Fresh To Order Honored With "Hot Concept!" Award by Nation's Restaurant News

ATLANTA, Sept. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresh To Order (f2o), the innovative fast-fine restaurant pioneer, has been named one of five "Hot Concepts!", joining the rarefied ranks of foodservice brands such as The Cheesecake Factory, Capital Grille, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Del Frisco's Grille, Bruegger's Bagel Bakery, and Raising Cane's. Trade publication Nation's Restaurant News (NRN) recognized the Atlanta-based chain for defining the fast-fine niche, and characterized Fresh To Order as "a forward-thinking fast-casual company at the leading edge of foodservice," with a "strong potential for growth."

Now in its 19th year, Hot Concepts! is one of the industry's most prestigious award programs, given to emerging restaurant concepts in all dining categories. NRN's editorial team, who choose the winners, cited Fresh To Order's innovative menu, strong revenues and enduring consumer appeal as evidence of the concept's growth potential.

"NRN is a leading expert on sustainable trends in the industry," noted Pierre Panos, f2o CEO and founder. "This award – as well as our loyal customers and unit growth – confirms that guests appreciate freshly made, higher-quality, affordable food served in a comfortable, fast casual atmosphere."

The award was presented to Panos during the Sept. 29 to Oct. 2 annual MUFSO Supershow in Dallas.

Hot Concepts! is just one of many awards bestowed on Fresh To Order in 2013. Earlier this year, NRN named it a "Breakout Brand of 2013," citing Fresh To Order's hot culinary concept, innovation within the industry and its strong plans for expansion. QSR Magazine also named Fresh To Order one of its "Best Franchise Deals of 2013." Labeled a "Hungry Upstart" laying the groundwork for growth, QSR Magazine praised Fresh To Order for its ability to attract business during different dayparts, its strict franchise requirements, and a development plan that combines corporate and franchise growth.

With eight locations in Georgia and Tennessee, including at the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Fresh To Order plans to double in size by 2014 with accelerated growth in the Southeast and expansion into the mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states. The chain will open units later this year at the CNN Center in Atlanta, Nashville, Tenn. and will enter new markets of Orlando, Fla. and Knoxville, Tenn. with units to open in 2014.

About Fresh To Order (f2o)

Founded in 2006, Fresh To Order (f2o), the pioneer of the innovative, "fast-fine" restaurant segment, combines the quality of food found in casual fine dining with the operating platform and price point of fast casual. Founded on the vision of "Incredible Food, Service and Facilities", Fresh To Order serves a menu of freshly prepared entrees, Panini sandwiches, soups and salads in less than 10 minutes for around $10. Quickly becoming one of the industry's most admired concepts, the brand was recently named one of NRN's Top 50 Breakout Brands, QSR's Best Franchise Deals and NRN's Hot Concepts! For up-to-the-minute information join us on Facebook, or visit www.freshtoorder.com.

Media contact:  Ellen Hartman (678) 399-3335, [email protected]  

Hot Concepts! Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pzdfpu3o5e2d2ji/I8kJNiqlpV  

Media Kit, Photos and Video: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dqzjmp6vb03627u/7-kXO3F9aP.

SOURCE Fresh To Order