New formats, new markets, expanded management team help fuel growth
September 01, 2011 // Franchising.com // (Franklin, TN)-- Tasti D-Lite, the great-tasting, better-for-you frozen treat chain with a cult following among health-conscious consumers as well as celebrities, has achieved unprecedented growth in the first half of 2011. The chain has signed new development agreements for Tampa, Florida, for several counties in New York and Connecticut, and for a network of non-traditional sites across the country, totaling 104 locations. Additionally, Tasti D-Lite recently opened its first locations in Missouri, Massachusetts, Nevada, Maryland, North Carolina and will soon open its first California center in the third quarter.
The driving force behind the company's growth has been its commitment to innovation across all facets of its business, including its core concept and offering, which has resulted in the opening of four first-of-their-kind centers:
In addition to innovation on its format, Tasti D-Lite has introduced new products and new campaigns.
It has expanded its hot beverage, breakfast and specialty treat offerings and is rolling out a new line of fresh-made crepes. In the spring, the company launched a year-long Tasti Healthy Habit Search Contest, in which customers can submit their story about how their Tasti habit has made a healthy difference in their life. One winner is selected each month and receives $1,000 cash plus a month of free Tasti and their story is featured online and in Tasti D-Lite stores. The campaign, now in its fifth month, has showcased winners including one who has lost 100 pounds another who is a certified fitness trainer who recommends Tasti D-Lite to all of her clients as a substitute for unhealthier sweet treats. The company has also continued to expand its ground-breaking social media program, serving as a launch partner on Google's new "Google Places" location-based platform as well as bolstering its award-winning, socially progressive TastiRewards loyalty program.
Tasti D-Lite today has locations open in twelve states, with locations in new states including its first California outpost coming soon. Beyond their U.S. growth, Tasti D-Lite is expanding internationally as well. The company has locations open in Mexico and the United Arab Emirates and will open its first locations in Australia in the third quarter and Panama in the fourth quarter. The company also expects to announce news soon on agreements that will further expand its international footprint.
To support its growth and new initiatives over the past year, Tasti D-Lite has bolstered its management team. Among the new executives are Linda Shunk, VP of Operations, Phil Trello, Director of Real Estate, Construction and Design, and Dedria Ray, Franchise Operations Manager. The three executives bring strong franchising backgrounds from six different franchised organizations to the Tasti D-Lite management team, which now boasts over 340 years of combined franchising experience.
"This year we've experienced the greatest growth in the history of our 24-year old brand," said Tasti D-Lite CEO Jim Amos. "We've achieved this not only through hard work but by innovating in literally every area of our business. It's a new day in franchising in which flexibility along with an ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions and consumer demands are critical success factors. I'm excited about how we've evolved our concept and formats, store design, product offering, marketing and social media programs and even our management team this past year. This innovation mindset has created new growth opportunities for us and, even more importantly, has become part of our company culture that will allow us to continue to stay ahead in the marketplace."
Tasti D-Lite expects to end 2011 with 70 locations open and operating and is projecting to have another 50 units open or in development by the end of 2012.
Since its inception in 1987, Tasti D-Lite's popularity has grown largely by word of mouth and has resulted in a huge base of raving fans who line up day and night to get their favorite guilt-free treat, available in more than 100 flavors. In 2008 the company launched its first franchise program. Since then, the company has grown to 55 locations across three countries and has already secured commitments to open more than 500 locations around the world in the coming years. Tasti D-Lite is now poised for growth throughout the U.S. and around the world with plans to build a global franchise network through a combination of single- and multi-unit franchises, area developers and international master franchises. For more information, visit www.tastidlite.com or contact Courtney Thomas at 312-829-4350.