The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill®, a prominent player in the Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant industry, has announced substantial growth in franchise development and sales for the first half of 2024. The brand successfully launched seven new restaurants across various U.S. states, including Alabama, California, Georgia, Utah, and Florida. This expansion is part of a broader strategy that has led to a 61% increase in systemwide sales over Q1 and Q2 of 2023.
Bob Andersen, President of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, emphasized that the brand's growth exemplifies the effectiveness of its development strategy and the dedication of its franchise owners. Andersen noted, "Our growth in the first half of 2024 is a testament to the strength of our brand and our development strategy and positions us for even greater momentum in this second half of the year."
Currently, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill operates 54 locations in 17 U.S. states and has recently ventured into international markets with its first restaurant in Toronto, Canada. This international expansion is facilitated through a partnership with Ontario Master Licensee Radius Apollo Investments, LLC. The move into Canada marks the beginning of the brand's global growth strategy, aiming to capitalize on the increasing popularity of Mediterranean cuisine and high consumer demand for quality food and service.
Looking forward, the company projects the opening of 25 additional locations by the end of 2024, including its first establishments in New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. With 270 units in its development pipeline, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is on track to surpass 100 locations by 2025.
In addition to its impressive franchise development, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill has received significant industry accolades. The brand was named a Top 100 Mover & Shaker by Fast Casual for the second consecutive year, ranking #13 among the top 75 brands – a leap of 32 spots from 2023. It was also recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies of 2024 by the South Florida Business Journal, based on revenue growth over a three-year period.
Ray Titus, CEO of United Franchise Group™ (UFG), which includes The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill in its portfolio, highlighted the brand's unique positioning within the Mediterranean fast-casual segment. Titus stated, "The Great Greek offers a completely different experience than its category counterparts in that it provides a level of quality, service, and value unmatched anywhere else. Because of this, the brand occupies a unique and defensible niche in the Mediterranean fast-casual segment and is consistently met with high customer satisfaction and loyalty."
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill recently celebrated its franchise owners' achievements at UFG's 2024 World Expo. Notable awards include the MVP Award, President's Award, Circle of Excellence Inductees, Team Player, Community Service Award, Local Store Marketing, and Millionaire Club Inductees.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is part of the Big Flavor Brands™ foodservice division of United Franchise Group™, a global leader with over 1,600 franchises in more than 60 countries. The company's ongoing expansion and recognition underscore its commitment to providing high-quality Mediterranean cuisine and exceptional service, positioning it as a formidable player in the fast-casual dining industry.
