Mediterranean Franchises Feature Healthier Menu Options in Family-Friendly Environments
In a sea of burger, pizza and hot dog joints, Mediterranean food franchises stand out with delicious and healthier food options that emphasize fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. This delectable cuisine encompasses the food and methods of preparation used by people of the Mediterranean Basin, which encompasses a variety of cultures including Egyptian, Turkish, Greek, Italian, French and Spanish.
With its fresh, flavorful ingredients, Mediterranean cuisine had a following even before science backed up its healthfulness. In the 1950s, researchers found that people living around the Mediterranean Sea had lower levels of cardiovascular disease, and the Mediterranean diet was born. Since then, Mediterranean food franchise opportunities have sprung up to meet consumer demand. In addition to offering healthier options, these businesses are known for their affordable and simple business models, family-like corporate cultures and feel-good environments.
Looking to invest in a restaurant business that offers more than the typical American fare? Check out some of the top Mediterranean franchise opportunities below.
Top Mediterranean Franchise Opportunities
Apóla Greek Grill
Apóla Greek Grill, established in 2017, has its roots in Greece where founder Dimitri Kosmides grew up in his parents’ restaurant. Kosmides opened his own restaurant in 1977 after emigrating to the U.S, then opened several more. He planned to retire when his sons, Stefano and Yianni, were in college. But the younger Kosmides pulled their dad back into the business. Together they created Apóla Greek Grill.
Since franchising in 2019, Apóla Greek Grill has established itself as a leader in the Mediterranean fast-casual sector with quality support and training and an authentic menu featuring gyros, pita sandwiches, Greek salads, desserts and more. While prior restaurant experience is preferred for franchisees, a business background is not required. Single and multi-unit territories are available across the country.
Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh
Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh is a top Mediterranean franchise opportunity in the WOWorks portfolio. Garbanzo franchise owners benefit from multiple revenue streams (dine-in, mobile app and online ordering), as well as 50% brand growth since 2021. The Mediterranean franchise’s menu utilizes only the freshest options and features a signature stuffed pita, traditional gyro, salads and more. Garbanzo is also dedicated to the welfare of animals. According to its website, the Mediterranean franchise will work with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to develop and implement its animal welfare policy and use only chicken that is Global Animal Partnership-certified by 2025.
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe, founded in 1998 by Keith and Amy Richards, resulted from inspiration gained from a vacation in Greece. An experienced chef, Keith put his culinary skills to work and recreated the cuisine and experiences from the region for their flagship Birmingham, Ala., store. With a menu of Greek dishes including char-grilled lamb, grilled salmon and chicken basil-pesto pita, the couple grew their dream restaurant from one to three locations and then began franchising in 2013 after partnering with catering and events company Fresh Hospitality. The top Mediterranean franchise opportunity stays competitive by utilizing technology that is optimized for off-premise dining and seamless operations for franchise partners.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill’s first location opened in 2011 in Henderson, Nev., and was owned and operated by a Greek-Armenian family before being purchased by Nick Della Penna and Trent Jones. The duo, who are third-generation restaurateurs with more than three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, enhanced the restaurant’s performance and have since opened multiple locations across Las Vegas and South Florida. As part of the United Franchise Group family of brands, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill franchise owners have backing from an experienced leadership team and benefit from an affordable, turnkey investment and wide-open territories.
Yafa Hummus
Yafa Hummus is a California-based Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant franchise on a mission to bring authentic Mediterranean cuisine to communities across the country. Opened in 2017, Yafa Hummus features – what else? – hummus and falafel made from the founders’ grandpa’s 50-plus-year-old recipe, as well as gyros, shawarma and other dishes for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Ideal candidates are business-savvy entrepreneurs with a strong work ethic, integrity and a leadership mentality. Franchisees receive operational and marketing support as well as comprehensive training. The franchisor’s hands-on management style fosters a family-like atmosphere.
This article was originally published by FranchiseWire.
