Popular grazing concept continues national expansion, creating opportunities for family-owned, woman-owned, and veteran-owned businesses.
Graze Craze, known for its artisanal sweet and savory charcuterie boards and boxes, recently opened in five additional states, spanning the US from coast to coast with new locations in Delaware, Illinois, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Washington. The booming new brand, originating in Oklahoma, opened its first franchise location in February 2022 and has since grown to 16 states and counting.
Specializing in artfully designed, hand-crafted charcuterie boards and boxes, the concept is on a trajectory to dominate the graze-style food category. “We expect to open in five additional states, California, Idaho, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Missouri, very soon” said Peter Totillo, Graze Craze director of operations. “It is exciting to be part of a brand that is experiencing such dynamic growth. We are not only celebrating our first full year of franchising, but we are also anticipating the acceleration of our expansion as this year progresses.”
Graze Craze features high-quality foods arranged perfectly for nibbling or hearty graze-style meals, including gourmet meats, cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables, specialty sweets and more. Graze Craze boards are beautifully curated by a Grazologist, a highly trained charcuterie concierge, catering to every taste with a unique menu featuring different size options in a variety of combinations. The franchise is part of the community of award-winning brands affiliated with United Franchise Group (UFG) which has nearly 40 years’ experience in the franchising industry.
The new franchise locations are all owned and operated by local entrepreneurs, among them are women- owned, family-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. The first Graze Craze in Pennsylvania is located at 2190 York Rd. Jamison, PA 18929 and is owned by Kevin Jilbert, who was seeking a business venture that would help him create a legacy for his children, while serving the community. Angela Fongemie and Darlene Sullivan, lifelong friends and dental hygienists, were also looking for a new venture and were drawn to the concept by its unique offerings and appeal to both business-to-business and business-to- consumer opportunities. They opened the first Graze Craze in Delaware at 683 Yorklyn Rd. Hockessin, DE 19707.
Husband and wife team, Chris and Kelly Clark opened the very first Graze Craze in the Chicago metropolitan area at 1437 W. Schaumburg Rd. Schaumburg, IL 60194. Chris is a combat veteran who served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army, and Kelly has years of experience working with homeless veterans, so it was important to them to open a business that would also help support their involvement in local veterans’ programs. Another husband-wife duo opened the first Graze Craze in Nevada at 4092 Kietzke Ln, Reno, NV 89502. After serving 24 years in the Air Force, Reno franchise owner, Myron Bursell is excited to fulfill his dream of owning a business alongside his wife Missy Bursell.
The first two Graze Craze locations in Washington opened on the same day. Alan and Cindy Rice, with the support of their daughter, Victoria Ellis, opened their Graze Craze location at 12709 E Mirabeau Pkwy. Suite 50 Spokane Valley, WA 99216 while local farmer and wine-enthusiast, Iva Foreman, opened her Graze Craze location at 616 Railroad Ave. Unit A Zillah, WA 98953. “I have always loved grazing and am excited to share my passion and expertise with the community,” said Foreman. “I couldn’t think of a better home for Graze Craze than the heart of wine country in the Pacific Northwest.”
“Graze Craze is quickly surpassing many important milestones through the explosive growth of our brand,” said Cory Hibbard, Graze Craze president. “Anticipating 100 locations in our first couple of years is a big deal. Our mantra is CELEBRATE EVERYTHING! and we certainly have a lot to celebrate as we continue to reach new customers and markets coast-to-coast.”
Graze Craze is the leading franchise within the graze-style food category, offering an alternative experience to traditional dining options. At Graze Craze, in-store Grazologists curate hand-crafted, impeccably designed, sweet and savory picnic boxes and charcuterie boards, made with the highest quality ingredients and customized with perfection for every occasion. Originally founded in Oklahoma by US Air Force veteran, Kerry Sylvester, Graze Craze is now part of the United Franchise Group (UFG) family of award-winning affiliated brands and global leader for entrepreneurs. For more information about Graze Craze, visit www.GrazeCraze.com. For information on franchising opportunities, visit www.GrazeCrazeFranchise.com.
Led by CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group (UFG) is home to an affiliated family of brands and consultants including Accurate Franchising Inc., Exit Factor, FranchiseMart, Fully Promoted, Signarama, Transworld Business Advisors, and the Coworks division consisting of Franchise Real Estate, Network Lead Exchange (NLX), Office Evolution (OE) and Venture X as well as a food division featuring Graze Craze and The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. UFG affiliated brands include over 1600 franchises in more than 60 countries, with consultants that have helped develop over 350 brands into franchises, in over 80 countries with more than 2500 franchisees. With over three decades in the franchising industry United Franchise Group offers unprecedented leadership and solid business opportunities for entrepreneurs.
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