Vapiano Signs First Multi-Unit Franchise in US
Vapiano, named the “Future of Fresh Casual” by Foodservice Europe, secured its first U.S. franchise this week. Vapiano KFC veteran franchisee Konrad Woest and his daughter will develop multiple Vapiano restaurants in Southwest Florida (Naples, Ft. Meyers, Sarasota, etc) and the father-daughter duo expects to open their first franchise restaurant by spring of 2008.
“I have seen first hand Vapiano’s amazing success and popularity in one major European markets after another,” says Woest. “It is a very unique and exciting concept that I know will be well received here in Florida.”
Vapiano has grown from a single unit to over 25 locations open in only three years. Many of their restaurants can be found throughout Germany, in key European markets such as Zurich, Vienna, Istanbul, Budapest and now the United States. Vapiano has already opened two corporately owned restaurants in the greater Washington, D.C. area and plans to open three additional corporately owned restaurants in the same area over the next few years to serve as the launching pad for an aggressive U.S. expansion.
“I am very happy to have Mr.Woest as our first franchisee—with his experience and ambition Vapiano will have great success in Southeast Florida,” says Vapiano President Kent Hahne. “My family and I have been vacationing in Sarasota for over 30 years and I know that people there will love the quality of fresh food Vapiano serves in a modern yet warm atmosphere.”
In addition to D.C, Vapiano will be targeting Chicago, Miami and other key markets for corporate expansion and already has a number of prospective franchisees identified for supplementary markets across the country.
Vapiano’s unmistakably modern image was created by Milan’s star architect and designer, Matteo Thun. The restaurant radiates an energetic, cosmopolitan lifestyle with a Mediterranean flair. Contemporary fine oak furnishings, natural stone, and soft earth-toned leather compliment sophisticated Villeroy & Boch dinnerware and hip pop-lounge music.
With an average check of $10.00 for lunch and $13.50 for dinner, Vapiano’s a-la-carte, all day menu is both delicious and accessible to a variety of diners. The menu features classic Italian antipasti like fresh chopped Bruschetta and Beef Carpaccio served with cipriani sauce and arugula. Entrees of pasta or pizza are arranged in price groups, ranging from $6.75 to $9.75, based on desired cheeses, meats, seafoods and vegetables. Finish with a delicate dolci such as Tiramisu or Crema di Fragola – fresh strawberries with mascarpone and as your stomach satisfyingly fills, your wallet doesn’t empty.
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