TAMPA, Fla. —BannaStrow’s, a Miami-based crepe franchise, has recently joined the International Franchise Association’s (IFA’s) Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, known as “VetFran.” VetFran is a voluntary effort of IFA member-companies to honor men and women who have served in the U.S. military in order to help them transition to civilian life. BannaStrow’s joined the VetFran program to lower barriers of entry for military members returning home from duty and is offering a $5,000 discount off of the franchise fee.

“We take pride in stepping up to say ‘Thank You’ to our nation’s fighting men and women and want to commit to providing job opportunities for these deserving military veterans,” said Mauricio Acevedo, CEO of BannaStrow’s.

Ingrained with a strong sense of discipline, determination and motivation, the men and women who make up the U.S. Armed Forces have all the skills required to successfully operate a BannaStrow’s unit, which was conceived to tap into the tremendous potential for crepes in the untouched quick-service market. After bringing together more than 14 years of expertise in the restaurant industry, Acevedo and his partners realized that kiosks are a low cost, attractive franchise model, so the concept was designed to fit into mall concourses and other high foot-traffic facilities. Today, BannaStrow’s has proven its success and is continuing to expand to other venues such as airports, universities and mobile trucks.

“We always want the right fit, but the right fit is expanded for our brand because you don’t need hundreds of thousands of dollars to get started,” said Acevedo. “We believe military veterans see the low investment risk, ability to open just a few months and the reasons why they can benefit from joining BannaStrow’s.”

With a low initial start-up cost that lends itself to a greater opportunity to secure lending, BannaStrow’s will offer a $5,000 reduction in the initial franchise fee for honorably discharged Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who are interested in going into business for themselves, but not by themselves.
Through the VetFran program more than 1,100 servicemen and women have become franchisees.

TAMPA, Fla. — Despite the current economic climate may have crippled business growth across the country, BannaStrow’s — a Miami-based crepe franchise — is revving up its development. For the first time, the Tampa, Fla., community will have a one-stop-shop to satisfy all of their crepe, coffee and smoothie cravings, with the addition of a new BannaStrow’s. The location will serve as the first for Nicaraguan entrepreneurs Jorge Nickiford, Eduardo Monterrey and Maria Lourdes Monterrey, who have signed a three-unit deal with the franchise brand.

“These entrepreneurs have the exact experience, vision and passion necessary to take BannaStrow’s to the next level and spark our growth throughout Florida and across the nation,” said Mauricio Acevedo, CEO of BannaStrow’s. “With two locations set to open in South Florida in Wellington and Broward, Jorge’s three-unit deal will expand the brand into Tampa for the first time and bring a new market for development across Florida.”

With more than 12 years of financial, industrial, commercial and retail sales experience in a variety of industries, Nickiford brings a multitude of management experience, including running a 17-unit operation of Esso Standard Oil stores. Eduardo Monterrey has over 30 years’ experience in the IT field with an emphasis on banking software analysis and design. Maria Lourdes Monterrey was a dental surgeon and ran her own dental practice in Nicaragua for the last five years before moving to the United States.

For several months, these entrepreneurs had been looking to start their own business in the United States and after researching, realized that franchising would be the best opportunity to demonstrate their professional experience across multiple industries. What they saw in the BannaStrow’s concept was a healthier alternative to the traditional eating options. Crepes provide lower-calories and use all fresh and natural ingredients and cover cravings from savory to sweet. In addition, BannaStrow’s relatively low investment costs and rapid build-out gave the group the option to get up and running immediately.

“I am incredibly excited to be part of such unique and healthy brand,” Nickiford said. “We see such great potential with BannaStrow’s in Tampa and look forward to using all of our past business experience to help further grow the franchise in an untapped market.”

California Entrepreneur Reunites with Brother to Expand BannaStrow’s Brand across America

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. — Although Nazrul and Tariqul Islam lived a nation apart, distance didn’t stop the brotherly duo from recognizing the nation’s fastest emerging fast food concept. Now, Californian Nazrul Islam is reuniting with Floridian brother Tariqul Islam to further develop BannaStrow’s, a Miami-based crepe franchise. For the first time, the Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., community will have a one-stop-shop to satisfy all of their crepe, coffee and smoothie cravings with the addition of BannaStrow’s.

“Nazrul and Tariqul will be a great addition to BannaStrow’s, as they have the exact experience, passion and drive needed to support our quickly emerging development,” said Mauricio Acevedo, CEO of BannaStrow’s. “They possess every entrepreneurial characteristic we are looking for in a franchisee.”

With more than 20 years of experience in the quality and compliance engineering industries, Nazrul Islam was attracted to the healthy food choices and business concept of BannaStrow’s. In addition to Nazrul Islam’s extensive experience and knowledge of the quality and compliance engineering industries, Tariqul Islam’s 11 years of experience managing Food Mart stores makes the duo an asset to the BannaStrow’s brand.

