WALLINGFORD, Conn., May 9, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Edible Arrangements franchises have been popping up across North America at an average of one a week since the first of the year, with more than 20 new locations opening for business through the end of April.
The pace growth, which will significantly increase through spring and summer, has allowed the fresh-fruit franchise to surpass the 1,000 mark for locations now open with another 100 under development and scheduled to open by the end of the year.
"We are thrilled to welcome so many new franchise partners into the Edible Arrangements network," says Founder and CEO Tariq Farid. "Not only are we helping these entrepreneurs pursue their own American Dream, but we are giving our loyal customers even greater access to our fresh products."
Of the new openings, 12 are Edible To Go, the new on-the-go concept, which features takeout treats such as fresh fruit smoothies, fruit salads, fruit parfaits and an assortment of chocolate dipped fruit.
"Thanks to the popularity of the Edible To Go locations, more and more of our customers can now enjoy Edible Arrangements at a moment's notice, whether it's picking up a fresh treat or having an arrangement made while they wait," said Farid. "We could not be more pleased with how 2012 has started."
Since January, Edible Arrangements has opened new locations in these U.S. and Canadian cities:
- Mesa, AZ (Edible To Go)
- Columbus, OH (Edible To Go)
- Chesapeake, VA
- Minneapolis, MN (Edible To Go)
- Stow, OH (Edible To Go)
- Elizabethtown, KY (Edible To Go)
- Wichita Falls, TX
- New Hartford, NY (Edible To Go)
- Elkridge, MD (Edible To Go)
- Owings Mills, MD (Edible To Go)
- Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Edible To Go)
- Denver, CO
- Houston, TX
- Howard Beach, NY (Edible To Go)
- Southington, CT
- Northbrook, IL
- Cranston, RI (Edible To Go)
- Granger, IN (Edible To Go)
- Orlando, FL
- Vancouver, BC
- Kingston, ON
About Edible Arrangements
With over 1100 locations open or under development worldwide, Edible Arrangements International, LLC. is the leading purveyor of delicious, high quality, artistically designed, fresh fruit arrangements that are practical and healthy gifts and centerpieces for everyday occasions and events. Brothers Tariq and Kamran Farid developed and launched the company in 1999 in East Haven, CT, after many years in the floral industry. Edible Arrangements stores are located in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Italy, Turkey, Hong Kong, Jordan, Oman, India and China. The company has been recognized as an industry leader since its inception, including ranking first in its category in Entrepreneur Magazine's annual "Franchise 500" for the past five years and also placing in Entrepreneur's top 40 of "Fastest Growing Franchises" and "America's Top Global Franchises." Edible Arrangements was the winner of the ICSC's 2010 Hot Retailer Award and the company has also ranked in Inc. Magazine's top 5,000 fastest growing privately-held companies for seven consecutive years, ranked ninth on Forbes "2011 Top Franchises to Start for the Money" and was recently named one of Inc's "10 Promising Franchises for 2011." The company also was recently named one of the Top 100 internet retailers by Internet Retailer magazine. More information about Edible Arrangements and Edible Arrangements franchise opportunities is available at 1-888-727-4258 or online at www.eafranchise.com.
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