Quiznos, one of the premier quick service restaurant (QSR) chains and pioneer of the toasted sandwich, today announced a partnership with QSR Russia, Ltd (QRL), the master franchisee selected to launch the flagship Quiznos restaurants in Russia. St. Petersburg will be home to the first of several locations to open this year, with more than 20 locations expected by 2014.
The partnership with QRL is the latest milestone in Quiznos’ development initiative to open more than 400 international locations by 2020 in more than 40 regions of the world. Quiznos recently announced expansion to Brazil, India and the Philippines.
QRL Chairman Darrin Stock leads a team of restaurant professionals with more than 40 combined years’ experience that has opened many successful restaurants in Russia.
“With extensive food service experience and a strong appreciation for both Russian culture and Quiznos operations and training, QRL has a keen understanding of their Russian customer,” said Lee Vala, international chief development officer for Quiznos. “Quiznos is pleased to announce a master franchisee that will best serve Russia’s growing middle class.”
According to London-based market intelligence firm Euromonitor, Russian trends indicate an influx of American QSR’s, accounting for more than 64% of Russian food service dollars spent in the QSR segment by 2015.
Quiznos and QRL anticipate growth in Russia as the nation prepares for two major world sporting events scheduled in the coming years—the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2018 World Cup.
“We anticipate the Russian people will embrace Quiznos’ taste and quality and we look forward to the opportunity to showcase the tremendous business potential that vibrant and growing cities like St. Petersburg and Moscow hold as we recruit potential franchisees,” Stock said. “With the 2014 Winter Olympics and 2018 World Cup, I believe there’s no better time for Quiznos to enter the Russian marketplace.”
Now in its 31st year, Denver-based Quiznos is a national and international chain designed for today’s busy consumers who are looking for a tasty, freshly prepared alternative to traditional fast-food restaurants. With locations in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, as well as 25 international countries, Quiznos restaurants use premium ingredients to offer creative, chef-inspired recipes for sandwiches, soups and salads.
CNN Money ranked toasty sub pioneer Quiznos as the No. 2 most popular franchise of the past decade in 2010. In 2009, Quiznos’ Toasty Torpedoes earned a spot as one of the top 10 new product introductions from the Most Memorable New Product Launch Survey. In 2011, QSR Magazine ranked Quiznos No. 21 overall in its Top 50 Chains in system-wide sales. In October 2007, Quiznos was recognized for leading the QSR industry in wait time performance by the Mystery Shopping Providers Association’s (MSPA) 2007 Wait Time Study. In May 2007, Zagat’s consumer surveys listed Quiznos in the top 5 for Top Food, Top Facilities, Top Service and Top Overall, ahead of its direct competitors. For further information, please visit www.quiznos.com.
QSR Russia Ltd (QRL) is an international management company and master franchisor for Quiznos Corporation with development rights to restaurants for the entire Russian Federation. QRL will open the first Quiznos restaurant in St Petersburg in 2012 with plans to expand to 20 locations by 2014.
