Expansion News: Pizza Inn Inc. and Gloria Jean's <b></b>
* Pizza Inn Inc. Opens Three New Locations InIceland
Dallas-Pizza Inn Inc. announced the simultaneous opening of threenew franchised units in Reykjavik, Iceland. These Delivery/Carryoutunits are owned by HOLT EHF, a restaurant operating company andPizza Inn's franchisee in Iceland.
According to Thor Thorsteinsson, CEO of HOLT EHF, "WithU.S. national pizza brands moving into Iceland, I needed a betterway to compete than as an independent operator. I looked at thebrand opportunities and decided on Pizza Inn because of theirextensive expertise in international franchising and theircommitment to quality products. They have been incredibly helpfulin redesigning my individual location's layouts, yet wereflexible enough to make the conversion a simple and effectiveprocess. The initial response from customers reaffirms that thishas been an excellent business decision."
Jeff Rogers, Pizza Inn's CEO, added, "We are extremelyproud of our new partnership with HOLT EHF, and the enthusiasm anddedication they have shown from the start. With our fresh dough,quality crusts and award-winning specialty pizzas, combined withHOLT EHF's experience and business knowledge of their markettrade area, this expansion into Iceland should offer great growthopportunity for both companies."
Pizza Inn Inc. is the franchisor and food distributor for 484Pizza Inn restaurants operating in the U.S. and othercountries.-PRNewswire
* Gloria Jean's Plans 40 Stores in Thailand
Castroville, California-Gloria Jean's Gourmet Coffees Corp. hasteamed with Specialty Beans Holdings, a subsidiary of TT Resources,Bangkok, to bring its specialty coffee to Thailand.
According to Bill Grimm, vice president of franchise developmentfor Gloria Jean's, plans call for as many as 40 units to openin Thailand. Half the stores are slated for Bangkok, he said, withthe first ones debuting in January or February.
Grimm said the coffee lineup will be similar to GloriaJean's menu in the United States. Coffee will be shipped tostores in Thailand from the company's roasting plant here.
Where the Thai Gloria Jean's may depart from the U.S.formula is with a more diversified food menu, Grimm said. The unitswill have more food-service offerings, including desserts, tortes,pies and sandwiches. The stores in Thailand are likely to be1,500-square-foot street-level stores vs. Gloria Jean'small-based presence in America, Grimm added.
The Thai joint venture is part of Gloria Jean's increasinginternational presence. Grimm said the goal is to double thecompany's international holdings this year.-GourmetNews
