COVER STORY
JEFF TOMASZEWSKI Founder & CEO | MaxStrength Fitness
Destination Athlete®: Empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and fostering their passion for sports
Steri Clean: Pioneering Safety and Compassion in Cleanup Services
Farhan Absar: An Emerging Franchisor Creating an Impact in the Snacks and Beverages Industry
Shawarma Press: The First Authentic Shawarma Franchise Brings Healthy Mediterranean Cuisine to the Masses
OUTLINING SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS FRANCHISES IN THIS COMPELLING EDITION...
As we welcome the new month with high hopes, The Inc Magazine is highlighting the triumphs of prestigious franchises that have established themselves as industry leaders. Getting associated with a franchise chain is an excellent move for a would-be entrepreneur who does not want to establish a new business from scratch.
In this exciting edition, you will explore some amazing franchise businesses that are bringing change and creating an impact. Here, the purpose is to discuss the key elements that make the franchises successful and spotlight the leading franchise businesses. When you check through this edition, you will be surprised to find companies that are one step ahead of what the industry anticipates. These businesses have stayed at the forefront of the raid tech advancement and penetrated their targeted industrial segments with amazing products and services.
We have delved deeper into the success stories to understand how some of the renowned franchise businesses achieved their current market positions, remained in the industry in the face of challenges, and gained remarkable growth.
As always, our cover story stands out from other profiles accumulated in any issue. This time also, Jeff Tomaszewski has made his mark with his distinctive offerings and his remarkable impact on the franchise business. Jeff is a visionary leader, spearheading his company to greater heights while helping many start their own business with his franchise chain. Do check his complete story to get inspiration for your journey.
As a business publication, we have always provided a platform for business leaders and corporate executives to share their inspiring stories as key players who embrace innovation and growth. As I wind up this note, I truly hope this fascinating read will add some value to the lives of our global readers and will surely motivate the aspiring leaders out there to break the glass ceiling and chase their dreams. If you get lost in your business sometimes and feel discouraged, remember that every step you take toward your goals, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. Work on yourself, stay focused on your objective, and never forget that the reward at the end of the journey will be well worth the hard work you do.
Happy Reading!
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MAXSTRENGTH FITNESS: TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH FITNESS
Based in Westlake, Ohio, United States, Jeff Tomaszewski, the Founder & CEO of MaxStrength Fitness Franchise, is at the forefront of transforming people’s lives through health and fitness. With nearly two decades of experience as a certified athletic trainer and strength and conditioning specialist, Jeff has been testing and refining the most efficient, effective, and safe way to exercise, yielding the highest ROI for his clients and himself in terms of health and fitness.
His research revealed that the quality and intensity of exercise matter more than quality. This insight eventually led to the development of a unique program that has transformed the lives of hundreds of high achievers in Greater Cleveland. From a fitness enthusiast to an entrepreneur and now a franchise owner, Jeff's journey is undoubtedly a testament to the power of diverse experiences, calculated risks, and unwavering persistence.
“I always wanted to help others love what they do as a career. That is true of our trainers (AKA Life Transformers) and now true for our franchisees. I want to empower others to not only make a positive impact on themselves and their families but also on the communities that we serve. Let great people do great work," apprised Jeff.
MaxStrength Fitness
MaxStrength Fitness brings an effective exercise that fits your schedule. With a team-focused approach, finding trusted fitness professionals and a program that works shouldn’t be hard.
Since 2007, Jeff has been helping hundreds of clients achieve their health and fitness goals in just 20 minutes, a couple of times a week, without breaking a sweat. He also realizes that it can be challenging to find an exercise program that accommodates a busy schedule and personal goals, so he has designed MaxStrength Fitness to meet those needs efficiently and effectively.
The Genesis of MSF: The Story of Jeff's Success and Struggles
Jeff's life turned upside down when at the age of 5, he lost his mother, who was just 37. after suffering from ovarian cancer. It was one of the hardest things he had ever had to go through in his life. This incident planted a seed of passion in him to do something to help people become the strongest versions of themselves. Having witnessed the effects of cancer on his mother's strength and power, Jeff was determined to make a difference.
