by Marisa Cioffi | Jul 6, 2018 | Fast Casual Restaurant Franchise, Greek Food, Healthy Franchise
American foodies have an insatiable appetite for eating out — that’s good news for the economy and innovative restaurant franchisors with a unique concept. The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is the ideal foodservice investment, helping franchisees to cash in on one of the fastest growing industries worldwide. The Great Greek has attracted enthusiastic store owners eager to build an impressive portfolio, with the help of a smart business model and a proven operational system backed by great tasting food made with the freshest ingredients.
Fast Facts
- In 2017, restaurant industry sales totaled nearly $800 billion compared to $42 billion in 1970.
- There are 14.7 million restaurant workers in the U.S. By 2026, experts estimate 16 million Americans will be working in the restaurant industry.
- According to the National Restaurant Association, restaurants are a boost to the local economy. Every dollar a customer spends at a restaurant generates two additional dollars in sales for other industries and local sales tax revenues.
Consumer Demand for Convenience
There are more than 647,000 restaurants in the U.S., that’s a clear sign there’s a consumer demand for alternatives to grocery shopping and preparing meals in the home. A recent consumer survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics shows Americans are choosing to eat out for the convenience rather than to save money. While growth in grocery stores and restaurants has remained steady in past years, The Great Greek sees its restaurant franchise as a niche venture with a reliable return on investment in the current economy. The economic outlook for restaurants is promising. The industry contributes four percent to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a significant indicator of the overall health of the U.S. economy. The Great Greek is proud to support entrepreneurs, food service workers, and the economy.
Scalable Growth
As the economy grows, the restaurant franchise industry responds. Whether a robust or lean economic climate, Nick Anthony Della Penna and Trent Jones, The Great Greek’s co-founders, recognized their success was scalable and deserved to be shared in the U.S. and beyond. Della Penna says customers visiting their Nevada-based restaurant would often ask if there were other locations. That got the ball rolling on franchising and a partnership with the United Franchise Group.
“It felt like a shame to limit The Great Greek to a single location,” explained Della Penna. “The idea of growing the brand and making a deeper contribution to the national and local economy appealed to us; it just seemed like the right thing to do.”
Looking to open the next Great Greek location? Contact our Franchise Development team to start exploring your franchising future.
by Marisa Cioffi | Jun 29, 2018 | Fast Casual Restaurant Franchise, Greek Food, Healthy Franchise
Start with a wonderful concept. Then, you’re going to stir in the freshest ingredients, fold in quality service and sprinkle in 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. What do you have? The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill! You’ve been to several restaurants, but we’re sure you have never experienced anything like what The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill can offer.
As you conduct your extensive research into investment possibilities, you’re learning about the many variances and nuances within the restaurant industry. You’re aware of the quick-service service models, the restaurants that crank out product in a factory-like atmosphere, devoid of any character. You have your full-service restaurants, with unnecessary overhead. Fast casual offers the convenience of fast food with some of the perks that come with full-service. And then there’s The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. We’re somewhere nestled between fast casual and something you would find at a beloved family member’s house.
It’s not a myth: The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is better than your neighborhood restaurant! We were established in 2011, using authentic third-generation Greek family recipes. We offer a family-friendly atmosphere and serve dishes with bold flavors and healthy options.
Nick Anthony Della Penna and Trent Jones, the Great Greek Mediterranean Grill’s co-founders, strategically developed a concept that brings the best of the values you’ll find in your very own kitchen and delivers them to a loyal and growing customer base. How does the Great Greek know it is better than your neighborhood restaurant? The proof can be found in the just-prepared meal that is now arousing your senses.
“People are looking for quality in the products,” explained Della Penna. “We pride ourselves on freshness and quality. A lot of people make those claims, but what we consider fresh is literally lettuce that’s chopped right before it hits your plate. ‘Fresh’ is when you put it on the grill and then take it off and put it on your plate… that’s fresh. The ‘make it in front of you’ thing is a convenience thing, not a fresh thing. We make it to order. That’s what makes us a little different.”
