Swiss Farms Ramps Up

Drive-thru retailer awards first franchise, who has plans to open three more stores Oct. 05, 2009

BROOMALL, Pa. -- Swiss Farms, with the tagline "America's Drive-Thru Grocer," has awarded its first franchise. John Betz & Associates Inc. has been in the franchise business since 1990, growing a portfolio of brands including Auntie Anne's Pretzels and Starbucks Coffee. John Betz and his team have committed to opening three Swiss Farms stores in the next three years. Their first store will open in Somerdale, N.J., in 2010.

Swiss Farms has launched a regional franchising program, selectively expanding around its corporate base in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York and [image-nocss] New Jersey, the company said.

"This is a truly historic event," according to Swiss Farms CEO Paul Friel, "as it is the first time we have made Swiss Farms franchises available in our 41 years of business. We are equally excited about our partnership with John Betz, who has significant experience operating world class franchise brands and is also very familiar with the history of Swiss Farms. It is important that we select partners who have the knowledge and philosophy to deliver exceptional customer service. That is the Swiss Farms brand identity that consumers have related to since 1968."

As a Delaware County, Pa., native, Betz's relationship with Swiss Farms goes back to childhood, the company said, where in the back seat of the family car, he "always found Swiss Farms at my [car] doorstep with a free lollypop. That endearing personal quality of service remains as I am a Swiss Farms customer today," said Betz.

He said that he was especially drawn to Swiss Farms because of the ground-floor growth opportunity and its consistent performance despite the economy.

He added that he sees a similar pattern with Swiss Farms to what he experienced with Auntie Anne's and Starbucks. "As a franchisee, I look for a great brand providing a unique service and first-class franchisor support. Combine those qualities with a great location, that is how to be a successful franchisee," said Betz.

Betz has selected A&E Construction to help him with the development of his Swiss Farms locations in Camden County, N.J. He has worked with A&E Construction for the last 20 years.

Broomall, Pa.-based Swiss Farms operates 12 corporate stores in Delaware and Chester County, Pa. "Swiss Farms is a convenient replacement for the supermarket express lane, where you pick up staples such as milk, bread, tea, produce, dinners, eggs, etc., without getting out of your car. You simply drive up, order and drive away with your groceries," the company said.

Click hereto view the company's franchising website.

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