Fast-growing sushi chain to debut in Tampa, Naples
A rapidly expanding Southeast sushi chain will launch in Tampa and Naples
Florida’s west coast will soon be filled with the sounds of sushi.
A group of businesspeople and Rock N Roll Sushi, a company that was established in Mobile, Alabama, in 2010, recently signed a 35-location agreement for areas in Central and Southwest Florida as well as several on the state’s east coast. The initial facilities, where a real estate search is in progress, are anticipated to open in Tampa and Naples later this year according to an article by Mark Gordon from Business Observer.
The pact, referred to as a “area representative agreement,” is with a company named Rock N Development, whose owners are John and Katerina Weissfisch, Craig and Dianne LeMieux, and Andrew and Terri Jessen. From West Palm Beach through the regions of Daytona Beach and Orlando, as well as over to Tampa, Fort Myers, and Naples, the ARA by Rock N Development is extensive. According to the press release, the partners have a personal connection to each of the locations because they have previously lived or worked there. The agreement’s terms weren’t made public.
According to CEO Chris Kramolis’ statement in the press release, Rock N Roll Sushi “offers a one-of-a-kind dining environment with multiple TVs playing music videos and sushi rolls that are Rock N Roll-themed.” The menu features the best classics of Rock N Roll Sushi, including Crispy Wontons, Punk Rock Roll, VIP Roll, and Hibachi, and is divided into Opening Acts, Classics, Green Room, Headliners (including Raw Tracks), Back Stage Hibachi, Kids Rock, and After Party.
There are numerous Rock N Roll Sushi establishments in Florida, including several in the Panhandle, one in Gainesville, one in Tallahassee, and one in Gainesville.
In the statement, Kramolis adds, “We’ve wanted to expand our presence within the wonderful state of Florida for some time and feel we’ve found the perfect partners to do just that. They are all successful multi-unit franchisees who have firsthand knowledge of the markets we are approaching.
According to the business, the development phase of the 35-location ARA would involve looking for additional franchisees to launch their own sites. Weissfisch said in the announcement, “We believe in the brand and everything about it, so we’re excited to help expand Rock N Roll Sushi across Florida with future franchisees.”
Weissfisch is a former executive in the car sector who has run Tropical Smoothie Café and Island Wing Co. out of multiple locations. The LeMieuxs oversaw more than 140 stores as area developers for the company and were the former co-owners of 15 Tropical Smoothie Cafes across many states, according to the press release. Additionally, the Jessen family of Naples, who were previously corporate executives, started franchising after relocating to Florida almost 20 years ago. Through Tropical Smoothie Café, they met Weissfisch and the LeMieuxs, and they twice won the title of Area Developer of the Year for the company. According to the press statement, the Jessens and LeMieuxs also own Rock N Roll Sushi outlets in Arizona.
As we grow in Florida, Jessen says, “We know we have a hit on our hands because this is a fun, laid-back concept that appeals to all walks of life.” Terri and I are thrilled to work with established and prosperous local developers like the LeMieuxs and established full-service restaurant operators like the Weissfischs to expand the Rock N Roll Sushi brand in this area with additional franchisees who share our enthusiasm for excellent sushi, hibachi, and hospitality.
In Alabama’s Mobile Mall, Rock N Roll Sushi made its debut in a 1,000 square foot area. Since then, the chain has expanded to about 60 sites throughout the Southeast, with plans to open further stores in Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada. According to the business, the idea “boasts flavors that are big, bold, and loud (and) Rock N Roll Sushi is the only place to experience the rock music you love and the rolls you love with the ones you love.”
