The Great Greek Goes Global: What the Caribbean Expansion Tells Us About Mediterranean Fast Casual’s International Momentum

by Andrea Golindano | Jul 9, 2026 | Blog, Mediterranean Food

When I look at The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill’s expansion into the Caribbean, I see more than a new market. I see another opportunity to bring the food, hospitality and guest experience our customers love to more people around the world.

That has always been one of the most exciting parts of this brand. Whether someone visits us in the United States, Canada, Australia, Egypt or, soon, the Caribbean, the goal is the same: serve fresh, flavorful Mediterranean food in a way that makes people feel welcomed and excited to come back.

The Great Greek recently signed a master franchise agreement with the Beharry Group to establish our presence in Guyana and seven countries throughout the Caribbean, including Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. The first restaurant is expected to open in the fall of 2026 in Georgetown, Guyana’s capital and largest city.

Why the Caribbean Makes Sense for The Great Greek

The Caribbean market has several qualities that make it attractive for a brand like The Great Greek. There is strong recognition of U.S.-based brands throughout the region, often because of travel, tourism and cultural connection. That familiarity helps create awareness and interest when a proven restaurant concept enters the market.

Guyana, specifically, represents an even bigger opportunity. The country is experiencing significant economic growth, and that momentum is creating demand for new dining options. As people have more opportunities and more disposable income, they are looking for restaurants that offer quality, consistency and a healthier way to enjoy great food. That growth also aligns with broader quick-service restaurant trends across Latin America and the Caribbean, where increased disposable income, urbanization and out-of-home dining demand are expected to support continued market expansion.

That matters because The Great Greek is not simply entering a market with another quick-service option. We are bringing a premium fast casual experience built around fresh ingredients, grilled proteins, vibrant vegetables, house-made sauces and the hospitality our guests expect from us.

The Caribbean also offers a strong cultural fit. Mediterranean food is approachable because so many people can identify with the ingredients and flavors. It feels fresh, satisfying, and familiar, while still offering something different from many traditional fast casual options in the market.

Mediterranean Food Has Global Appeal

One of the questions I get asked often is why Mediterranean cuisine travels so well across cultures. For a long time, I understood it instinctively because of the response we receive from guests and franchise candidates around the world. Last fall, that idea became even clearer to me.

I was invited to speak at a Culinary Institute of America food conference focused on Mediterranean food. One of the presenters shared that 21 countries around the world consider Mediterranean food as part of their home cuisine. I thought that was remarkable, but it also made sense.

As we talk to people across different markets, we find that so many cultures can identify with this food. The world is smaller than we sometimes think, and Mediterranean cuisine has a way of connecting across regions because it is rooted in simple, high-quality ingredients.

People recognize grilled meats, rice, salads, fresh vegetables, pita, dips and bold flavors. They understand food that is prepared fresh and served with care. That gives The Great Greek an advantage when we look at international growth because we are not trying to introduce something unfamiliar. We are building on food traditions that already resonate with many parts of the world.

The health message is also important. The Mediterranean diet has been recommended by the medical community for decades, and consumers continue to look for alternatives that feel better for them without sacrificing flavor or convenience. That consumer interest continues to be reinforced by national recognition, with U.S. News & World Report ranking the Mediterranean diet No. 1 in its Best Overall Diets rankings.

That is where The Great Greek fits so naturally. Guests want food that tastes great, but they also want to feel good about what they are eating. Our menu gives them that opportunity.

Why the Model Can Scale Internationally

Cuisine is only part of the equation. For any international fast casual franchise, the operating model must be scalable, teachable and consistent.

That is one of the strengths of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill.

Our restaurants do not require an overly large footprint or an unusually large team. We use simple, recognizable ingredients that come together to create food that is fresh, flavorful, and appealing.

Our model also benefits from being part of United Franchise Group. United Franchise Group brings decades of franchising experience, global infrastructure and a team that already understands international development. We have resources in markets such as Australia and Europe, which makes international expansion a more natural transition for us than it might be for a typical restaurant brand at our stage of growth.

For The Great Greek, the international interest has been very organic. Over the last several years, we have seen strong demand here in the United States, but we have also had people outside the country reach out after experiencing the brand or learning about the opportunity. Those conversations helped reinforce that the model has appeal beyond one market.

What International Momentum Signals to Domestic Franchise Prospects

International growth is exciting, but it also sends an important message to domestic franchise prospects.

Everyone wants to be part of a winning team and a winning brand. When people see interest in The Great Greek across markets, it tells them there is energy behind the concept. It shows that the food, the business model and the guest experience are resonating.

That does not happen by accident.

The wind in the sails for this brand is the combination of terrific food and great hospitality. Guests are not only looking for something quick. They are looking for a better-for-you, premium fast casual experience that still feels convenient and approachable.

That is one of the reasons I believe we are still early in our growth story. We are approaching 100 restaurants, which is a milestone many brands never reach. But from my perspective, we are just scratching the surface. We believe this brand has room to grow to 500 restaurants and beyond because the demand is there, the food is relevant and the model is built for scale.

