of Auburn, WA is the proud winner of Schlotzsky's Route 66 contest and the 2011 Chevy Camaro. "I was in shock when I found out I won the car. This isn't the type of thing that happens every day!" Lang exclaimed. "I'm so grateful to Schlotzsky's for the car and I am excited to hop in my brand new Camaro and cruise down to the Schlotzsky's in Bend, Oregon...

Industry Veteran and Culinary Expert, Paul Freeman, Joins the Schlotzsky's Team March 02, 2011 // Franchising.com // AUSTIN, TX – Schlotzsky's, home of The Original® round toasted sandwich and famous Fresh-from-Scratch® buns, is proud to welcome Paul Freeman as the new Vice President of Research and Development. Freeman, who has an extensive professional background in culinary services with Metromedia Restaurant Group and restaurants such as Steak & Ale, Bennigan's, Perkins and Bob Evans, has been appointed to lead the menu development in accordance with the new look and feel of each restaurant.

"Schlotzsky's is known for their freshly baked buns, quality ingredients, exceptional service and quirky personality," Freeman said...

February 28, 2011 // Franchising.com // Austin, TX – The triple threat of the Bacon Smoke Cheezy Three-zy sandwiches were such a big hit during their debut, Schlotzsky's is bringing them back for an encore performance. The Chicken & Bacon Smoke Cheezy, Turkey & Bacon Smoke Cheezy and Ribeye Steak & Bacon Smoke Cheezy will be around from now through May 29, so getting your fill of these sandwiches is easy as one-zy, two-zy, three-zy! Chicken & Bacon Smoke Cheezy First up is a medley of shaved chicken breast, smoked cheddar cheese, crispy bacon strips, and fresh lettuce, tomatoes and red onions, blended with tangy chipotle mayonnaise and served on Schlotzsky's signature Fresh-from-Scratch® sourdough bun. Turkey & Bacon Smoke Cheezy The next sandwich on stage features moist smoked turkey breast, smoked cheddar cheese, crispy bacon strips and fresh lettuce, tomatoes and red onions, topped off with tangy chipotle mayonnaise and served on a toasted sourdough bun...

Fast Casual Brand to Reimage Entire Franchise System by End of 2011 February 24, 2011 // Franchising.com // Kansas City, MO – Schlotzsky's, the home of The Original® round toasted sandwich, is unveiling four "Lotz Better" reimaged restaurants in Kansas City on March 1, launching a nationwide initiative to reimage the entire franchise system by the end of 2011. The reimage, which includes over 350 Schlotzsky's restaurants nationwide, includes a refreshed color scheme and a circle theme reflecting the unique round sandwiches offered by the restaurant.

To celebrate, each Schlotzsky's restaurant in the Kansas City market will offer their famous sandwich, The Original (small), for $1.99 all day long. They will also hold a drawing at each restaurant for free Schlotzsky's for one year...

December 07, 2010 // Franchising.com // AUSTIN, TX – The National Minority Franchising Initiative's (NMFI) is pleased to announce that Schlotzsky's, home of The Original® round toasted sandwich and famous Fresh-from-Scratch® buns, is among this year's "50 Top Franchises for Minorities."

"It is an honor to be recognized by such a prestigious national organization for our dedication to actively recruit and support minorities within our system," said Kelly Roddy, President of Schlotzsky's. "We are committed to helping minorities build successful businesses and we welcome additional minority entrepreneurs to become part of our 'Lotz Better' family."

The NMFI selected the 50 winners from a list of hundreds of companies...

December 01, 2010 // Franchising.com // Austin, TX – Schlotzsky's, home of The Original® round toasted sandwich, kicked off the holiday season with the launch of the For Goodness Steak winter promotion, offering three new limited-time-only signature sandwiches made with premium ribeye steak.

First up is the Bacon & Smoked Cheddar Ribeye, featuring strips of juicy ribeye steak, crispy bacon, red bell peppers and smoked cheddar cheese with chipotle mayonnaise, served on our signature toasted sourdough buns.

