NEW YEAR, NEW VENTURES AT PINCHO FACTORY

Beloved Miami brand announces new corporate and franchise store openings, Franchise partner Jonathan Vilma and second Miami AirlinesArena outpost

Dreamt up at a backyard barbecue and launched on a shoestring budget in an off-the-beaten location in Westchester, Florida in 2010, Pincho Factory is the homegrown fast casual success story launched by cousins and business partners Nedal Ahmad, Otto Othman and Nizar Ahmad. Now, with two corporate stores to their name and a new one on the way, their first franchise opening on the horizon and a famous franchise partner, the Pincho Factory team is taking the Miami restaurant scene by storm in 2016.

The entrepreneurial cousins’ third corporate store is set to open on Thursday, February, 11, 2016 in Hialeah at 4950 West 12 Avenue, in the former Koki’s BBQ space. “Opening in Hialeah is a definite homecoming for us,” says Nedal, whose burger-making bona fides helped lay the foundation for the Pincho Factory concept and led to the “People’s Choice Award” win at the 2015 Amstel Light Burger Bash, part of the annual Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival. “We grew up in Hialeah and after opening restaurants in South Miami and Coral Gables it feels good to be back and opening in a space that’s meant so much to us and our neighborhood.”

The Hialeah opening will signify the third corporate location from the successful trio but it’s the new franchise partners that will help Pincho Factory double its stores in the New Year. The brand’s first franchise location will be Pembroke Pines. The store is scheduled to open on Thursday, January 28 at 155 North Hiatus Road, in the former Giraffas. Orlando, Pinecrest, and Westchester franchise locations will follow shortly.

Pincho Factory and Jonathan Vilma

Following the whirlwind of franchising bids created by the Amstel Light Burger Bash win, the team was approached by a slew of franchise candidates. In summer of 2015, the team was approached by a candidate whose offer they could not refuse. NFL star Jonathan Vilma, a longtime fan of the brand, contacted the entrepreneurs with a keen

interest in becoming part of their business family. “Jonathan is an amazing athlete and person. Born and raised in Coral Gables and former University of Miami, he loves the city, its culture and flavors,” says Othman. “He is an incredible business man and is as passionate about Pincho Factory as we are. His work ethic, leadership and restaurant experience will be a great addition to our team. We are honored to be working with him.” The recently-retired Vilma has signed a five-store deal including his first opening location in Brickell at 50 SW 10 Street, which is slated to open summer 2016.

Future franchise locations in Aventura, Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Midtown are set to follow.

“We are very committed and disciplined in our selection of franchisees,” adds Othman. “We’re extremely selective about who we allow to represent our brand. Only a very small number of franchise offers make it into the Pincho Factory system. We want our guests to always have an amazing experience and we can only achieve that with the right partners who believe in our vision and passion for hospitality,” adds Ahmad.

In addition to corporate and franchising store expansion, the Pincho Factory team is doubling its sports arena presence. The team will be broadening its food & beverage partnership with AmericanAirlines Arena by opening a second food station there in early 2016. The current outpost is located in section 325 of the arena and serves their creative burgers, kebabs, offering a unique menu as well as the brand’s proprietary beer on tap, 627 Ale, locally brewed by Wynwood Brewery.

Additional projections for expansion throughout the southeast and east coast include a goal for 20 stores to be signed and in development by the end of 2016; 50 by the end of 2017. To support the ongoing brand development, Pincho Factory has teamed up with Michael Silverman of Comras Company. Comras Company is a full service real estate brokerage company focused on urban and suburban retail leasing and sales throughout South Florida and one of South Florida’s dominant boutique real estate companies.

About Pincho Factory

Founded in 2010 by cousins Nedal Ahmad, Otto Othman and Nizar Ahmad, Pincho Factory, Inc., is a family-owned, Miami-based fast casual culinary brand. A dining concept centered around an eclectic menu of burgers and kebabs, Pincho Factory has gone from an in-the-know locals’ secret to a well-known Miami concept, gracing many national foodie “must try” lists. Now with two South Florida locations, more in the works and franchising in place, this unique concept is preparing for major expansion. Serving elevated street food in vibrant, casual spaces – perfect for a lunch away from the office or a late-night bite with family or friends – Pincho Factory is both something uniquely Miami and, like the city of its birth, very international.

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