Atlanta, GA. (August 16, 2007) – Franchising Concepts, a powerful development company that grows successful regional franchise brands into major national chains, announced today that it has acquired the remaining ownership of Rising Roll Gourmet from Rising Brands, LLC – positioning the 12-unit, fast-casual, lunch-hour concept for future marketplace domination.

Rising Roll, voted the “Best Sandwich Shop” in Atlanta, specializes in 50 different gourmet sandwiches, salads and soups targeted to the lunch-hour crowd. The Georgia hot spot for lunch goers earned heightened popularity after being hired by The Food Network’s gourmet chef, Emeril Lagasse, for his personal Superbowl party. 

As part of the transaction, Franchising Concepts has retained Rising Roll Gourmet founders Jeff and Bob Weiss as store owners and concept developers, utilizing their knowledge of the food industry and culinary arts for continued menu development. In addition, Franchising Concepts has contracted with The Findley Group, headed by Gary Findley, the former Curves International president credited with growing the nation’s largest women’s-only fitness chain to 8,000 units. The partnership calls for a four-tier plan to boost brand exposure, enhance service and support to franchisees, strengthen leadership, and grow the brand through unit sales. 

“Jeff and Bob’s drive and tenacity made Rising Roll what it is today, and now we’re well positioned to take it to the next level,” said Franchising Concepts CEO Mike Lassiter, a former Area Developer for Schlotzsky’s Deli and well-known name in the franchising industry. “They had the vision to get Rising Roll to a very good place. We’ll still benefit from their wisdom and knowledge as culinary experts, while Franchising Concepts and The Findley Group will provide the resources and management skills to fuel continued nationwide expansion.

”Further solidifying the Rising Roll management team, Franchising Concepts, which also backs the growing franchise brands Justix (grilled food on a stick) and Ageless Remedies (a skin care spa), has brought on David Smith as Chief Operating Officer. Smith has 15 years+ of broad-based experience in the franchise, retail, service and consulting environments. Most recently, Smith served as Senior Director of Franchise Operations for Heavenly Ham, where he lead the growth of the system to more than 200 units while achieving historically high sales growth and unit profitability. 

With this powerhouse team in place and13 stores already operating in six states, covering a total of 35 territories, Rising Roll Gourmet is poised to create a nationwide sensation. Lassiter and Findley anticipate 80-100 Rising Roll locations will be operating within the next five years.

About Rising Roll Gourmet