Cold Stone Creamery and Great Steak Sail into Naval Station Norfolk

By: Kahala Brands | 5 Shares 214 Reads

Openings Highlight Kahala's Long-Standing Relationship with the Military and the Company's Commitment to Growth in Non-Traditional Venues

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. & NORFOLK, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kahala, parent company of Cold Stone Creamery and Great Steak, today announced the grand opening of their restaurants at Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. The latest restaurant openings are a continuation of a long-standing relationship between Kahala and the military.

Currently, four different Kahala restaurant concepts, including Blimpie, Cold Stone Creamery, Great Steak and Rollerz, are operating on 18 U.S. military bases worldwide and in the Pentagon. Blimpie was the first Kahala concept to open on a military institution at Patrick Air Force Base in 1992. In total, Kahala operates 12 restaurant concepts with 3,500 locations worldwide.

"Kahala brands are synonymous with choice, quality and a variety of products and Cold Stone Creamery and Great Steak are two wonderful examples," said Kevin Blackwell, Kahala's CEO and Chairman of the Board. "It's our privilege to serve the men and women of the armed services for nearly two decades and it's our intention to continue to provide them with a taste of home for years to come."

The company's diverse portfolio of brands and ability to customize the brands to adapt to a variety of retail spaces make Kahala an ideal partner for military bases, co-branding and other non-traditional venues.

In 2009, Kahala entered into a strategic partnership with Tim Hortons Inc. By the end of September Tim Hortons had 65 co-branded restaurants with Cold Stone Creamery in the U.S. and 12 locations in Canada. The 4,540 square-foot location at NS Norfolk is also co-branded, featuring Tim Hortons, Cold Stone Creamery and also a Great Steak. The restaurant will be open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

"While we have the pleasure of serving the military worldwide, this is our first opportunity to work with NEX (Naval Exchange Services). We look forward to building upon this new relationship and serving the 54,000 sailors of NS Norfolk, their families and the 12,000 civilians who support them on the base," continued Blackwell.

"Naval Station Norfolk is proud to be the location for the first partnership between the Navy and Tim Hortons, Cold Stone Creamery and Great Steak," said Naval Station's Commanding Officer, Capt. Kelly Johnson. "Adding the trio to the food service options on Naval Station is a tremendous benefit to sailors and their families."

Note to media: Media interested in covering the Grand Opening will meet at the Naval Tour and Information Center (9079 Hampton Blvd.) at 10:15 a.m. on Jan. 21. For more information about covering the event, contact the Naval Station Norfolk Public Affairs Officer at 757-322-2576 or 757-438-4245 cell.

About Kahala

Kahala is a franchisor of quick-service restaurants with a portfolio of 12 diversified brands. With nearly 3,500 locations worldwide, Kahala is one of the fastest growing franchise companies in the world. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., the company owns and franchises Blimpie, Cereality, Cold Stone Creamery, Frullati Café & Bakery, Great Steak & Potato Co., Johnnie's New York Pizzeria, NRgize Lifestyle Café, Ranch1, Rollerz, Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill, Surf City Squeeze and TacoTime.

Kahala was recently awarded the distinction of Excellence in International Business by the Arizona District Export Council and was featured in USA Today's Franchising section as one of the top 50 franchisors for minorities.

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