News

Schlotzsky's opens first Russian location

The new restaurant debuted in Kamergerskiy, a historical area in Moscow, on Nov. 10.

December 22, 2014

Schlotzsky's has debuted its first location in Russia, part of a plan that will add more than 50 restaurants throughout seven former Soviet countries over the next 10 years.

The fast casual brand debuted in Kamergerskiy, a historical area in Moscow, on Nov. 10 and served more than 1,000 customers in the first week alone.

"Schlotzsky's is such a unique brand and we are happy to finally have a presence in Russia," said Master Franchisee Mehmet Akpinar in a company press release. "Our customers love the food and we're already getting great feedback on the variety of Schlotzsky's famous freshly-baked sourdough buns."

Akpinar, who also owns Pegas Touristik, a large tour operator which services Moscow and Antalya, is currently looking for locations for more Schlotzsky's restaurants. His franchise agreement includes rights to develop the brand throughout Russia, Belarus, Estonia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine.

Schlotzsky's parent company, FOCUS Brands, also handles overseas expansion for Carvel Ice Cream, Cinnabon, Moe's Southwest Grill, Auntie Anne's Pretzels and McAlister's Deli. The company will open over 200 international units for all of its brands in 2014. Target international development markets for Schlotzsky's include the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia and Latin America.

"We are thrilled to expand the Schlotzsky's footprint into the former Soviet countries and share our unique brand in this region," said FOCUS Brands International President Tony Pavese. "Once consumers come in and try our food and experience the Schlotzsky's brand culture, we are confident they'll keep coming back."