Little Greek plans up to 30 Florida restaurants under franchise agreement

Little Greek Fresh Grill has signed a deal with longtime franchise partner Foti Gianniosis to develop up to 30 locations throughout Florida over the next decade. The agreement is a key step in the brand's goal of reaching 100 restaurants statewide. Gianniosis, who currently operates a location in Tampa, will open the first restaurant under the agreement in Boca Raton, Florida.

"We have had great success in Tampa and Orlando, and there are only a few possible locations left," Little Greek President Nick Vojnovic told FastCasual.

"Our supply chain and brand awareness in Florida is growing, so going into Fort Lauderdale and Miami is a natural strategic direction. Naples, Jacksonville and the Florida panhandle also are on the radar."

Tampa-based Little Greek currently operates 35 locations in Florida and is pursuing future growth through franchising.

Vojnovic said the company is also expanding in Texas.

"We are continuing to grow and fully develop in Dallas, while Austin and Houston are also under consideration," he said.

The brand is seeking additional franchise partners to fuel its expansion strategy. "We prefer hands-on owner-operators who like our low-investment, small-restaurant model," Vojnovic said.

Initial investment costs range from $150,000 to $350,000.

Little Greek is also exploring growth through its Little Greek Express delivery model, which has been tested with Westshore Pizza in Clearwater, Florida.

"It has a very low investment with 30% sales growth," Vojnovic said.