by Jenifer Huston | 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 Jenifer Huston | 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 Jenifer Huston | 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 Jenifer Huston | Jun 8, 2018 | fast casual restaurant franchise
We pride ourselves on freshness, quality, and forward-thinking. The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill knows good food and good business. Your most critical decision is perhaps the first question of the franchise process: what’s the best investment? There are plenty of successful independently-owned family restaurants, quick-service chains, and sit-down restaurant franchises. Which one best fits your time, resources and personality?
Independent Family-Owned
There’s nothing like a family-owned restaurant steeped in history, culture, and unique culinary treasures. Owners pride themselves on making important decisions — big or small. From deciding on the ideal location, which items will be on the menu or whether grandma’s special sauce needs a little extra salt, the independent owner has total control.
They also have total responsibility. Unlike a Great Greek franchise restaurant, each ingredient in the recipe of franchise success weighs heavily — and squarely — on the shoulders of an independent operator. With a proven operational process, The Great Greek takes the guessing out of selecting the best location, marketing strategy, and day-to-day operations of the restaurant business. Additionally, The Great Greek is a combination of a family-owned restaurant and thriving franchise. The brand got its start as a popular Greek-Armenian family-owned restaurant in Henderson, Nevada. Then co-founders Nick Anthony Della Penna and Trent Jones bought the restaurant, expanding its customer base with two new locations. Their entrepreneurial spirit and desire to share The Great Greek experience nationwide and globally led them to start a franchising chain.
“We provide good food and amazing service,” says Della Penna. “All you have to do is get people in the door — just once! Our proven product and quality customer service will take care of the rest.”
Della Penna and his partner Trent Jones are all too familiar with the challenges of a restaurant startup. Combined, they have more than 30 years of restaurant experience, which is why The Great Greek business model is the ideal franchise for an owner with good business sense and zero restaurant experience.
Quick Service Restaurants vs. Fast-Casual Restaurant
Relaxed dining in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere has proven to be a successful restaurant trend. The Great Greek business model emphasizes convenience, affordability and likability. The food is fast but not so quick that it compromises quality. Each dish is prepared-to-order for the freshest experience.
“Some restaurants make the ‘fresh’ claim, but what we consider fresh is lettuce that’s chopped right before it hits your plate,” explains Della Penna. “We don’t prep four days in advance; we prep for the meal you’ve ordered. In the fast-casual segment, that makes The Great Greek unique. I think it’s an amazing concept that will quickly become the worldwide leader in fast-casual Greek food.”
The Great Greek makes its own sauces from scratch, ensuring a quality product that tastes great and offers customers a healthier alternative to quick service food chains. So, it still tastes like grandma’s special sauce — only served at our family dinner table instead of yours.
by Jenifer Huston | 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.