For domestic franchise prospects, our international momentum reinforces the strength of the opportunity. It shows that The Great Greek is not tied to one region or one narrow customer profile. The brand has a broader relevance because the food and experience match where consumer demand is moving.

The Right Franchise Partners Matter

As we grow, both domestically and internationally, the quality of our franchise partners remains one of the most important factors in our success.

For us, a strong franchise partner starts with someone who is truly passionate about the food and what we do. This is a restaurant business, but it is also a hospitality business. We are preparing fresh food, using premium ingredients and creating a customized experience for each guest.

A strong franchise partner needs to understand that we are not simply selling a transaction. We are selling an experience. That experience includes the quality of the food, the friendliness of the team, the consistency of the restaurant, and the feeling guests have when they walk out the door.

In a competitive fast casual space, that matters. People can choose from many restaurant options. The brands that win are the ones that deliver quality, consistency and hospitality every time.

Why Franchisee Growth Is the Strongest Validation

One of the most rewarding parts of leading The Great Greek is watching our franchisees thrive.

Of course, I am excited by international agreements, new market opportunities and strong consumer demand. But the biggest validation comes from franchisees who continue to invest in the brand.

When someone opens one restaurant and then chooses to open a second or third, that means something. When a franchisee reaches 10 or 11 restaurants, that is one of the strongest endorsements we can receive. They are not only investing their money. They are investing their time, their teams and their reputations.

That kind of growth tells me we are building something meaningful.

It also shows the strength of the support system, the operating model and the brand experience. Franchisees who continue to grow are seeing the opportunity firsthand. They are building teams, serving communities and helping bring The Great Greek to more guests.

That is what excites me most about the next phase of growth. It is not only about opening more restaurants. It is about seeing franchisees and their teams create real success inside this system.

The Next Chapter for Mediterranean Fast Casual

The Great Greek’s Caribbean expansion is an important step in our international growth, but it is also part of a larger story.

Consumers around the world are looking for food that is fresh, flavorful, convenient and better for them. Operators and investors are looking for restaurant concepts with strong differentiation, scalable systems and long-term growth potential. Mediterranean fast casual sits at the intersection of those trends.

As fast casual continues to expand globally, brands need more than a strong menu to compete. They need operational consistency, broad consumer appeal and a model that can adapt across markets. That is where I believe Mediterranean fast casual has a meaningful advantage. It offers the convenience consumers expect from quick-service dining while delivering the freshness, flavor and quality they increasingly want from restaurant brands.

That is why I am confident in where The Great Greek is headed.

We have a cuisine that travels well. We have an operating model that can scale. We have franchisees who believe in the brand. We have the support of United Franchise Group’s global infrastructure. Most importantly, we have guests who continue to respond to the food and hospitality we deliver every day.

The Caribbean is an exciting new chapter, but it is not the final destination. It is one more step in our mission to share The Great Greek with more communities around the world.

Explore Franchise Opportunities with The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill

For qualified candidates exploring the Mediterranean fast casual franchise space, The Great Greek offers an opportunity to join a brand with growing domestic and international momentum.

Whether you are interested in domestic franchise ownership or international development, The Great Greek combines fresh Mediterranean cuisine, a scalable restaurant model and a hospitality-driven guest experience.

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Why the Mediterranean Diet Is Creating a Fast Casual Franchise Opportunity You Can’t Ignore

by Andrea Golindano | May 15, 2026 | Fast Casual Restaurant Franchise, Blog, Mediterranean Food

Something significant has happened to the way Americans think about food over the past decade, and it has meaningful implications for anyone evaluating fast casual franchise investments.

The Mediterranean diet; long championed by nutritionists, cardiologists, and longevity researchers, has crossed over to a mainstream consumer preference. It’s no longer a clinical eating plan prescribed in a doctor’s office. It’s what a growing segment of American consumers actively seeks out when they decide where to eat lunch or dinner.

For franchise investors, that shift isn’t just a food trend. It’s a demand signal, and one that the restaurant industry is still catching up to.

From Niche to Mainstream: What Drove the Mediterranean Diet’s Rise

To understand the strength of the Mediterranean food franchise opportunity, it helps to look at why Mediterranean eating has become so mainstream. This is not a sudden fad. The Mediterranean diet has had decades of research behind it, but today it also has something just as important for restaurant growth: broad consumer demand. Several factors have helped bring it into the spotlight:

Health credibility reached critical mass

The Mediterranean diet has built one of the strongest research records in nutritional science, with studies pointing to cardiovascular benefits, anti-inflammatory properties, cognitive health associations, and links to longevity in some of the world’s longest-lived populations. As those findings moved academic journals into mainstream health and wellness conversations, consumer awareness grew. Today, many health-conscious consumers do not just recognize the Mediterranean diet; they are actively looking for ways to incorporate healthier alternatives into their diet.

The definition of “healthy eating” shifted

Earlier diet trends often focused on restriction, whether that meant cutting fat, avoiding carbs, counting calories, or following strict rules. Mediterranean eating takes a different approach. It centers on whole foods, fresh ingredients, satisfying meals, and real flavor.

