'Best Sandwich Shop™' in Atlanta Builds on Local Popularity, 'Rolls™' Out National Expansion

Posted on June 07, 2007 by

Rising Roll Gourmet Gives Lunch-Hour Crowds Something to Talk About

Atlanta, GA. – If being voted the “Best Sandwich Shop” by the city of Atlanta wasn’t convincing enough that Rising Roll Gourmet has what it takes to become the next big thing in the fast-casual restaurant segment, how about being hired by The Food Network’s gourmet chef, Emeril Lagasse, to cater his own Superbowl party? Now that’s the proof in the pudding – or sandwich.

With 13 stores operating in six states, covering a total of 35 territories, Rising Roll Gourmet is poised to create a nationwide sensation with its expansive lunch-hour menu of 50 different gourmet sandwiches, salads and exclusive daily soups. In addition to consistent walk-in traffic, Rising Roll Gourmet enjoys a steady revenue stream from recurring lunch catering orders from local businesses and corporations.  

In a move that speaks volumes to Rising Roll Gourmet’s market potential, Franchising Concepts, led by former Area Developer for Schlotzsky’s Deli, Mike Lassiter, has partnered with Rising Roll Gourmet to help take the company to the next level in franchising. Through the partnership, Lassiter, CEO of Franchising Concepts, also serves as the president of Rising Roll Gourmet.

“Rising Roll Gourmet fills the lunch-crowd niche in the fast-casual segment,” Lassiter said. “If you visit any of our stores during lunch hour, you’ll see long lines and a bustling environment. With lunch as our specialty, our stores are able to solely operate during the daytime, business lunch hours. I’ll venture to say that we have by far one of the most loyal lunch crowd followings in the country.”

With the experienced franchise management team leading the way, 80-100 stores nationwide are anticipated to be in franchise operation within the next five years, with focus on quality over quantity. The stores will all be built on the strong foundation led by initial concept, combined with the drive and vision to take the restaurant chain to the next-level.

Rising Roll Gourmet’s expansive menu includes 50 different gourmet sandwiches, salads, and daily soup selections that appeal to every customer’s palate. Father and son team founders Bob and Jeff Weiss applied their food industry and culinary backgrounds, to specifically create each sandwich with a combustion of flavors and ingredients. The result is supreme taste bud attracters such as, “Killer Bleu Turkey,” with crumbled bleu cheese, oven-roasted turkey, hickory smoked bacon, tomato, and Thousand Island dressing on home baked bread.

“Our homemade-family recipes with the freshest ingredients keep customers coming back, but so does our impeccable customer service,” Lassiter said. “Our Zagat service ratings equal that of a fine-dining restaurant – another factor that sets us apart from competitors.”

A Recipe for Success

Rising Roll offers an attractive franchise opportunity, ideal for individuals who have strong business management skills, a positive attitude, and a desire to become part of a thriving food segment.

The cost to open a Rising Roll franchise ranges from $250,000 to $375,000, depending on the type and size of the store, including an initial franchise fee of $30,000. The typical location is 2,200 square feet and can be either a stand alone store, or in a shopping center. The smaller square footage equals a more affordable investment and overall lower costs versus competitor store fees.

Rising Roll Gourmet supports franchisees with step-by-step and ongoing training, both on-site and at corporate headquarters. Included in the support is assistance with site selection, facility layout, and other guidance to help them run a successful business.

“For us, our strongest attribute for franchisees is the quality of life hours,” said Lassiter. “Our system focus is on the 30 minute business lunch, and our hours of operation are 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday, which allows for a significant lifestyle advantage for franchise owners.” 

About Rising Roll Gourmet

Rising Roll Gourmet, founded in 1996, began offering franchises in 2003. Rising Roll prides itself on serving outstanding, quality food – fast. Founded by father and son team, Bob and Jeff Weiss, Rising Roll uses a simple formula of tasty family recipes, fresh ingredients, and exceptional service to stand out to lunch time crowds across the nation. With currently 13 stores open and 35 territories sold, Rising Roll Gourmet is set to be the next ‘rising’ star in the fast-casual, restaurant industry.

About Franchising Concepts

Founded in 2002, Franchising Concepts partners with proven businesses to develop and implement a customized franchising program to meet business growth objectives. Under the guidance of CEO, Mike Lassiter, a former Area Developer for Schlotzsky’s Deli, Franchising Concepts applies the value of quality over quantity across its variety of business relationships. They also offer four types of partnership plans to companies interested in expanding their business through franchising, in order to develop a beneficial plan for both parties.