The AAFD Welcomes Ross Almo as New Executive Director

The American Association of Franchisees & Dealers (AAFD), a non-profit trade association that represents the interests of franchisees and independent dealers, has announced that Ross Almo has joined its executive team as the company’s new Executive Director.

Almo will initially focus on supporting, managing and growing the AFFD’s network of franchise suppliers, and the AAFD’s member benefits program. Additionally, he will supervise and support the AAFD’s affiliated franchisee associations and expand the AAFD’s events and meetings agenda.

Almo brings extensive franchise industry experience to the AAFD, including over 20 years as an Econo Lodge franchise owner, 11 years as COO of the Econo Lodge Franchisee Association and nine years as COO of the Rodeway Inn Owners Association. During his tenure with the Econo Lodge Franchisee Association, Almo increased the association’s membership by 100%, coordinated over a dozen events a year and more than doubled the group’s revenue. Both positions gave Almo important insight into the challenges faced by franchisees and franchisors and allowed him to manage and resolve conflicts between the two interests.

“Ross Almo has been a long-time supporter of the AAFD. The depth and breadth of his experience as both a franchisee and a leader within the franchising industry makes him an incredible asset to our organization,” said Robert Purvin, founder and president of the AAFD.

“I am flattered to be a part of the AAFD and to help them advance their agenda of total quality franchising,” said Almo. “Together we will strive to help franchisees achieve the dream of owning a successful franchise and enjoying a strong relationship with their franchisor.”;

Almo received a bachelor’s of science in administration and management at New England College in Henniker, NH. In 2012, he received the Choice Hotels CEO Premier Alliance Award for philanthropic corporate social responsibility and the Vermont ESGR “Above and Beyond” Award.  Almo resides in Mendon, Vermont.

For more information about the AAFD, visit the company’s website at www.AAFD.org.

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About the AAFD

The AAFD is a national non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout the United States. The AAFD is focused on market driven reform to achieve its mission to define and promote collaborative franchise cultures that the AAFD describes as Total Quality Franchising. Since its formation, the AAFD has grown to represent more than 50,000 franchised locations throughout the United States. The AAFD has members in all 50 states and represents more than 100 different franchise systems.

The AAFD's Fair Franchising Standards, Fair Franchising Seal, Trademark Chapters, and emphasis on Marketplace Solutions led to the Association's recognition as a growing force in franchising. The AAFD’s Branded Partner programs add a new dimension to the value of AAFD membership. The AAFD provides a broad range of member services designed to help franchisees build market power, create legislative support of interest to franchisees, provide legal and financial support, and provide a wide range of general member benefits.

For more information about the AAFD, please call toll free - 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

For media information:

Joel Ellazar

joel@aafd.org

Robert Purvin

rpurvin@aafd.org

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Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill Welcomes Arizona Franchisee

Colorado-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill (http://www.eatgarbanzo.com/), a fast-casual restaurant concept serving fresh and healthy Mediterranean cuisine, announced today the awarding of franchise development rights to GMG Arizona, LLC. With the rights to develop up to 20 Garbanzo restaurants in the Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz. areas, GMG Arizona, LLC is planning to open its first location in the East Valley region of Phoenix.  The group is also currently considering locations in Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert and Tempe. They will move focus to the Tucson area in late 2013/early 2014.

“An authority on owning and operating restaurants, GMG Arizona is eager to acquaint the Phoenix and Tucson communities with the Mediterranean flavors found only at Garbanzo,” says Bob Bafundo, Garbanzo vice president of company and franchise operations. “We welcome them to the growing Garbanzo family and look forward to their achievements in Arizona.”

Garbanzo has firm qualification criteria for potential franchisees. Only experienced, successful multi-unit restaurant operators who are well capitalized and interested in additional multi-unit growth with the Garbanzo brand are considered. “The Arizona consumers are not going to be able to get enough of Garbanzo,” says Steve Morris, GMG Arizona, LLC owner. “Between the warm weather culture of the community and their interest in ethnic foods and an active lifestyle, Garbanzo is certainly going to fill a need for healthy and convenient food in the Phoenix and Tucson areas.”

“Garbanzo is a brand at the forefront of the restaurant industry and the fast-casual niche,” says James Wilkie, GMG Arizona, LLC operating partner. “It can break through the clutter of overdone and uninteresting options to serve up a new and exciting menu that offers great flexibility and multiple entrée combinations.”

“I feel there is a huge audience in Arizona for the taste profile and healthy options Garbanzo has to offer,” says Alon Mor (http://www.eatgarbanzo.com/about_history.php), Garbanzo founder, president and CEO. “Our made-from-scratch products have wide appeal while our authentic Mediterranean recipes provide an unequaled approach to fast-casual dining. After just one taste, I know the Phoenix and Tucson residents will be loyal Garbanzo supporters.”

Franchising is one of Garbanzo’s key growth strategies building upon the success of its 15 company-owned restaurants in Colorado. In addition to expansion through franchising, Garbanzo continues its aggressive company-owned restaurant development both in the state and outside Colorado’s borders, specifically in the D.C./Baltimore area.

Garbanzo offers guests a variety of authentic Mediterranean items with an emphasis on flavor, freshness and quality, as well as a healthy trans-fat free menu. Guests have the ability to customize every meal with items such as pita, laffa, falafel, shwarma, hummus, seasoned rice, sauces and dressings. All Garbanzo salads and sauces are prepared on-site daily, and the pita are made from scratch throughout the day in every restaurant. Additionally, several ingredients are bought locally and some are imported directly from the Mediterranean region. For more information about Garbanzo, visit www.EatGarbanzo.com.

About GMG Arizona, LLC

GMG Arizona, LLC is owned and operated by restaurant industry veterans Steve Morris and James Wilkie. A 25-year restaurant business professional, Morris was a McDonald’s franchisee for 15 years in Colorado. Wilkie, who spent several years as a restaurant consultant, also has 25 years in the restaurant industry as well as a background with concepts such as PepsiCo, Quiznos and Panera Bread.

About Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill is owned and operated in Colorado. The company’s founder, Alon Mor, grew up in the Mediterranean region and is a 20-year veteran of owning and running restaurants. St. Louis Bread Company/Panera Bread founder Ken Rosenthal is also co-founder of the company. Garbanzo uses only the freshest, quality ingredients for its made-from-scratch recipes, and provides several vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Garbanzo currently has 15 Colorado-based restaurants and new company-owned locations opening soon in D.C./Baltimore. Franchise markets are also opening across the country in areas such as Southern California, Dallas, south Florida and New Jersey. To learn more about Garbanzo, visit www.EatGarbanzo.com, www.facebook.com/GarbanzoMedGrill or www.twitter.com/GarbanzoGrill.

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