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Giardino Gourmet Salad franchisees join ownership team

Provided

March 3, 2020

Giardino Gourmet Salads founders Ody and Kenny Lugo have signed a deal to share ownership of the 20-unit Florida-based chain with their largest multi-unit franchisees, Jaime Mitrani and Robert Fuerth. 

"Our team is incredibly proud of all we have accomplished over the last 15 years and the addition of Jaime and Rob to our executive leadership positions Giardino Gourmet Salads for tremendous success as we head into 2020 and beyond," Ody Lugo, Giardino Gourmet Salads creator and co-founder said in a company press release. "Since they first became Giardino Gourmet Salad franchisees in 2012, they have fine-tuned operations, run $1 million revenue restaurants, and become the largest multi-unit operators with 5 restaurants across our entire system."

Miami natives, Mitrani and Fuerth's path to restaurant ownership began after Mitrani left his career as an attorney at the international law firm of Holland & Knight to pursue his dream of entrepreneurship. After looking into various franchise concepts, Mitrani joined forces with Fuerth, and the business partners purchased their first Giardino Gourmet Salads restaurant in South Miami. Shortly thereafter, they built a new restaurant in Miami Lakes, and acquired additional existing restaurants in Palmetto Bay and Kendall, which was followed by the acquisition of their newest restaurant in the Blue Lagoon business district.

"Assuming a larger equity stake in the future of the entire Giardino Gourmet Salads brand was the logical next step for us in our business progression," Mitrani said. "As we enter a new decade, our mission remains to expand the brand into new and existing development markets across Florida while leveraging our multi-unit restaurant ownership experience to assist franchisees with streamlining operations and running profitable restaurants."

Under its new executive leadership structure, Giardino Gourmet Salads is looking to expand in cities across Florida such as Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa and Sarasota.

"When we were searching for a company to invest in back in 2012, we knew we wanted a lifestyle brand that would resonate with millennials and carry over into other generations as well," Mitrani said. "Giardino Gourmet Salads fits that mold because there is a genuine need for real, simple, fast and nutritious food that is handcrafted for guests instead of traditional fast food. Now as owners and part of the executive leadership team, there is no doubt we'll be able to sustain our current growth and future success for years to come."