That shift matters. As more consumers move away from rigid diet culture and look for healthier ways of eating that feel sustainable, Mediterranean cuisine fits naturally. It does not feel like a temporary plan people have to force themselves to follow. It feels like a lifestyle they can actually enjoy and maintain.

Food media made the flavors familiar

A decade of food media, travel content, and culinary exploration brought Greek, Lebanese, and broader Mediterranean flavors into the American mainstream. Dishes like gyros, souvlaki, falafel, hummus, and tzatziki moved from specialty-store imports to grocery staples. Consumers who once needed these foods explained to them now order them confidently. That familiarity dramatically expands the customer base for Mediterranean restaurant concepts.

The Gap the Diet’s Popularity Exposed

This is where the franchise opportunity becomes clearer. Consumer interest in Mediterranean food has grown significantly, but the fast casual options available to meet that demand have not expanded at the same pace.

When consumers want a burger, burrito, sandwich, or pizza, they have plenty of familiar franchise options to choose from. Those categories are well established, highly competitive, and crowded with mature brands that already have strong name recognition. Mediterranean food is different. In many American markets, a customer looking for a quality Mediterranean meal, such as a gyro bowl, souvlaki plate, fresh pita, hummus, or tzatziki, may have fewer consistent options. They may find a sit-down restaurant, a food truck, or a few independent operators, but the experience often varies from one location to the next.

That gap matters. Fast casual dining is built around convenience, consistency, accessible pricing, and speed. Yet the Mediterranean segment is still underdeveloped compared with the level of consumer interest in healthier, fresher, flavor-driven meals. That is where the franchise opportunity lives.

Why Fast Casual Is the Right Format for Mediterranean Cuisine

Not every cuisine works well in a fast casual model, but Mediterranean food is a natural fit. The menu, ingredients, service style, and customer expectations all align well with the way today’s fast casual restaurants operate.

The menu is naturally customizable

Mediterranean meals are easy to build around proteins, bases, toppings, sauces, and sides. Customers can choose bowls, plates, wraps, or salads and personalize the meal to fit their tastes. That kind of customization is exactly what fast casual customers have come to expect.

The ingredients are fresh but manageable

A Mediterranean menu built around marinated proteins, fresh vegetables, pita, rice, salads, olive oil, and house-made sauces can feel fresh and high quality while still being operationally repeatable. That balance is important for a franchise model because the food needs to be both craveable and scalable.

The price point fits the category

Mediterranean fast casual can sit comfortably between traditional fast food and full-service dining. Customers are often willing to pay more for food they see as fresh, flavorful, and better aligned with how they want to eat.

The model works beyond dine-in traffic

Mediterranean food also translates well to catering. Bowls, platters, proteins, dips, pita, salads, and sides work for office lunches, events, meetings, parties, and group orders. That gives operators another way to reach customers beyond everyday lunch and dinner traffic. Together, these factors make Mediterranean cuisine especially well-suited for fast casual growth. It gives consumers the freshness and flavor they want, while giving franchise owners a model that can be consistent, repeatable, and appealing across multiple customer occasions.

Why This Moment Favors Franchised Concepts Specifically

Consumer demand for Mediterranean fast casual exists in most American markets. The question for a franchise investor isn’t whether the demand is there; it’s which concepts are positioned to capture it.

The key dynamic working in favor of established franchise systems right now is that the most visible Mediterranean fast casual brand, Cava is not a franchise. It’s a publicly traded company that operates all of its locations corporately. Consumers who want Mediterranean fast casual and don’t have a Cava nearby have limited franchised alternatives with the brand recognition, operational systems, and multi-unit support infrastructure to deliver a consistent experience.

That’s the white space a well-supported franchised Mediterranean concept is positioned to fill.

How The Great Greek Is Built for This Moment

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill was founded in 2011 well before Mediterranean fast casual had its mainstream moment; around a simple conviction: that authentic Greek cuisine, prepared properly with quality ingredients, could work at fast casual speed and price points. That conviction has proven to be right, and the brand has expanded significantly as the category has grown.

What distinguishes The Great Greek as a franchise investment in this environment:

A full-service Mediterranean menu, not a pared-down one
The Great Greek’s menu covers the breadth of Greek cuisine from; gyros, souvlaki, pitas, bowls, salads, sides, and a full catering program. That depth keeps guests coming back with variety, and the catering program creates meaningful incremental revenue for franchisees beyond their dine-in traffic.
The infrastructure of a mature franchise system
The Great Greek operates under United Franchise Group, one of the most established franchise development organizations in the world. That infrastructure, site selection support, operations training, marketing systems, supply chain relationships, and ongoing field support; is exactly what franchise investors need to execute well in a category that’s still early in its growth curve.

A concept positioned ahead of where consumer preferences are heading

Fast casual investors who got into Mediterranean a decade ago made a good decision. Fast casual investors who get into the category now; with an established, franchisable brand and the support infrastructure to scale, are making a decision backed by a decade of consumer data pointing in one direction.

The Mediterranean diet isn’t a trend. The consumer preference shift it represents is structural and durable. The fast casual franchise opportunity that shift has created is still early — and The Great Greek is built to capture it.

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