“Tariqul and I are excited to become a part of the nation’s next mainstream fast food,” Nazrul Islam said. “I see great potential for BannaStrow’s and look forward to bringing my business experience to help fuel brand awareness across the country.”
BannaStrow’s was conceived after bringing together more than 14 years of expertise in the restaurant industry to tap into the tremendous potential for crepes in the untouched quick-service market. Realizing that kiosks are a low cost, attractive franchise model, the concept was designed to fit into mall concourses and other high foot-traffic facilities. Today, BannaStrow’s has proven its success and is continuing to expand to other venues such as airports, universities and mobile trucks.
After testing the business model with two corporately-owned stores, and the subsequent addition of two highly successful franchises along the Florida Turnpike, Acevedo said he now is gearing up to expand the reach of BannaStrow’s to major metropolitan markets across the U.S.

“The time is right for a brand like ours,” Acevedo said. “People are looking for a business concept that is fresh and unique, and we are proud to bring on Nazrul and Tariqul Islam to help us grow our vision.”

MIAMI – While many brands are in limbo, shuffling to strategize their economic stability plan, BannaStrow’s, a 23-unit franchise that focuses on an assorted menu of crepes, coffee and smoothies, is progressing forward. In fact, BannaStrow’s will pioneer uncharted territory as the brand has now stepped outside of the United States and into international waters.

And, the chain isn’t just talk, either, as BannaStrow’s has signed a development deal to open 15 locations in Colombia. The first international BannaStrow’s location is scheduled to open in November 2011.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Mauricio Acevedo, CEO of BannaStrow’s. “Not only have we formed a fun and fresh brand that offers location flexibility and organization, but we have created a concept that is friendly, worldwide.”

Continuing a family tradition of nearly 30 years, Colombian father and son entrepreneurs, Francisco Aguilar and Luis Carlos Aguilar, have recently joined the international concept and plan to open 15 BannaStrow’s locations throughout Colombia. Francisco Aguilar, who has a culinary school for students seeking gastronomy guidance, brings culinary expertise to the BannaStrow’s brand, while son Luis Carlos Aguilar leads the brand expansion. Graduating nearly 20 chef kitchen technicians, Francisco Aguilar’s students are coveted by the most prominent restaurants on the Caribbean coast.

“I am excited to be part of such a diverse and growing brand,” Luis Carlos Aguilar said. “I see great potential for BannaStrow’s and look forward to bringing culinary and business experience to help fuel new franchise development in international waters.”
BannaStrow’s was conceived after bringing together more than 14 years of expertise in the restaurant industry to tap into the potential for crepes in the quick-service market. Realizing that kiosks are a low-cost, attractive franchise model, the concept was designed to fit into mall concourses and other high foot-traffic facilities. Today, BannaStrow’s has proven its success and is continuing to expand to other venues such as airports, universities and mobile trucks.
After testing the business model with two corporately-owned stores, and the subsequent addition of two successful franchises along the Florida Turnpike, Acevedo said he now is gearing up to expand the reach of BannaStrow’s to international markets as well as major metropolitan markets across the U.S.

“We have been a good franchise brand for 10 years,” Acevedo said. “Now, we will turn great.”

WELLINGTON, Fla. — Although the current economic climate may have crippled many brands’ growth expansion, BannaStrow’s — a Miami-based crepe franchise — is just revving up its development. For the first time, the Wellington, Fla., community will have a one-stop-shop to satisfy all of their crepe, coffee and smoothie cravings, with the addition of BannaStrow’s. The location will serve as the first for Colombian entrepreneur Carlos Mario Herrera’s three-unit deal with the franchise brand.

“Carlos Mario Herrera has the exact experience, vision and passion necessary to take BannaStrow’s to the next level and spark our growth throughout South Florida and across the nation,” said Mauricio Acevedo, CEO of BannaStrow’s. “With a preexisting four-unit presence in South Florida, Carlos’s three-unit deal will allow us to expand the brand to a seven-unit franchise.”

With more than 15 years of experience in the financial industry, Herrera was attracted to BannaStrow’s organization, location flexibility and affordable level of investment. In addition to his extensive experience and knowledge of the financial industry, Herrera’s prior experience as a Colombian pastry shop owner makes him an asset to the BannaStrow’s brand.

“I am excited to be part of such a fun and fresh brand,” Herrera said. “I see great potential for BannaStrow’s and look forward to bringing my business experience to help fuel new franchise development in underserved markets.”
BannaStrow’s was conceived after bringing together more than 14 years of expertise in the restaurant industry to tap into the tremendous potential for crepes in the untouched quick-service market. Realizing that kiosks are a low cost, attractive franchise model, the concept was designed to fit into mall concourses and other high foot-traffic facilities. Today, BannaStrow’s has proven its success and is continuing to expand to other venues such as airports, universities and mobile trucks.
After testing the business model with two corporately-owned stores, and the subsequent addition of two highly successful franchises along the Florida Turnpike, Acevedo said he now is gearing up to expand the reach of BannaStrow’s to major metropolitan markets across the U.S.

“The time is right for a brand like ours,” he said. “People are looking for a business concept that is fresh and unique, and we are proud to bring on Carlos Mario Herrera to help us grow our vision.”

