RED MANGO TO HOST CHICAGO FRANCHISE EVENT

Posted on October 04, 2010 by Jessica Dees

Fast-growing frozen yogurt retailer to open four new locations thanks to franchise agreements

DALLAS – Red Mango, the fastest-growing retailer of all-natural nonfat frozen yogurt and fresh fruit smoothies, is expanding throughout Chicago. The company recently signed franchise agreements for four new locations in the area and will host a special Local Market Franchise Event in Chicago on Oct. 7 to target 25 additional stores.

Paul Hornick, of Poplar Grove, Ill. has signed a development agreement to open three locations in the greater Chicago area. A pilot of 18 years, Hornick spent two years looking for the right franchise opportunity before a fellow pilot introduced him to Red Mango.

"I don't have a lot of experience in the restaurant industry, so the simplicity of Red Mango and the business of selling frozen yogurt, smoothies and iced teas really appealed to me," said Hornick. "I don't even have to learn how to cook!"

Red Mango's health and nutrition aspects were also an important decision-making factor, especially since Hornick's wife is a registered dietitian.

"My wife was immediately drawn to the fact that Red Mango is nonfat, all-natural and uses live and active pro-biotic cultures," he said. "You can get a cup of yogurt for only around 100 calories."

In addition to Hornick, Al Schwartz has signed a franchise agreement to open a store in downtown Chicago later this year. Schwartz cited Red Mango's health aspects and fan base as deciding factors for opening the business.

"I did a lot of online research and Red Mango had the better fan reviews versus the other yogurt shops," he said. "Not to mention I'd tried the product myself and was hooked. The distinct taste of Red Mango really sets it apart from the competition. Plus Red Mango is setting the trend with its expansion into smoothies and teas. I wanted to get into a business that was innovative and constantly moving forward."

Red Mango is seeking qualified prospects to open additional locations in the Chicago area and plans to select five to seven new franchisees to award 25 new stores.

The company, which reached 80 stores in 25 states in three years, was named #4 on Restaurant Business magazine's "Future 50" list this summer of fastest-growing chains. Red Mango credits the achievement to consumers who want healthier food options as well as business owners who want successful investment opportunities.

Expanding as well is the Red Mango menu and store format. The menu now offers 30 flavors of frozen yogurt, 20 varieties of fresh fruit smoothies, made-to-order fruit parfaits and all-natural probiotic iced teas. And the store footprint now includes traditional stores, self-serve stores, co-branded locations, kiosks and more, each designed to better reach and engage guests.

Red Mango has signed 40 new franchisees across the U.S. to open 100 locations in 2010 alone. The popularity of the brand's signature tart frozen yogurt and the innovations and the support of a seasoned management team have put the company on track to reach as many as 550 locations across the country in five years.