A local franchisor or investor will soon have the opportunity to introduce one of three American food brands into the South African market, namely fast food franchise Carl’s Jr, fondue restaurant The Melting Pot, and frozen delicacy chain, Rita’s Italian Ice.
Edwards Global Services (EGS) senior director, William Gabbard is travelling to South Africa at the end of August for meetings with potential South African franchisors or investors with the view of awarding the area development licence of each of the brands to a suitable franchisor or investor.
“These three brands are all recognisable and highly successful in the US, and I am confident that by partnering with an ambitious, determined, and hardworking franchisor or investor, they can achieve similar status in South Africa. The subsequent success of these brands will also benefit South African consumers, adding considerably to the variety and quality being offered in the food franchise space.”
The brands
Carl’s Jr has been in business for over 65 years, building a reputation for quality large-size charbroiled burgers. Its wide-variety menu features a gourmet line of 100% Black Angus Beef burgers, whole fillet chicken sandwiches, as well as hand-scooped ice cream milkshakes and malts made with real ice cream. The brand currently has 1,300 franchise units operating in 17 countries, and its system-wide sales exceed $3 billion (R20 billion) annually.
The Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant franchise which allows customers to prepare their food at their table. Patrons are able to tailor their dining menu with a variety of cheese-, entrée- and dessert fondues. Experience is not necessary to become a Melting Pot licensee, as its complete site selection, restaurant design and build-out package ensure that licensees are able to get their franchises off the ground. The franchise has 150 locations across the US, Canada and Mexico.
Rita’s Italian Ice, offers a range of frozen desserts, including its signature Italian Ice range, which combines ice with real fruit. The stores also serve up old-fashioned frozen custard as well as gelato. It is the largest Italian ice franchise in the US, with 560 stores.