News

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill opening in Orange County, Calif.

August 22, 2012

Denver-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, is awarding franchise development rights to Banzo Bean Inc, which will result in up to 10 restaurants in Orange County, Calif. The first will open in the first quarter of 2013. Areas of interest include Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Seal Beach and Aliso Viejo, according to a company press release.

Banzo Bean Inc.'s founders are David Clouse and Bill Gunstream, both of whom have roots in Southern California as graduates of Point Loma Nazarene University. Residing in Parker, Colo., Clouse is the founder of Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO.com), which he owned and managed from 1995-2006. Currently relocating from Parker, Colo., to Southern California, Gunstream has spent 30 years in the restaurant industry, primarily in the family segment as a franchise business consultant and mountain region director with IHOP Restaurants Inc. and other franchises.

"Partnering with David and Bill, who are both longtime Garbanzo fans, to bring the concept to Southern California is an exceptional milestone," Bob Bafundo, Garbanzo director of franchise development and operations, said in the release. "With the vast accomplishments between these two industry veterans and their enthusiasm for Garbanzo, I look forward to what Banzo Bean Inc. will add to our brand and what they have to offer Orange County."

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