News

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill signs Okla. franchisee

August 5, 2012

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill has announced the awarding of franchise development rights to Oklahoma-based franchisee GMG Oklahoma LLC.

With the rights to develop up to 10 restaurants in Oklahoma, GMG Oklahoma is scheduled to open its first location on the Northwest Expressway in Oklahoma City this October. They plan to immediately move forward with additional metro locations, focusing initially on Edmond and Norman.

GMG Oklahoma was formed earlier this year by Ed Lynn, a Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar (BWW) franchisee. Lynn owns BWW locations in Oklahoma City, Enid and Muskogee, Okla. Prior to entering the restaurant business, Lynn spent his career in real estate and hotel development and management, and served 14 years as a Choice Hotels franchisee, operating nine locations in Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas.

“Expanding the Garbanzo brand to Oklahoma is very exciting for us, especially in partnership with such an experienced group like Ed’s,” said Bob Bafundo, Garbanzo director of franchise development and operations. “Their years as restaurant operators in the market enabled them to see an opportunity for fresh, healthy and authentic Mediterranean cuisine and seize it. We are very fortunate to have Ed and his team on board and look forward to bringing Garbanzo to Oklahoma.”

Franchising is one of Garbanzo’s key growth strategies building upon the success of its 14 company-owned restaurants in Colorado. In addition to expansion through franchising, Garbanzo will continue its aggressive company development both in the state and outside Colorado’s borders, specifically in the D.C./Baltimore area.

Read more on franchising and growth.