Being a sports enthusiast in high school, Jeff witnessed his athletic trainer helping all the athletes with their injuries so they could return to play. This experience made him understand the benefits of athletic training and how it strengthens the body. When his mother was struggling with cancer, he saw her body weaken. This contrast fueled his mission to help people become healthier, stronger, and happier.
“I started physical therapy, but it was difficult since, as we were getting our patients better, they were discharged due to insurance limitations. I had to break through the limitations of insurance, resulting in people not getting the treatment they needed and deserved. Furthermore, a lot of other physical therapy techniques were not teaching people how to strengthen their bodies for good. They’re only helping them get strong for that moment instead of allowing them for the rest of their lives when it counts the most. It was also during my years in physical therapy that I discovered a way that helped us get our patients results in a fraction of the time we would normally spend,” asserted Jeff.
Finally, Jeff decided to take a new direction in his journey, leaving physical therapy to pursue his passion. He wanted to implement everything he had learned and share it with everyone. Jeff educates people on how to become healthy, prevent disease, improve how they feel, and reverse their aging process.
Jeff Tomaszewski
Founder & CEO | MaxStrength Fitness
He laid the foundation of MaxStrength Fitness in 2004 with a business partner and an investment group that included one of his clients. The investors pulled out after a couple of years when they couldn’t figure out how to grow.
On that day, Jeff dedicated himself entirely to running and scaling a business. He delved deep into marketing, learning how to attract the ideal client and repel the wrong ones, how to close consistently at 85%, how to build a team of life transformers who retain their clients at 91%, and how to create a world-class culture that makes the personal training industry a desirable place to work.
Later in 2013, Jeff and his partner split, which allowed Jeff to open his second location in Willoughby in May of 2017. Then COVID hit in 2020, and Jeff was forced to convert his business into a virtual training company in a matter of days. Fortunately, he thrived throughout the pandemic and retained 85% of his team and clients via virtual training.
For the past 20+ years, Jeff has spent countless hours and thousands of dollars mastering his craft and developing a protocol or way that has helped thousands of men and women over 50 reverse the aging process in only 20 minutes twice a week without breaking a sweat. He believes that everyone deserves to be healthy, fit, and strong without wasting hours in the gym.
through strength training, a dream that his wife, his biggest supporter, had always believed in.
“We will provide our franchisees with a tried-and-true business model that is scalable and beneficial to both the franchisee and the community they serve. Not many other businesses can profoundly improve the quality of people's lives like MSF," Jeff proudly shared.
At Max Strength Fitness, Jeff aims to make his franchisees confident owners of a profitable boutique fitness franchise. He believes his franchisee’s investment should not only make a solid return but should also be as stress-free as possible.
The Core Values and Key Driving Factors
Kaizen: This is a Japanese word meaning “constant-steady improvement." At MaxStrength Fitness, the team is made up of lifelong learners.
Over Deliver: They take great pride in their relationships with the clients and go above and beyond to WOW them every chance they get!
Efficient, effective, and safe: Every workout they engage in includes all of these. They respect their time (efficiency), they are results-driven (effective), and they are meticulous in the client’s performance (safe).
Ensuring Quality and Consistency
MaxStrength Fitness emphasizes ongoing training and continuing education for both corporate staff and franchisees The team organizes live online training, virtual and onsite role-playing, online modules, and testing. They also leverage technology including 24/7 live views via onsite cameras to inspect what they expect for training quality control.
The Evergreen Trends: Shaping the Future of the Fitness Realm
Jeff emphasizes that muscular function and sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass) are critical concerns that strength training can combat effectively. He also believes that strength training will always remain essential, to maintain a healthy weight, improve blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and insulin levels, enhance posture, balance, libido, and cognitive function, and prevent or manage type 2 diabetes, increase bone mineral density, and help individuals maintain or improve basic physical functioning as they age.
Turning Challenges into Triumphs
The rise of digital fitness apps and virtual training platforms offers convenience and accessibility, posing a significant threat to traditional gyms and fitness centers. MaxStrength emphasizes personalized, one-on-one training in a distraction-free, clinically controlled environment. The hands-on approach, advanced therapeutic equipment, and individualized attention provide a unique and superior experience that digital platforms cannot replicate.
