Rock N Roll Sushi CEO, Chris Kramolis, announced that the company has signed an area representative agreement (ARA) with Rock N Development owners Andrew and Terri Jessen, Craig and Dianne LeMieux, and John and Katerina Weissfisch.
The new ownership group plans to open and develop 35 Rock N Roll Sushi locations throughout central and southwest Florida. The first locations are expected to debut in Tampa and Naples later this year, where a real estate search is underway.
“We’ve wanted to grow our footprint within the great state of Florida for some time and feel we’ve found the ideal partners to do just that,” said Chris. “Each of them has succeeded before as multi-unit franchisees and they know the markets we’re entering first-hand. Rock N Roll Sushi offers a one-of-a-kind dining environment with multiple TVs playing music videos and sushi rolls are Rock’n’roll-themed – and now we’ve got the perfect local promoters to bring in the crowds.”
The group’s primary focus will be to inform the masses of Rock N Roll Sushi’s unique environment and develop the entire area with their own partners. Rock N Development is quick to point out that the development portion of the ARA will include seeking other franchisees to open their own locations.
“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,” John said. He is a former auto industry executive with experience as a multi-unit restaurant owner and operator of Tropical Smoothie Café and Island Wing Company.
The LeMieuxs are former co-owners of 15 Tropical Smoothie Cafes in multiple states and served as area developers for the brand, overseeing more than 140 locations.
Residents of Naples, the Jessens are former corporate executives who turned to franchising upon moving to Florida almost 20 years ago. They connected with Weissfischs and the LeMieuxs through Tropical Smoothie Café, twice winning the brand’s Area Developer of the Year award. The Jessens and LeMieuxs also own Rock N Roll Sushi locations in Arizona.
“This is a fun, laid-back concept that appeals to all walks of life, so we know we have a hit on our hands as we expand in Florida,” said Andrew. “Terri and I are very excited to team up with seasoned and successful area developers like the LeMieuxs and seasoned full-service restaurant operators like the Weissfischs to build out the Rock N Roll Sushi brand here with other franchisees who share our passion for great sushi, hibachi and hospitality.”