As part of Quiznos' international development initiative, the chain has signed a master franchise agreement that calls for the development of 200 restaurants throughout Brazil.
Seven Quiznos will open in Brazil by the end of 2011. Its initial development will be led by master franchiser Brazil Best Food Inc., which franchises several fine dining and retail concepts in the country. BBF is also well positioned in the real estate sector, which will facilitate high-visibility, high-traffic options for the pending units.
"Quiznos enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide, and this has led to the tremendous success of our international expansion," said Lee Vala, chief international development officer for Quiznos. "We are pleased to attract top development talent in each country we've entered, and this extends to our partnership with BBF in Brazil. BBF brings a wealth of experience and understanding of the food business, and we look forward to making Brazil a significant growth area for Quiznos."
Store menus will feature items unique to the Brazilian market. Quiznos SVP of Culinary Innovation Chef Zach Calkins will travel to Brazil to work with the BBF team to develop local menu enhancements.
The foodservice sector currently accounts for 2.4 percent of Brazil's gross domestic product, and a growing preference toward eating out now accounts for 26 percent of Brazilians' spending on food.
"Along with a growing economy in Brazil, there is a rapidly emerging market niche for a fast, warm lunch," said Luiz Antonelli, president of Brazil Best Food Inc. "Quiznos' colorful ambiance and warm, toasted sandwiches are well-suited for Brazilian tastes. This compatibility of flavors and tastes, combined with Quiznos' exemplary training program, executive accessibility, flexibility in menu development and operational excellence, make Quiznos the ideal partner for us in Brazil."
Quiznos' international initiative also includes expansion in Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia throughout the next few years. Also, within the next 30 days, the company will open flagship stores in Southern India and Kuwait.