Notable Milestones and a Bright Future Ahead
MaxStrength has been on a successful trajectory since its inception, and it survived the 2008 recession and the pandemic due to Jeff's visionary leadership and teamwork. Looking ahead, the company is aspiring to have 175-200 franchisees in the next 5 years. It has already opened its first franchise in February 2024.
DESTINATION ATHLETE®: EMPOWERING ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS
AND FOSTERING THEIR PASSION FOR SPORTS
Founded by Doug Dickison, Destination Athlete® is a premier one-stop destination for sports enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive range of equipment, apparel, fundraising solutions, and performance products and services. Since the franchised inception in 2008, Destination Athlete® has been empowering athletic teams to exceed their goals by thoroughly and completely addressing their every need. Doug is a visionary industry professional, with a remarkable 35+ year career in business leadership. His journey includes two decades as a senior executive with a Fortune 50 organization, where he excelled in sales & marketing management, business development, and commercial business model innovation. Following that, he transitioned into entrepreneurship, where he has spent over fifteen years building multiple successful companies. Doug’s impressive career is marked by a consistent drive for growth and innovation, by pioneering experiences and remarkable achievements.
The Idea Behind the Inception of Destination Athlete®
Destination Athlete® began its journey in 2008 with an exciting founding story. Doug recognized the need to focus on not only athletes but also on the athletic community within the team market space. Drawing from his experience in designing, building, and developing innovative business models, he was inspired to create a unique company within the fast-growing youth, high school and collegiate sports industry. “My passion for the sports community and the desire to help athletes thrive was the inspiration for Destination Athlete®, the nation's most comprehensive athlete-focused team dealer,” emphasizes Doug.
Major Obstacles Along the Way
When Destination Athlete® was founded in 2008 during a recession, it faced major market obstacles. However, Doug Dickison remained steadfast and focused on the
novel business model, deeply believing in the potential of his vision. Despite being new to the industry, he persevered during the recession and successfully secured the first few vendors and partners, laying the foundation for what would later become a thriving business.
The Evolution of the Franchising Industry
Throughout his journey, Doug has learned that the team sports industry is remarkably recession-resistant and resilient, even during health pandemics. This resilience has opened several significant opportunities within the industry. Despite facing numerous challenges, Doug and his team at Destination Athlete® have successfully weathered the storms over their 16-year journey, proving the strength and adaptability of their business model.
Tackling the Major Difficulties of the Franchising Industry
According to Doug Dickison, one of the biggest challenges in today's world is acquiring, adopting, and training in rapidly evolving technologies. Robust platforms exist for communication and project management. At Destination Athlete®, Doug and his team work to maintain the balance of being customer centric while relying on technology and staying up to date with its advancements, such as self-checkout, customer service chat, and artificial intelligence platforms. “True to our commitment to valued customers, we continue to blend “old school” business service with new school business technology, providing a personal touch and connecting on a deeper level,” Doug shares.
Purpose-driven Mission and Core Value
Destination Athlete’s® mission is to build better communities through athletes. Doug believes that sports can bring people together and teams can achieve winning outcomes when all involved have the
confidence that they have everything they need to succeed.
Advice for Applicants Investing in a Destination Athlete Franchise
Doug and his team deeply value the athletic communities and emphasize the importance of unity. At their annual Summit Training and Recognition Meeting, franchise owners often express that they are part of something special and bigger than themselves. Their passion for sports motivates them to secure a better future for their families.
Notable Milestones
Achieving significant quantitative growth has been the most rewarding aspect of Doug's career. However, he also agrees that growth is nurtured by the quality of employees, franchise owners, and the customers he partners with.
Pearls of Wisdom for the Aspiring Leaders and Entrepreneurs
Doug advises aspiring leaders to ensure that they are entering the right industry and pursuing a career that genuinely excites them. When considering franchising opportunities, it is important to distinguish between franchisors who dictate operations and those who offer flexibility in decision-making. Are you someone who likes to execute on pre-scripted plans or someone who prefers to be empowered to make your own decisions? If you want to be able to “think for yourself” and make your own decisions on how you help your athletic community, maybe a Destination Athlete® franchise is right for you.
PIONEERING SAFETY AND COMPASSION IN CLEANUP SERVICES
Meet Cory Chalmers, the heart and soul of Steri-Clean, a company that combines expertise with compassion in the remediation process. Cory’s story began in 1995 when he founded Steri-Clean while working as a paramedic. His empathy led him to become a firefighter in Orange County, California in 1997, and he quickly rose through the ranks to become a paramedic and then captain. In 2011, he retired from the fire department and dedicated himself full-time to his company and helping people in their darkest times. Cory’s knowledge of city budgets, contracts, purchase orders (POs), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and budget constraints has been key to securing contracts with over 48 cities for Crime Scene Steri-Clean. With 14 years as a paramedic, 14 years in hazardous materials and emergency management, and 29 years of biohazard response and cleanup since 1995, Cory is a sought-after keynote speaker at conferences and seminars across the US. He’s been featured on TV shows like “Hoarders” on A&E. He is also responsible for the rapid growth of Crime Scene Steri-Clean from an owner-operator, home-based business to a multi-million dollar company in the United States.
Maintaining Core Values
While working as a paramedic/firefighter, Cory and his team responded to many crime scenes, which included traumas, critical injuries, and sometimes death. Seeing the distress of the victims’ families and friends, Cory couldn’t bear the thought of them having to clean up the aftermath themselves, which is why he started Steri-Clean.
Cory knows his clients need compassion and care, so he hires and partners with people who share his values of compassion, care, and trust, not just those who want to make money. Every franchise he sells, or every employee he’s ever hired is wired like him. The people of Steri-Clean are driven to make a difference in their communities and help those in need. That core value of
compassion and community service is what builds trust with clients. It is the foundation of Steri-Clean’s success and profitability, which proves that doing good leads to financial success.
The Biggest Hurdle
One of the most significant challenges for Cory was transitioning from emergency response to business management. Responding to emergency calls demands empathy and urgency, but running a business is an entirely different game. To overcome this hurdle, Cory sought guidance from CEOs, coaches, accountants and even visited some of the largest franchises to learn from their business models. These experiences were instrumental in shaping the business model that Steri Clean uses today.
The Pivotal Decision
Cory believes the biggest decision that impacted Steri-Clean’s growth was to pivot into a franchise model. In 2010, Cory wanted to grow Steri-Clean nationwide, but he had no idea if he wanted to do that with corporate-owned stores or franchises. So, he met several franchise consultants, attorneys, and other top-level CEOs and decided to proceed with the franchise model. This allowed him to rapidly grow Steri-Clean with minimal capital investment while ensuring the consistent quality promised to clients through the comprehensive training programs attended and adopted by franchises.
Comprehensive Training Program for New Franchises
Steri-Clean has a two-week training program that includes one week of classroom and six days of field training. Cory and his team train new franchises on not just the cleaning tasks they perform but also the psychology of what Steri-Clean’s clients are going through. Anyone can learn to clean, but understanding
Cory Chalmers
Steri-Clean
the psychology of the trauma Steri-Clean’s clients are experiencing is truly what makes them more successful and closes many more leads.
“The three most important things to prevent failure are hiring the right people, training them to know everything they need to, and offering unlimited support. With these components in place, failure is not an option,”- explains Cory.
Till date, Steri-Clean has spent over $550,000 on its own customer management software, starting with its call center and continuing through the job completion. It documents every customer interaction, job photos, estimates, invoices, and CRM. This not only sets the organization apart from its competitors, but allows it to review every customer interaction, even the estimates that didn’t convert to a job. Cory teaches the classroom training himself and gives each new franchise his direct cell number so they can call whenever they have questions. They also have direct access to Steri-Clean’s COO, accounting team, and training manager for clarification.
Long Term Goals
Under Cory’s leadership, Steri-Clean maintains its competitive edge through continuous innovation. The company consistently brings new supplies, equipment,
and services to its franchises. From custom-built trucks and apps to a new product that completely eradicates Fentanyl, making the decontamination job much easier and safer, Steri-Clean is always one step ahead! This commitment ensures that the company meets and exceeds industry standards, making decontamination jobs easier and safer for clients and employees.
https://steri-clean.com
AN EMERGING FRANCHISOR CREATING AN IMPACT IN THE SNACKS AND BEVERAGES INDUSTRY
Farhan Absar, Vice President of Franchising, OPS, and Development at The Davis Group, brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique international perspective to the table due to his extensive travels in Asia and North America.
With nearly two decades of leadership experience on a global level, Farhan's journey is marked by a commitment to innovation, excellence, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships to drive organizational success and expansion in the competitive franchising industry.
Farhan has embraced the diverse landscape of business roles in franchising and operations, beginning with roles at Sbarro LLC and advancing to pivotal positions at The Davis Group. Today, as Vice President of Operations and Franchise Development, Farhan oversees the expansion of numerous brands throughout North America, opening over 100 franchise locations and significantly increasing revenue. This diverse background equipped him with a profound understanding that empowered him to manage revenue portfolios exceeding $250 million, negotiate 100+ leases, and foster high-performance teams. The Davis Group, under his dynamic leadership, focuses on comprehensive business services, including franchise development, operations management, and strategic planning, ensuring franchisee success and sustainable growth.
Sharing his key inspiration behind joining INS Market, the visionary leader asserted, "My journey commenced from a deep-seated passion to revolutionize convenience retailing. Identifying an unmet demand for healthier, sustainable alternatives, I led the charge in expanding and franchising the INS
Market throughout North America. This endeavor was motivated by my conviction to provide consumers with convenient access to high-quality food choices that uphold both taste and nutritional value."
INS Market: At a Glance
INS Market came into existence in 1994 to offer the largest selection of beverages and snacks. Since its inception, INS Market has been growing and adopting the latest industry trends to maintain its position as the market leader. The company ultimately aims to deliver the values customers deserve through fast, friendly, and courteous service. Further, INS Market is offering franchise opportunities to tap into an increasing number of customers.
Gaining an Edge over Competition
Getting started is the most crucial part for an entrepreneur. Investing in franchising opportunities, such as with INS Market, allows business owners to ensure their growth. As a leading retailer in modern convenience, INS Market has redefined accessibility with a focus on quick and nutritious grab-and-go options. It strives to deliver exceptional value to its customers by providing prompt, amiable, and attentive service. Their stores are meticulously organized and impeccably maintained, staffed by well-trained sales associates in uniform. Further, INS Market prioritizes supporting its franchise partners, collaborating closely with the dedicated team to customize business opportunities that are specifically tailored to each location's needs.
The Latest Industry Trends and Industry
The convenience store industry is experiencing rapid evolution, driven by increasing consumer demand for healthier food options, sustainable practices, and enhanced convenience through technological advancements. INS Market aims to reach and serve a diverse customer base, spanning different generations and income brackets. The man at the helm, Farhan, ensures convenience is accessible to everyone, regardless of occupation, ethnicity, or gender, ensuring it is tailored to individual needs. One of INS Market's key strengths lies in its commitment to offering healthier alternatives to traditional snacks and meeting the needs of customers while prioritizing convenience and nutritional considerations, shared Farhan.
An Inspirational Leader with a Distinctive
Farhan's leadership style is marked by a strategic vision and active engagement. He always strives to empower teams through open communication and collaborative decision-making, cultivating a culture of accountability and creativity. Over time, the magnificent man honed his skills in addressing intricate challenges, motivating teams from various backgrounds, and achieving organizational achievements through adaptable leadership and ongoing personal growth, and that is what makes Farhan an inspirational leader.
The Significant Characteristics of a Successful
In today's ever-changing business environment, essential qualities for successful executive leaders include decisive decision-making abilities, resilience in navigating change, and a strategic approach to seizing new opportunities. Effective communication, cultural sensitivity, and the capability to unite teams are crucial for fostering sustainable growth and sustaining a competitive
Farhans Key Driving Strategies
Farhan always emphasizes expanding the franchise network through strategic alliances and thorough
market research. To accelerate the opening of additional stores and increase profitability, he and his team concentrated on operational efficiencies, improved supply chain logistics, and utilized data analytics. Additionally, they have introduced inventive marketing strategies and elevated customer engagement initiatives to cultivate brand loyalty and expand their market presence.
Standing at the Forefront
INS Market continues to lead by embracing sustainable initiatives, advancing digital capabilities, and diversifying its product range to align with shifting consumer tastes. By placing a strong focus on customer input and data analytics, the team continually innovates its menu, streamlines operations, and upholds its competitive advantage in the convenience store sector.
Trailblazing Towards the Future
Today, the demand for healthier food choices and sustainable business practices has been high. INS Market is doing its best to keep up with the demand. With a resilient franchise model and established brand recognition, INS Market possesses the scalability to venture into new domestic and international markets. Their commitment to community involvement and customer satisfaction strengthens their position to capture market share and sustain profitability over the long term.
The Significance of Mentors Behind Farhan's Success Trajectory
Throughout his professional journey, Farhan has been fortunate to have had great mentors who helped him navigate complex business landscapes, refine his leadership abilities, and foster personal growth. Their mentorship has provided Farhan with strategic insights, expanded his industry network, and empowered him to seize opportunities for continuous professional advancement. Their support has been pivotal in his journey towards driving organizational excellence and fostering innovation within his domain.
Word of Advice
Advising aspiring leaders entering the convenience store sector, Farhan asserted that they should prioritize innovation, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. Embrace technology to elevate service standards and set your brand apart. Forge robust partnerships, emphasize sustainability, and stay agile in responding to market shifts. Remain resilient in overcoming obstacles and capitalize on growth opportunities through meticulous planning and steadfast implementation.
SHAWARMA PRESS: THE FIRST AUTHENTIC SHAWARMA FRANCHISE BRINGS HEALTHY MEDITERRANEAN
CUISINE TO THE MASSES
During the last decade, fast casual franchises have emerged as a major player in the restaurant industry by changing consumer behavior through innovation, consistency, and ease of use.
Shawarma Press is the first US-based Shawarma franchise that brings authentic and fusion flavors of Mediterranean cuisine to the table. It was incorporated by co-founders Sawsan Abublan and Dr. Ehap Sabri in 2016 to bring fresh and healthy Mediterranean food in a contemporary atmosphere. Since its inception, award-winning Shawarma Press has been growing steadily and attracting franchisees with a unique business model, support, training, and menu offerings designed for smooth operations.
The Lady Behind the Idea
Sawsan Abublan is the co-founder and CEO of Shawarma Press. A charismatic, inspiring leader and a successful Franchisor, she transitioned from her career as a pharmacist to pursue her dream of being a franchisor. Presently, she is spearheading Shawarma Press to new heights by introducing the foods she and her family savored years ago in the Middle East to the US market in a replicable-franchisable model that does not sacrifice the authenticity of the flavors.
From a Successful Pharmacist to a Founder: The Notable Transition
Sawsan Abublan's career pivot from pharmacy to founding Shawarma Press was driven by a detailed study of the gap in the QSR market for fast-casual Mediterranean concepts and a desire to spread Shawarma's rich flavors to a wider audience. Her journey in pharmacy taught her the significance of precision and attention to detail, which she has carried over into every aspect of her food preparation and business operations.
The Shawarma Press Vision: Transformation Over the Years
Shawarma Press was born out of a desire to create a fast-casual dining experience that combines authentic Mediterranean cuisine with contemporary convenience. Initially, Sawsan and her team focused on refining their recipes, processes, and providing exposure of the unique flavors to customers. Shortly after the first location was a big hit, the vision transitioned to include franchising as a way to share their unique concept with a larger audience as the first Shawarma franchise in the US.
Strategic Considerations Behind the Shawarma Press Franchise
Sawsan and her team considered several strategic factors, including the market demand for authentic Mediterranean cuisine, the scalability of her business model, and the ability to maintain quality across multiple locations. They also focused on creating comprehensive support systems for the franchisees, ensuring they uphold the brand standards while serving amazing food with top-notch customer service.
An Edge Over Peers
Shawarma Press distinguishes itself in the franchise market with a dedication to authentic recipes, high-quality ingredients, and an innovative approach to the fast-casual dining experience. Because of its unique offerings and excellent service, Shawarma Press has been honored with several prestigious awards, including being recognized among Fast Casual Magazine’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers and winning multiple Gold and Silver Stevie Awards for achievements in Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion, as well as Entrepreneur of the Year in Food and Beverage. Furthermore, Shawarma Press' extensive franchisee support system includes
Sawsan Abublan
Co-founder & CEO | Shawarma Press
marketing, training, and operational supervision to ensure partners are well-equipped to operate their stores successfully.
