Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill Awards First Franchise Opportunity

DENVER, May 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Denver-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, a new eight-unit restaurant group offering the authentic tastes of the Mediterranean, today announced the awarding of the company's first franchise opportunity to Doherty Enterprises, Inc., which will be opening Garbanzo restaurants in the Northern and Central New Jersey, and Long Island, NY areas.

Doherty Enterprises, the 14th largest franchisee in the United States, currently operates six dining concepts (92 restaurants). The group expects the first Garbanzo store to open in 2011 – the exact location is yet to be determined – and has the rights to develop up to 50 stores.

Ed Doherty, President of Allendale, NJ-based Doherty Enterprises said, "We are very pleased to be part of this exciting concept. Garbanzo's menu is fresh, unique and healthful and resonates extremely well with today's consumers." Doherty continued, "Garbanzo's leadership team has the experience in launching prominent national brands within the fast casual restaurant space, and we look forward to another success."

"This is a major milestone for the Garbanzo brand, as entering the franchise arena allows us to grow more rapidly and bring the concept to new markets in other parts of the country," explains Bob Bafundo, Garbanzo Director of Franchise Sales. "We are fortunate to begin franchising with such a top-quality operating group as Doherty Enterprises and in such tremendous markets like the New York and New Jersey areas. We have been thrilled with the interest level that has already been shown in the Garbanzo franchise opportunity, and we expect an increase in that activity in the near future."

Garbanzo follows strict qualification criteria for potential franchisees. Only experienced, successful multi-unit restaurant operators that are well capitalized and interested in additional multi-unit growth with the Garbanzo brand are considered.

"Adding Doherty Enterprises to our team is like adding the best home run hitter to your lineup," adds Bafundo. "We are thrilled that such an experienced restaurant operating group sees the market potential of the Garbanzo brand, and recognizes it as a good fit for the New York/New Jersey areas."

"The Garbanzo brand is positioned to consistently deliver the freshest and highest quality products available in a fast casual environment," says Alon Mor, Garbanzo founder. "Our food is healthy, we use authentic recipes and we provide a true alternative concept. For experienced restaurant operators, Garbanzo provides a unique, well-positioned concept to add to their portfolios.

"Just like our food, our focus in franchising is on quality," continues Mor. "We are more concerned with recruiting quality operators than we are with a specific numerical target. That said, interest has been very strong, and we anticipate signing at least another four franchise groups this year."

Franchising is one of Garbanzo's key growth strategies building on the success of its eight restaurant locations currently operating in the Denver area. In addition to expansion through franchising, Garbanzo will continue its aggressive company store development in Colorado, including up to six additional stores scheduled to open this year.

Garbanzo offers guests a variety of healthy, high-quality Mediterranean items with an emphasis on flavor, freshness and authenticity. Guests can customize every meal with items such as pita, laffas, falafel, shwarma, hummus, seasoned rice, sauces and dressings. All Garbanzo salads and sauces are prepared on-site daily, and the pitas are baked fresh on-site in every store. Additionally, several ingredients are bought locally and some are imported directly from the Mediterranean region. The menu features simple and easy definitions and descriptions of each item in an effort to make guests feel comfortable with trying food that may be new to them.

About Doherty Enterprises, Inc.

Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises, Inc. is the 14th largest franchisee in the United States and operates six restaurant concepts, including Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, El Pollo Loco, Carino's Italian Grill, and their own concept, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub. To date, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates 92 restaurants in northern and central New Jersey, Long Island, Brooklyn, Staten Island and Queens. Doherty Enterprises continues to have an aggressive development plan for all of its concepts to continue the company's growth in the market. For additional information about Doherty Enterprises, visit www.DohertyInc.com.

About Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill is owned and operated in Colorado. The company's founder, Alon Mor, grew up in the Mediterranean region and is a 15-year veteran of owning and running restaurants. St. Louis Bread Company/Panera Bread founder Ken Rosenthal also is an owner and co-founder of the company. Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill uses only the freshest, quality ingredients with freshly baked pitas and laffas every day, using no preservatives or trans-fats. To learn more about Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, visit www.EatGarbanzo.com.

SOURCE Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill