Slapfish grows footprint in its backyard with first U.S. franchise deal
Slapfish, a Huntington Beach-based Chef-driven fast-casual seafood restaurant with an emphasis on serving fresh, sustainable dishes, has announced the signing of a multi-unit franchise deal to focus on Southern California. The franchisee, Abdelmuti Restaurant Group, plans to open a minimum of 6 stores over the next 3 years, with the first location planned for Newport Beach in 2014. The Abdelmuti Restaurant Group is led by brothers Nedal and Ahmad Abdelmuti, who have been small business owners for nearly 40 years.
After the initial Newport Beach location is open this year, the franchisee is looking to open their second site in either San Clemente or Irvine, and subsequent real estate sites will be sought out in areas including Costa Mesa, Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach. In Southern California, Slapfish has become known as a modern seafood shack that, at its core, presents a real American seafood experience that revolves around fresh, sustainable fish, prepared simply, but delivering big flavors. Founded by Chef Andrew Gruel and Jethro Naude, Slapfish’s ocean-fresh menu emphasizes bibb-worthy dishes and bold flavors, with seafood sourced from well-managed, eco-friendly suppliers.
Slapfish is expanding with the help of franchise development partner Fransmart, the company responsible for the explosive growth of brands like Five Guys Burgers and Fries and Qdoba Mexican Grill. While Slapfish secured a major master franchise deal in the Middle East in 2013, the Orange County deal marks the first multi-unit franchise agreement for the United States.
Slapfish is also set to open a second corporate restaurant in Laguna Beach, CA in Spring/Summer 2014 to continue to satisfy the appetites of the dedicated fan base in its home market.
Posted by Meghan Ogilvie
4/4/14