The Pandemic and Role of Technology in Sustainable Operations
During the pandemic, technology played a crucial role in sustaining operations, allowing Shawarma Press to reach customers safely and efficiently. Shawarma Press utilized technology by promoting the Shawarma Press App downloads, enhancing the online (web) ordering system, and expanding the delivery and takeout options. Despite challenges during the pandemic, the company supported the efforts of local non-profit organizations and pivoted to creative marketing techniques, which enabled them to maintain strong connections with new and regular customers. Following the pandemic, Shawarma Press emerged as a reliable and resilient brand in the fast-casual dining industry.
At the Forefront of the QSR (quick service restaurant ) Industry
Sawsan Abublan and her team are highly focused on menu innovation, introducing fresh flavors and fusion dishes while maintaining core offerings. They have also embraced technology with mobile ordering, contactless payments, and efficient kitchen operations. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and consistent quality also empowers them to stay high on the list of the most desirable franchises to own. Shawarma Press has also set a new benchmark for fast-casual dining by establishing their own commissary, ensuring operational efficiency, quality control, and scalability.
A Perfect Fusion of Authenticity with New Flavors
“Balancing authenticity with innovation is the key to success,” said Sawsan Abublan. She explains the brand stays true to its Mediterranean roots by using authentic recipes and high-quality ingredients. At the same time, the team studied the customer demographics and top food trends, which enabled them to introduce new fusion flavors and concepts that complement the core menu while keeping things fresh and exciting for customers.
Some of the trendy and popular menu items include Tandoori-Press Shawarma, Supreme Shawarma, Gyro Style Shawarma, and the Shawarma Melt.
Planning for Future Expansion
Shawarma Press aims to open new franchise locations in primary markets across the United States. It is targeting regions with a high demand for Mediterranean cuisine with a strong focus on health-conscious dining options. Sawsan Abublan's ultimate objective is to establish Shawarma Press as the leader in the fast-casual Mediterranean segment. The company has already established a solid market reputation throughout Texas, including Dallas, Irving, Frisco, Arlington, Plano, Georgetown, and San Antonio, as well as in Georgia in the Atlanta suburb of Johns Creek. Upcoming locations are planned in Houston and Kansas.
The Biggest Hurdles and Opportunities
With growing consumer demand for authentic and healthy dining options, Shawarma Press flourished well and established multiple branches. However, maintaining consistent quality and brand integrity across different locations have been the major challenges for the company. To deal with challenges, Sawsan and her team actively worked on the commissary, enhanced the technology infrastructure, utilized marketing strategies, and successfully turned these obstacles into growth opportunities.
Strategies to Maintain Brand Integrity and Customer Loyalty
Shawarma Press focuses on rigorous franchisee training, quality control measures, and continuous support while providing consistent products to maintain the brand's integrity and customer loyalty. The team also engages its customers through social media and app loyalty programs, ensuring they feel connected to the Shawarma Press brand. Further, they aim to foster long-term customer relationships by upholding their commitment to quality and authenticity.
Creating an Indivisible Impact
"The most rewarding aspect of my journey with Shawarma Press has been seeing the positive impact our restaurants have on our communities through partnerships with local nonprofit organizations like homeless shelters and, most recently, CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees)”, Sawsan Abublan proudly apprised.
"Offering delicious meals to those who can afford it is one thing, but offering the same food to those who otherwise cannot afford it is a different feeling of love and support,” she further added.
Sawsan's Advice to Emerging Leaders
Throughout her journey, Sawsan Abublan gained wisdom and insights she enjoys sharing with upcoming leaders. Based on her knowledge and experience, the visionary leader advises aspiring leaders to be passionate about their products and relentless in their pursuit of excellence without forgetting to support their employees who help them achieve that. She believes creating a solid, scalable business plan and offering franchisees constant support are essential to thriving in the franchising industry. Lastly, she shares that leaders must always stay true to brand values and be adaptable to change and innovation.