In order to stand out in a crowded market, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill understands the importance of delivering an appetizing meal, consistently. The National Restaurant Association’s 2018 “What’s Hot” for food and concept trends in 2018 included:
- Authentic ethnic cuisine
- House-made condiments
- Simplicity/back to basics
- Natural ingredients/clean menus
With a menu sure to please the proudest carnivores and vegetarians alike, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill offers a unique experience designed to cater to all demographics. Simply. Delicious. Greek. That’s why The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is better than your neighborhood restaurant.
Looking to open the next Great Greek location? Contact our Franchise Development team to get started exploring your franchising future.
by Marisa Cioffi | Jun 22, 2018 | Fast Casual Restaurant Franchise
All waistlines are welcome at The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill.
Low carbs, lean proteins—no problem. The Great Greek understands the health-conscious customer who counts calories and watches what they eat. A recent U.S. News & World Report survey ranks Mediterranean cuisine among the top healthiest diet trends for its plant-based foods and delicious olive oil. When it comes to a fast-casual franchise that promotes healthy eating habits, The Great Greek is the ideal chain restaurant.
Co-founders Nick Anthony Della Penna and Trent Jones know good food. Combined, they have more than 30 years of restaurant experience. They know the importance of catering to consumers who follow the hottest diet trends.
“There are some fads in the food industry, but Greek food isn’t a fad — it’s a lifestyle,” says Della Penna. “People are recognizing it as a healthy alternative. Our made-to-order dishes are built on traditional ingredients and centuries-old family recipes handed down from generation to generation.”
With more than hummus and a side of tabouli, Della Penna says The Great Greek prides itself on bringing a variety of global flavors to local food lovers seeking authentic ethnic cuisine. Known for its low-fat poultry, fish and heart-healthy vegetables, Mediterranean dishes can deliver a satisfying food experience minus the guilt.
“It’s an amazing concept, and we produce an amazing product,” adds Della Penna. “We’re confident it will quickly become the worldwide leader in fast-casual Greek food.”
The Great Greek has a competitive edge over quick-service restaurants because it offers a healthy balance. From stuffed grape leaves filled with rice and fresh herbs to the classic Greek salad, diners won’t be disappointed with a menu chock-full of vegetables, lean meats, and Greek yogurt sauce. Additionally, the franchise caters to the entire family with affordable Family Meal Deals. A National Restaurant Association survey identified healthy, ethnic-inspired food for kids as one of the hottest trends in 2018.
Area developers should consider franchising with The Great Greek if they want to establish a healthy, family-friendly restaurant experience in their prospective community. Franchisees can appeal to selective dieters through two revenue streams: in-store purchases and catering. With a proven Mediterranean menu, a well-trained team of employees, and a concept that never goes out of style, The Great Greek is poised to dominate fast-casual dining today and beyond.
by Marisa Cioffi | Jun 15, 2018 | Fast Casual Restaurant Franchise, Greek Food, Healthy Franchise
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill has announced it will be opening new locations in Texas, Colorado, and Florida. To date, the fast-casual restaurant franchise has sold more than 15 locations throughout the United States, and others are under development. The Great Greek brand is part of United Franchise Group (UFG), The Global Leader for Entrepreneurs, headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida.
“The rate of expansion for The Great Greek has been excellent. This year, we will be opening locations in Westminster, Colorado; Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; and Port St. Lucie, Florida,” said Scott Stuck, President of The Great Greek. “In the near future, several locations in the Texas market will also be finalized.”
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by Marisa Cioffi | May 18, 2018 | Fast Casual Restaurant Franchise
Picture it.
Every day, a dedicated team helps you serve a delicious, healthy alternative to fast food in a casual, family-friendly environment where food lovers linger while enjoying authentic Greek cuisine made with the freshest ingredients. If that sounds like a franchising dream come true, then The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is for you.
The Bonus of Business Experience
Co-founders Nick Anthony Della Penna and Trent Jones have more than 30 years of restaurant experience, but it’s not the only ingredient in their recipe for a successful franchise. The Great Greek is a restaurant chain with a proven track record and the perfect fit for a franchisee with business savvy.