Our second steak sandwich is the Mushrooms & Grilled Onions Ribeye, with strips of hearty ribeye steak, caramelized onions, Portobello mushrooms, provolone and Swiss cheese with garlic pesto and creamy horseradish dressing, served on our Fresh-from-Scratch toasted sourdough buns...

Saudi Arabia-based development group to add 40 restaurants in Egypt

September 28, 2010 // Franchising.com // AUSTIN, TX - Schlotzsky's, home of The Original® round toasted sandwich and famous Fresh-from-Scratch® buns, took a giant step in their overseas development with a 40 store agreement in Egypt, a move that will nearly quadruple their current international presence in years to come.

Food & Entertainment, a Middle East developer representing 11 brands including sister companies Carvel, Cinnabon and Seattle's Best Coffee, plan to open the first location in Egypt in the first half of 2011.

"I am excited to bring this thriving restaurant to a new market and introduce a fun new concept to Egypt," says Kamal Abu Sara, representative of Food & Entertainment...

Area Diners Can Expect Quirky & Fun Quick-Casual Experience at Newest Location September 08, 2010 // Franchising.com // Carrollton, TX – Schlotzsky's, home of The Original® round toasted sandwich and famous Fresh-from-Scratch® buns, will open its newest "Lotz Better" location at 3328 East Hebron Parkway in Carrollton on September 17, adding nearly 25 jobs to the local economy and bringing smiles to diners with its quirky brand personality.

"With our addictive recipes, upbeat surroundings and funny sayings, we're adding tremendous flavor to the Carrollton quick-casual dining scene," said Cary Albert, owner of the new Carrollton Schlotzsky's location. "It's hard not to smile when you walk into our bright new restaurants, smell the dough baking and see how much fun we have with 'bun humor...

Popular Restaurant Franchise Extends Summer Promo with Three New Chicken Sandwiches; Chance to Win 2011 Chevrolet Camaro September 02, 2010 // Franchising.com // Austin, TX – As the weather cools down and fall breezes in, Schlotzsky's wildly successful Route 66 promotion is winding its way toward California, offering three new limited-time-only signature sandwiches and a chance to win a classic American car perfect for the drive – a 2011 Chevy Camaro.

After the initial leg, which was the most successful summer promotion in company history, Schlotzsky's, home of The Original® round toasted sandwich, will extend its trip down Route 66. The promotion introduces new signature sandwiches, each with flavors influenced by cities along the route...

Fast-Casual Chain's `Lotz Better' Brand Yields Immediate Results March 23, 2010 // Franchising.com // Austin, TX – Fast approaching its 40th birthday, Schlotzsky's, the home of The Original™ round toasted sandwich, has decided to shake things up in a big way. The 350+ unit fast-casual restaurant has introduced an entirely new brand image that is attracting new kinds of guests and refueling franchise growth around the country.

The brand reinvention, which is literally and figuratively "All 'Round 'Lotz Better," includes a new prototype restaurant featuring vibrant colors, playful slogans, contemporary furniture and artwork, and a partnership with sister company Cinnabon that offers franchisees two brands under one roof...

December 01, 2009 // Franchising.com // Austin, TX – Looking for the perfect lunch, dinner or catering fare this holiday season? If so, then look no further than your nearest Schlotzsky's restaurant. Now through February 28th, guests at participating locations can warm up to not one, not two, but three scrumptious, all 'round lotz better Season 'Sational sandwiches:

- The first seasonal specialty is the Hickory Ham & Gouda, featuring layers of shaved ham, Gouda cheese, lettuce, tomato and red onion, topped off with tangy barbecue sauce and served on our famous Fresh-from-Scratch toasted sourdough bun.

- Next up is the Turkey & Cranberry, with plenty of smoked turkey, lettuce, tomato, light mayonnaise and for the perfect finish, cranberry sauce – all on our one-of-a-kind sourdough bun...