Vapiano Franchise Expands Worldwide

Vapiano, the German-based Restaurant chain specializing in fresh casual Italian food with a European flair, continues to expand worldwide signing four separate multi-unit development deals in the United States, Hungary, Middle East and Turkey. Vapiano will have 18 restaurants open around the world by the end of 2006 and another 100 in development.

"Vapiano's rapid international growth is a testament to its innovative look at the fresh casual segment," says Vapiano President Kent Hanhe. "We have successfully blended creativity and fast, fresh individually cooked meals-there isn't anything like it and people all over the world love it!"

Vapiano is a fresh casual restaurant with a twist - customers use a "chip card" to personally order their food or drinks from the bar or from the individual fresh pizza, pasta or salad stations. Vapiano also distinguishes itself through an unmistakable image created by Milan's star designer, Matteo Thun. The restaurant radiates an atmosphere of Italian lifestyle and Mediterranean elegance.

Already an established concept in Europe with 11 units open and 15 still in development, Vapiano will develop a minimum of eight restaurants over the next six years in Hungary, 15 in the Middle East over the next seven years and 10 in Turkey by year 2014. Vapiano is currently working with Fransmart, an Alexandria-based Franchise development company, to develop in the United States. Three Vapiano restaurants are currently slated to open in Washington, D.C. between December 2006 and February 2007.

Restaurants are 5,000-8,000 square feet, seat 150 or so guests and have a blended check average of about $13.50 per guest.