Graze Craze®, a rapidly expanding franchise specializing in charcuterie boards, has announced a significant 49% increase in same-store sales for the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This milestone underscores the brand's consistent double-digit growth, with March 2024 alone witnessing a remarkable 72% increase in sales. The conclusion of the second quarter marked the 12th consecutive quarter of positive growth for the company, highlighting the effectiveness of its strategic initiatives and strong customer loyalty.
From January to June 2024, Graze Craze opened 20 new locations, including its inaugural stores in Alabama, Alaska, and Indiana, and its first in Canada. The brand has nearly doubled its presence since June 2023, and with 45 additional locations under construction, it shows no signs of slowing down.
"It's a very exciting time at Graze Craze right now as we continue to break records and experience rapid growth in all areas of our business," said Cory Hibbard, President of Graze Craze. "Our achievements are a testament to the dedication of our franchise owners and entire team as well as our unwavering commitment to innovation. We're looking forward to building on this momentum and continuing to deliver exceptional value to our customers for the remainder of this year into the next."
The brand recently celebrated its achievements and milestones at the United Franchise Group™ (UFG) 2024 World Expo. Key highlights included continued domestic and international expansion, a strategic partnership with the nation's largest wine retailer, and the official launch of its Advertising Fund Board and menu innovation committee. Moving into the second half of the year, Graze Craze plans to sustain its growth momentum with 25 new locations and a focus on technology and menu innovations aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing profitability.
Ray Titus, CEO of UFG, praised the Graze Craze team and franchise owners at the World Expo, stating, "As we look to the future, we remain committed to setting our franchise owners up for success, fostering a culture of innovation, and driving franchise development so that we continue to lead the charcuterie segment for years to come."
The four-day World Expo provided franchise owners with access to workshops, roundtable discussions, educational sessions with keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and a vendor showcase. The event culminated in an awards gala where outstanding franchise owners were recognized for their contributions. Award winners included Lindsey & Silas Coffelt for the President's Award, Donnie & Celeena Bedore for Most Valuable Player and Mentor of the Year, and Melanie Bard, Nick Mastrodicasa, and Greg Torgeson for Rookie of the Year, among others.
Graze Craze's impressive growth and strategic initiatives highlight the increasing market demand for its products and the company's commitment to innovation and quality. As it continues to expand both domestically and internationally, Graze Craze is set to maintain its position as a leader in the charcuterie board segment, offering unique dining experiences and exceptional value to its customers.
