Operations

Woworks striving to offer more franchises to Black entrepreneurs

Provided

November 22, 2021

WOWorks, the parent company of Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh and The Simple Greek, has partnered with the Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Association to help provide more opportunities for Black personal and community wealth through franchising Saladworks, Frutta Bowls and Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh.

Recent data shows that only 8% of restaurants are owned by African-American entrepreneurs, which MFHA's Pathways program hopes to increase by creating 100 Black-owned franchise restaurants by 2023. The long-term goal is to scale the initiative to achieve 1,000 restaurants by 2025, according to a company press release.

WOWorks' three franchised brands have ample territories available for development and a supportive corporate team, according to CEO Kelly Roddy, who also said his brands are also more accessible to first-time restauranteurs as they don't require grills, fryers or cooking staff and involve lower floor space and start-up costs than other popular franchises.

Beyond the operational benefits of owning a WOWorks restaurant, MFHA candidates receive a significant discount on their franchise fees as well as thorough professional development and business training.

"It is an honor to partner with the MFHA to advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in the restaurant space," Roddy said in the release. "We want to give more Black entrepreneurs the opportunity to become a part of our family of healthy fast-casual brands and give back to themselves and their communities. Increasing the number of African-American business owners in the nation starts with franchisors like us, and we are committed to fostering and supporting franchisees every step of the way."

The ideal MFHA candidate is a hardworking, outgoing individual who is active in their community and willing to make relationships to grow sales outside of their restaurant via catering and other community-related events. Restaurant management or leadership experience is preferred but not required, according to the release.