ATLANTA — Bistro Foods Inc., the Atlanta-based restaurant franchisor of the Le Petit Bistro concept, signed its first multiunit area development agreement with Florida Bistros LLC, for an exclusive three-county area in South Florida.
According to a news release, Florida Bistros committed to develop at least 20 Le Petit Bistro restaurants over the next five years in the counties of Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. The first restaurant is scheduled to open in Boca Raton by the end of 2006.
"This agreement represents a new strategic emphasis for Le Petit Bistro, one that is based on multiunit franchising and area development, and focused on in-line retail space locations in key U.S. markets," said Karl Martin, president of Bistro Foods Inc. "We are especially pleased to launch this new effort with a group of tenured, industry professionals such as the Florida Bistros organization."
Chris Lombardi, chief executive of Florida Bistros, said the company's deep research of the fast-casual restaurant segment showed the company that it's well positioned for future growth. "To our surprise, we are convinced that there are no competitive concepts offering the food quality and menu variety."
Le Petit Bistro operates restaurants in 14 states and Puerto Rico and serves hot entrees, gourmet salads and sandwiches.
