Area Representative Model Creates Huge Franchise Opportunities for Local Entrepreneurs
Wienerschnitzel, the world’s largest hot dog franchise, is proud to announce its area development agreement to build 32 new Wienerschnitzel restaurants throughout Houston, Texas and its 20 surrounding counties. The area representative partnership has been forged with Houston Wieners LLC, now leading the brand’s Houston expansion which includes operating three flagship stores of their own. Houston Wieners is a family owned and operated franchise group comprised of five family members with decades of experience in the foodservice franchise space. With the majority of brand presence throughout the southwest, Houston Wieners will significantly grow Wienerschnitzel’s Texas footprint, beginning with its first restaurant slated to open in 2017.
“As a family-owned company, we aligned with Wienerschnitzel’s ideals and were impressed with the brand’s continued sales growth and proven operations model that will allow us to thrive in this market,” said Sunny Punjani, Houston Wieners managing partner. “Our objective is to make Wienerschnitzel a household name in Houston and we are excited to recruit likeminded entrepreneurs to succeed with us. We entered this long-term partnership with Wienerschnitzel for many reasons, and believe that this business decision will continue to benefit our families for generations to come.”
The Houston area development program presents many opportunities for single and multi-unit franchisees, along with being an attractive option for those looking to diversify their existing franchise portfolio. The 32-unit expansion will be built out over a 15-year development schedule, with the three flagship stores operated by Houston Wieners to serve as training facilities. Under this agreement, Wienerschnitzel’s parent company, Galardi Group Inc., will provide initial hands-on training, local real estate, construction and ongoing field support to help new franchisees thrive in the market.
“Wienerschnitzel is coming to Houston in a big way and we’re confident the passion and experience of Houston Wieners will drive this area development model to be a great success,” said Ted Milburn, Director of Franchise Development for Wienerschnitzel. “Our Texas stores continue to exceed expectations, proving that there is a real demand in the region for what Wienerschnitzel provides. We are a unique and compelling QSR business option that differentiates itself in a crowded segment. Wienerschnitzel’s six consecutive year-over-year sales growth attests that our brand evolution efforts are strongly resonating with both guests and franchisees alike, and there has never been a better time to invest with the brand.”
With a refreshed focus on franchise expansion, Wienerschnitzel is aggressively pursuing national growth via multi-unit partnerships and area representative programs when entering new markets primed for the Wienerschnitzel concept. In addition, both new and existing Wienerschnitzel franchisees have the opportunity to adopt the brand’s new design, which features a smaller footprint and, at a lower cost of entry, takes advantage of real estate where most competitors will not go.
Wienerschnitzel currently has 325 locations in 10 states. To learn more about the benefits of owning a Wienerschnitzel franchise, please visit http://www.wienerschnitzel.com/hot-dog-franchise/.
Houston Wieners managing partner, Zaheed Umatiya, added, “We are looking forward to working closely with Wienerschnitzel’s talented franchise team to extend this unique and rewarding business opportunity to new partners in the Houston area.”
Founded by John Galardi in 1961 with a single hot dog stand in Wilmington, California, Wienerschnitzel (www.wienerschnitzel.com) is a bona fide pioneer of the limited-service food industry. Today, Wienerschnitzel is the world’s largest hot dog franchise and home of America’s favorite Chili Dog. Based in Irvine, California, the parent company, Galardi Group, franchises restaurants throughout the U.S., including Wienerschnitzel, Hamburger Stand, and Tastee Freez. An iconic American brand with a devoted following for over 50 years, Wienerschnitzel is poised for exponential growth, both domestically and internationally. With a refreshed marketing focus, Wienerschnitzel has received tremendous media attention and accolades including Franchise Times’ “20 to Watch” and voted Best Fast Food in Southern California by the readers of Los Angeles Daily News for five years and running. In 2016, Wienerschnitzel was ranked #146 in the coveted Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500. Additionally, the company recently introduced a unique next generation store design featuring a smaller footprint and a lower cost of entry; while the simple menu allows for easy execution and lower food costs. As a family owned and operated company, Wienerschnitzel is in a unique position to always put its franchise partners first and is actively recruiting passionate franchise candidates to grow with the brand during this very exciting time. For more information on owning a Wienerschnitzel, visit www.wienerschnitzel.com/hot-dog-franchise/ or contact Ted Milburn – Director, Franchise Development at franchising@wienerschnitzel.com.
