Leading Mediterranean fast-casual concept achieves notable sales increases and development success; celebrates outstanding performance at brand convention.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, the fine fast- casual Mediterranean concept, announced today that it has achieved significant franchise development success so far in 2023 with the opening of eight new restaurants, including its first in California, and the signing of 26 new franchise agreements to develop locations in states including Florida, Texas, and Alabama. The brand now has 31 locations in 11 states with an additional 280 units in its development pipeline, 20 of which are projected to open before the end of 2023.
Over the past year, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill has narrowed its focus on its online customer journey and implementing innovations to enhance overall experience and exceed expectations. This initiative has driven impressive sales success for the brand, including an increase in year-over-year same-store sales and average unit volume (AUV) and double-digit increase in year-over-year systemwide sales. It has also translated into increases in customer loyalty and satisfaction.
“Our year-to-date results serve as a testament to not only the strength of our concept and the commitment we have to our guests, but also the dedication of our outstanding franchise owners who make our brand what it is,” said Bob Andersen, President of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. “As we embark on the second half of 2023, we have never been more confident in the trajectory of our brand and our success on the horizon.”
Performance and success figures, along with other brand updates, were announced at The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill 2023 convention which gathered executives, suppliers, franchise owners and their employees. The two-day event held in Orlando, Florida included workshops and team-building activities, networking opportunities, and a vendor showcase. Featured speakers were Nick Della Penna, co- founder of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, and Ray Titus, CEO of United Franchise Group (UFG), of which The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is an affiliated brand. Other keynotes were given by business experts Danny Snow and Zack Oates, who spoke on the value of the guest experience and how to improve it.
“It was a pleasure to attend this year’s convention and reconnect with such a talented and passionate group of franchise owners. You can tell they truly love and believe in this brand which is so important in developing a healthy franchise system,” said Ray Titus, CEO of UFG. “It’s been thrilling to watch The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill pave its own path in the fast casual and Mediterranean spaces and we’re looking forward to all that the brand will achieve in the years to come.”
The event wrapped up with an awards ceremony recognizing the brand’s top performers, including:
- MVP Award: Mike Fardous (Detroit, MI)
- President’s Award: Scott Willis (Charleston, SC)
- Circle of Excellence Inductees: The Colony, TX; Winter Garden, FL; Port Lucie, FL; Troy, MI; Lake Nona, FL; and Shelby Township, MI
- Team Player: John David and Alexia Budko (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) and Kevin Carmean (Orlando, FL)
- Rookie of the Year: Lakena & Andrew Van Vleet (Maple Grove, MN)
- Overall Sales & Achievement: The staff of Shelby Township, MI
- Customer Experience: The staffs of Shelby Township, MI; Rocky River, OH; West Bloomfield, MI; and Lake Nona, FL
- Local Store Marketing: The staff of Mount Pleasant, SC
- Community Service: The staff of Aurora, CO
- Quality: The staff of Charleston, SC
- Store Appearance: The staff of Mount Pleasant, SC
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is a part of Big Flavor Brands, the food service division of Starpoint Brands, a family of trusted companies affiliated with United Franchise Group, whose members represent the very best in their industries and the mark of quality for customers, providing the ultimate in service, reliability, and value.
The award winning Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is a leading franchise within the Greek, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern fast-casual restaurant industry, offering a vivacious and flavorful menu inspired by foods in the Mediterranean diet. Every dish is made fresh, in-house from authentic recipes passed down generation after generation. Co-founded by two culinary trained, third-generation restauranteurs, Nick A. Della Penna and Trent Jones, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is now among the Starpoint Brands constellation of trusted companies representing the very best in their industries. For more information about The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill locations, menu and catering visit www.thegreatgreekgrill.com and for franchise information, visit www.thegreatgreekfranchise.com.
Big Flavor Brands specializes in franchises dedicated to creative eating, offering a zesty menu of fast- growing, award-winning food brands with a proven track record of success. Redefining fast-casual restaurants by offering authentic third-generation recipes at The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill®, innovating the specialty concept, with charcuterie board caterer Graze Craze, and transforming Italian take out to fast-fresh Italian from Cannoli Kitchen Pizza, Big Flavor Brands dominate their niches with quality, value, and tasty fare for every occasion. Big Flavor Brands represents the food division of Starpoint Brands which is comprised of a family of trusted companies exemplifying the very best in their industries. For more information about Big Flavor Brands visit www.starpointbrands.com/big-flavor-brands/.
A family of trusted brands representing the very best in their industries, including retail, food & beverage and professional services, Starpoint Brands is the mark of quality for customers. It brings together a constellation of brands within United Franchise Group (UFG), including Signarama, Fully Promoted, Transworld Business Advisors, Venture X, Office Evolution, Network Lead Exchange, and Big Flavor Brands food division with The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, Graze Craze and Cannoli Kitchen Pizza. A brand under the Starpoint Brands division is one that business-to-consumer and business-to-business customers can be sure will provide the ultimate in service, reliability and value.
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