Fransmart in the News

Multi-Unit FranchiseeDear Landlord - January 2009

"It's hard to ignore the negative press about the economy, and it's almost impossible not to cringe at the mention of credit rates and loans. But (and there's always a but) the glass remains half full—or possibly even overflowing—for those lucky enough to be tenants in today's real estate market."

QSRSearching for Capital - March 2009

"Dan Rowe, president of the Alexandria, Virginia-based franchise development company Fransmart and Vapiano's corporate owner, says the increasing affordability of real estate makes expansion opportunities for good operators too good to pass up."

Chain LeaderBorrowing Blues - November 2008

"'Right now the focus is on landlords and conversions of failed restaurants, where there are plenty of great deals out there to offset the cost of capital,' declares the co-founder and CEO of Fransmart, an Alexandria, Va.-based franchise development company with a portfolio of 13 restaurant brands."

ReutersFor once, a buyer's market for small retailers - September 2008

"Dan Rowe, the founder and CEO of Fransmart, an Alexandria, Virginia-based developer of startup franchised restaurant chains, says he now spends nearly all of his time scouting for so-called Class A locations - end-caps in suburban strip malls and highly desirable sites on busy city streets - for his clients. 'In this market, it's a perfect time to be a tenant, even a small tenant,' says Rowe. 'We haven't had pickings like this in ten plus years.'"

Nation's Restaurant NewsBrands Remain Bullish on International Expansion Despite Challenges- September 2008

"Dan Rowe, chief executive of Fransmart, says that two of his company's clients, zpizza and Sandella's Flatbreads, both in which Fransmart has an equity stake, have announced major franchise deals in the Middle East…Rowe expects more such deals to develop among middle- to lower-tier restaurant franchisors not so much because of the weak domestic economy, which he notes can't last forever, but because the rewards of overseas franchising are more enticing and can offer important lessons when the time comes to develop the domestic market."

QSRSearch and Rescue- July 2008

"'This creates a perfect opportunity for a fresh concept to go in and leverage a tremendous location and existing location-related infrastructure,' says Dan Rowe, CEO of Fransmart, which develops and franchises a host of restaurant chains, including ... fast-casual concepts such as City Wok and Sandella's. 'Two years ago it was so tough because we were competing with Starbucks or Chipotle or somebody like that,' says Rowe, who is based in Alexandria, Virginia. 'Nowadays these guys are slowing down, and we're getting looks at real estate that we just haven't seen in a while.'"

QSRBranching Out- January 2007

"As founder and CEO of Fransmart, Dan Rowe is leading the charge for several regional brands looking to spread their wings."

Chain LeaderFranchise Developer - November 2006

"When you're ready to expand into a new territory—especially one with little or no brand awareness—what's the best way to proceed? Dan Rowe, founder and CEO of Fransmart, an Alexandria, VA-based franchise development company, offers these suggestions…"

Restaurant HospitalityThe Multi- Million Dollar Question: Should You Franchise? - June 2004

"Your concept is hot, your margins are great and you are ready to grow- but should it be through franchising? Here's advice on figuring the fit" Dan Rowe, president and CEO of Fransmart, had a feature article published in the June 2004 edition of Restaurant Hospitality Magazine. In his article, Mr. Rowe pinpoints six factors that should be evaluated before you franchise a restaurant.

International Franchise Association (IFA)Great Real Estate...the Gift That Keeps on Giving

"As real estate costs continue to skyrocket, it has never been more critical to pick the right locations in order to build a sustainable chain. If your franchise system wants happy franchisees, then make sure they are successful. Start by focusing on their real estate because great real estate maximizes the sales of franchisees' businesses."