“As a franchisee, you’re buying the restaurant experience: the menu, the proven model. You don’t have to be a restauranteur, that’s what we’re giving you,” explained Della Penna. “We’re taking the guesswork out if it. You don’t have to develop recipes, we’ve done that for you. An owner’s priority is hiring quality management, and with our business model, you can do this and still enjoy an impressive profit margin.”
Della Penna and Jones can appreciate the early challenges inherent of a startup. After their initial purchase of The Great Greek, they had a modest marketing plan and relied on a small sample of customer feedback. Today, the restaurant chain boasts three locations with a strategic marketing plan, including a comprehensive survey of the customer experience.
A Taste of Greek
What if Greek food doesn’t appeal to your palate? No problem. Owners need only an appreciation of delicious meals designed for the health-conscious customer. The Mediterranean cuisine is considered one of the healthiest diets in the world. The Great Greek builds upon this tasty, heart-healthy food tradition with fresh ingredients and perfected family recipes.
“We’re eating better as a nation,” said Della Penna. “When you can provide a healthy product in a reasonable timeframe, people will choose your restaurant over a fast food fix any day of the week.”
From the popular gyro to a falafel pita, The Great Greek offers an affordable, appetizing menu of healthy options that can help patrons watch their waistlines and their wallets. In addition to the in-store dining experience, each location offers a healthy catering option — that’s two revenue streams. As an owner, you can gain a loyal clientele by catering corporate events, private parties, and major community fundraisers for Greek food lovers in the private and public sectors.
Ongoing Support
When franchisees join The Great Greek family, they’re joining an operational process with ongoing support beyond their grand opening. After you open the doors of your new store, we’re here to answer questions and offer valuable insight to keep you on track or ahead of your goals. With a nose for business and the aroma of great food, you don’t have to picture a successful restaurant; we’ll give you the keys to your fast-casual dining masterpiece.
by Marisa Cioffi | May 11, 2018 | Fast Casual Restaurant Franchise
Like many great stories, this one begins at a party.
It all started the night before Nick Anthony Della Penna began his new job as Vice President of Food and Beverage at Excalibur Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Along with this major step in his career, Nick was celebrating another milestone — his 50th birthday. Family and friends gathered in his honor; among them was Nick’s neighbor, Trent Jones. Trent spent his career working in real estate and small business ownership, and he was anxious to try something new. It was at this party that Trent first asked Nick if the successful casino businessman had ever considered owning a restaurant. Nick had not… but within a year, the two neighbors would become business partners.
“I had 20 years in the casino industry, and I was ready for something new,” says Nick. “I thought Trent would be a good partner and we took it from there.”
The pair discovered The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill — a successful restaurant owned by a Greek/Armenian family in Henderson, Nevada — just a few weeks after officially deciding to move forward on their entrepreneurial journey together. The Great Greek originally opened in 2011, and by the time Nick and Trent found it, there were lines out the door. The business partners took over ownership and operation of the restaurant in January of 2016.
The Great Greek’s new owners say they didn’t need to make any major changes. What was already in place was working. They did make a few systematic changes, and by the end of their first year, the restaurant’s gross revenue grew by 18 percent. It was time to expand.
In June of 2017, they opened a second restaurant in the southwest area of Las Vegas, this time building from the ground up. By then, Nick and Trent were already thinking about the future. They decided this shop would be the flagship location for The Great Greek’s growing empire.
The second location was an instant success, with daily sales eclipsing the sales of the original Henderson location in the first week. Nick and Trent wanted to start sharing The Great Greek experience with customers, and other entrepreneurs, around the world. Shortly thereafter, they began working with the United Franchise Group, the global leader for entrepreneurs, with more than 1,400 locations in 80 countries, to make that dream a reality. Now, there are new The Great Greek restaurants on the way in Las Vegas and in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with inquiries from prospective owners as far away as Egypt.
Mediterranean and Greek food isn’t new, in fact, it seems like a time-honored recipe for success. And there isn’t anything like it in the fast-casual dining sector.
“I truly believe that in very short order we’re going to be the worldwide leader in fast-casual Mediterranean food,” says Nick. “We have a product that is so special and there isn’t another Greek brand out there.”
Contact us for more information about owning a The Great Greek franchise restaurant.
