BLIMPIE Opens Its First Military Base Location

Blimpie International, Inc., the world's largest publicly held sandwich franchisor opened its first military base Restaurant at Fort Jackson, SC. This location served its first customer May 8 and the Grand Opening will take place May 18.

BLIMPIE® Subs & Salads has partnered with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) to introduce the brand to military bases. The Fort Jackson restaurant is a traditional location located in a food court setting. Regarding the importance of this new project, Don Keller, Blimpie International's Assistant Vice President-New Business Development said, "The diversity of the customer base was a huge factor in opting to participate in such a program. BLIMPIE military customers are from all over the world. When they return to their hometowns, they will be familiar with the brand and will hopefully remain BLIMPIE customers."

In addition to the Fort Jackson location, BLIMPIE Subs & Salads plans to introduce the brand to seven Army bases and three Air Force bases through the partnership with AAFES by the end of the year. These locations will be placed in food courts and super convenience stores. The BLIMPIE locations positioned in food courts will be along side several other national concepts that offer pizza, fried chicken, and tacos.

The AAFES is a branch of the federal government responsible for providing food services, exchanges, dry cleaners, and other services on Army and Air Force bases throughout the world.

Headquartered in New York, Blimpie International, Inc. Franchises BLIMPIE® Subs & Salads and PASTA CENTRAL™ and is the majority owner of Maui Tacos International, Inc., the franchisor of MAUI TACOS™ and SMOOTHIE ISLAND™. BLIMPIE Subs & Salads, a quick-service sandwich chain, has over 2,100 units operating in locations throughout the United States and in 14 foreign countries. The Company also owns the subsidiary B I Concept Systems, Inc., a professional design and equipment service company.