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Tuesday, Apr 11, 2017
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Signs Deals to Enter 7 New Markets as First Quarter Comp Sales Growth Nears +9%
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Texas, California key expansion states
PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bruster’s Real Ice Cream has signed franchise development agreements that will introduce its premium frozen treats to 7 new markets. The announcement comes as the chain posts an 8.8% same-store sales increase for the first quarter of 2017. Comp sales for 2016 were up 7.2% with 92 stores setting sales records. This followed 10.4% growth in 2015.
So far this year, Bruster’s has inked deals for new shops in San Antonio, Austin and Lewisville, Texas; Athens, Georgia; Nashville, Tennessee; Laurel-Columbia, Maryland; and, Burlington-Waltham, Massachusetts, all of which are new markets.
The brand also will be expanding in Southern California with an agreement for a new shop in Upland. It will be the 7th Bruster’s in the Los Angeles market. 3 are currently operating with 3 more scheduled to open this spring. Earlier this year, Bruster’s entered the Phoenix market with its first Arizona shop and added a location in the Pittsburgh market. This recent growth follows the opening of 12 new locations in 2016.
In mid-January, the chain launched a three-month campaign in Texas, Arizona and California using digital and social media marketing, including Facebook, to attract potential franchisees. “Many of these recent agreements are a direct result of our strong push to expand in the West and Southwest,” said Bruster’s CEO Jim Sahene. “The response from the franchise community throughout the country has been amazing, as more and more prospective franchisees recognize that Bruster’s really is a unique concept that stands out from other frozen treat brands.” Sahene added that new franchisees also are being drawn to Bruster’s because of its strong sales performance and unit economics.
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream features 150 flavors of premium, handcrafted ice cream, yogurt, Italian ice and sorbet. Starting with a proprietary, home-style mix delivered fresh from its dairy, Certified Ice Cream Makers in each shop craft at least 24 flavors every day. There are nearly 200 independently owned locations in 20 states, Guyana and South Korea.