Freshii Signs First Master Deal With Industry Expert

By: Freshii | 3 Shares 422 Reads

Healthy Fast Casual Concept Plans for 80 Units in Chicago Area

January 21, 2009 // Franchising.com // Chicago, IL,— Chicago native and restaurant industry guru David Grossman has signed a master franchise deal to open 80 Freshii locations throughout Chicago. After working with Subway Corporation for seven years, opening more than 100 restaurants in the Chicago area, Grossman spent the past 12 years with General Growth Properties leasing spaces to hundreds of different restaurants ranging from Mrs. Fields Cookies and Wetzel's Pretzels to McDonald's, Corner Bakery, Panera Bread, Olive Garden, Cheesecake Factory and many more. The fast casual Freshii is known for its hip, cool vibe and convenient, healthy and delicious meals and snacks. There are currently 14 units in Toronto and Chicago as well as stores in development in Los Angeles. Grossman's territory plans for up to 80 stores over the next 10 years.

Grossman recently signed a lease for his first location in Chicago's stunning Water Tower Place on N. Michigan Avenue to open in June of 2009. Water Tower Place is Chicago's premier shopping destination with a stunning eight-level atrium featuring more than 100 stores, restaurants and boutiques. Grossman has another lease signed for Block 37, a new development at 108 North State Street in the Loop community area of downtown Chicago that will offer an array restaurants and retail, and is scheduled to open in September of 2009. He hopes to open four corporate stores in 2009 and five more in 2010. Grossman then plans to franchise locations to qualified individuals.

"I have seen so many concepts over the past 20 years," says Grossman. "But for one reason or another, those concepts were never right for me. When I was introduced to Freshii, I knew I had found the concept I was waiting for. Freshii is a simple operation – no grease fat fryers, no open flame, no black iron, no exhaust, no hood – combined with a great product. The food quality is excellent and all ingredients are fresh and real with no preservatives. I know how to hire, train and motivate employees and I know real estate. If I can take my strengths and pair them with Freshii's experience, I am 110 percent confident that this concept will appeal to the masses. This is not a fad, this is real food that tastes great and can be prepared healthy if you want it to be."

Freshii opened its headquarter and first U.S. location in the heart of Chicago across from the Sears Tower. Freshii gained instant buzz from the media and its guests for offering a nutritious breakfast, meal or mid-day snack on the go, without sacrificing taste or time. Freshii offers an array of quick and nutritious options including salads, wraps, rice bowls and soups in a "build your own" format, served in a fast, fun, hip and environmentally sustainable atmosphere. Freshii provides healthy and convenient meals and snacks in a busy world, leaving no room for excuses. Freshii is actively looking for franchise partners who share the same goals and have a passion for promoting healthy living in a fast paced world.

Freshii's popularity has skyrocketed since its doors opened in 2005, winning Freshii the title of Best New Retail Concept in Canada during its first year of business. Two years later, Freshii was named the 22nd Fastest Growing Company in Canada. In 2008, U.S.-based QSR Magazine dubbed Freshii "One To Watch." In October of 2008, Freshii founder and CEO, Matthew Corrin, was interviewed by Sir Richard Branson at an interactive entrepreneur's summit about the risks and rewards associated with owning and operating a fast growing business.

About Freshii:

Freshii's new store openings have been met by massive lines of people looking to satisfy their craving for a nutritious meal on the go. Freshii's menu offers build-your-own salads, wraps, rice bowls and soups personalized with ingredients from three categories: 24/7 – super low in fat, but high in fiber, essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and lean protein, balance – essential fats, slow-burning carbs, good oils and high protein and splurge – great flavors to be enjoyed in moderation. Visit Freshii's Web site to create a virtual salad, wrap, rice bowl or soup and instantly see the nutritional value of your ingredients. Since 2005, Freshii has achieved recognition as the perfect place for convenient, healthy and delicious meals and snacks served fast enough to fit into anyone's busy schedule. Freshii's hip, friendly and environmentally sustainable atmosphere has brought the concept fast popularity and triggered its nationwide expansion across the United States.

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