Here are some excerpts on the interview.

- How was BannaStrow’s founded and why is it so special?

- Why is BannaStrow’s growing through Franchising instead of other methods?

- BannaStrow’s Trip to India

- Is BannaStrow’s the next McDonald’s?

- What are BannaStrow’s best selling products?

- What do we look for in a Franchisee?

- What types of locations does BannaStrow’s offer?

- What is the process for buying a BannaStrow’s Franchise?

- What is a typical day like operating a BannaStrow’s?

- How to choose your Franchisor. What should you look for?

What are BannaStrow’s plans for the Future?

The participating companies include some of the most successful and sought-after U.S. franchises: Applebee’s, BannaStrow’s Crepes and Coffee, CKE Restaurants- Carl’s Jr., Denny’s, Focus Brands – Schlotzsky’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Carvel Ice Cream, Johnny Rockets, Molly Maid, One and Four LLC – Wonderworks Amusement Parks, Pollo Tropical, Radio Shack, Rita’s Ice, United Franchise Group – Sign A Rama, Wendy’s/Arby’s International, and Wing Zone and Which Wich. In addition, the Franchise Times Magazine will travel from the United States to report on the activities.

MIAMI, FL — India has become one of the most fertile countries for business development over the past 20 years and now ranks as the 11th largest economy in the world. To take advantage of unprecedented growth opportunities in the subcontinent, the United States Department of Commerce has hand-picked 12 US franchisors to undertake a trade mission to build critical partnerships in Mumbai, Hyderabad and New Delhi. BannaStrow’s, an up-and-coming crepe franchise based in Miami, FL, will be one of the 12 franchisors making the trip starting April 10.

“We’re thrilled to have been invited to be a part of this unique and exciting business opportunity,” said Mauricio Acevedo, CEO of BannaStrow’s. “India is a rapidly growing market with a food and beverage sector worth approximately $280 million. We’d like to establish a foothold in the market to compliment our growth in the US.”

BannaStrow’s was conceived after bringing together more than 14 years of expertise in the restaurant industry and seeing tremendous potential for crepes in the untouched QSR market. Realizing that kiosks would be a low cost, attractive franchise model, the concept was designed to fit into mall concourses and other high foot traffic facilities. Today BannaStrow’s is a proven success and continuing to expand in to other venues such as Airports, Universities and even mobile trucks.

India is a particularly strong growth market for franchises, which constitute about 17 percent of the retail sector and at a 30 percent annual growth rate. As of 2010 there were 1200 franchisors in India, with a quarter originating outside the country or having majority holdings in the United States. The future is just as bright, with the franchising industry reaching an expected value of $20 billion in 2020.

“The time is right for a brand like ours,” Acevedo says. “People everywhere are looking for a business concept that is fresh and unique. We’re hoping to network with potential multi-unit operators to partner with and to capitalize on this huge opportunity in India.”

MIAMI, FL — Although the current economic climate may have crippled many brands’ growth strategies, BannaStrow’s—a Miami-based, 4-unit crepe franchise—is just revving up its development.  As the first step in their new growth strategy, BannaStrow’s has brought on industry veteran Paul Samson, President and Founder of The Franchise Edge and Franchise Sales Solutions, and his team to jump start its franchise development.

“Paul Samson has the exact experience, vision and passion necessary to take BannaStrow’s to the next level and spark our growth throughout S. Florida and across the nation,” said Mauricio Acevedo, CEO of BannaStrow’s. “After the recent launch of our franchise opportunity, Samson and his team will play a strong role in ramping up the development of our brand both internally and externally.”

While working with his clients, Samson saw a strong demand for an ongoing sales solution. In response to this demand, Sampson created The Franchise Sales Solution to help his clients grow and has since led over 100 companies launch their franchise programs. His experience in franchising began as President and Founder of Lenny & Vinny’s Management, Inc., a corporately owned and managed pizza chain that he operated for 14 years and grew to 14 units before deciding to franchise. Samson was also the Founder of Head West Enterprises, LLC, which grew the Westshore Pizza chain from 16 stores to 52 stores.

“I am very excited to be a part of such a fun and fresh brand,” said Samson. “I see great potential for BannaStrow’s and look forward to bringing my franchising experience to help fuel new franchise development in under served markets.”

BannaStrow’s was conceived after bringing together more than 14 years of expertise in the restaurant industry and seeing tremendous potential for crepes in the untouched QSR market.  Realizing that kiosks would be a low cost, attractive franchise model, the concept was designed to fit into mall concourses and other high foot traffic facilities. Today BannaStrow’s is a proven success is continuing to expand in to other venues such as Airports, Universities and even mobile trucks.
After testing the business model with two company-owned stores and the subsequent addition of two highly successful franchises along the Florida Turnpike, Acevedo says he’s now gearing up to expand the reach of BannaStrow’s to major metropolitan markets across the U.S.

“The time is right for a brand like ours,” he says. “People are looking for a business concept that is fresh and unique, and we are proud to bring on Paul Samson to help us grow our concept.”