Togos Franchise

TOGO’S EATERIES INC. TO OPEN 28 NEW RESTAURANTS IN 2012

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:00:30 +0000

TOGO’S EATERIES INC. TO OPEN 28 NEW RESTAURANTS IN 2012

West Coast Franchise to Bring Big, Made to Order Sandwiches to New Western Markets

SAN JOSE, Calif. (January 26, 2012) — Togo’s Eateries, Inc., a “West Coast Original” since 1971 serving up big, made to order sandwiches stuffed with the freshest ingredients, experienced an unprecedented year of growth in 2011 with the signing of 23 agreements for new restaurants and the opening of seven new California restaurants, including a new company-owned prototype in Pleasant Hill, CA.

As part of Togo’s 40-year anniversary, the 241-unit company launched a strategic plan for expansion, which includes remodeling options for franchisees to refresh existing units, while continuing to grow the brand in key growth states including, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. In 2012, 26 franchise locations and two corporate restaurants will open, as well as 80 existing restaurants are planned to be remodeled.

“This is an exciting time for Togo’s. We have a vibrant, energized brand that’s ready for expansion in our existing markets, as well as an introduction into new cities across Arizona and Oregon,” said Tony Gioia, chairman and CEO of Togo’s Holdings, LLC. “Our regional growth strategy, combined with the debut of our corporate prototype and franchisee remodel program, has set us apart from other sandwich shops, and we look forward to introducing many more customers to our big, made to order sandwiches in 2012.”

The new store prototype highlights the deli inspired one-on-one style service Togo’s guests receive, and showcases fresh food with reach-in glass refrigerators, see-through counters, and vibrant new décor. Superior quality ingredients are featured on the menu, including California avocados mashed daily, abundant quantities of high-quality meats, and fresh baked ARTISAN bread. The year-long celebration of the company’s 40th anniversary also introduced an updated website and a new interactive outreach to consumers.

“With our low start-up costs combined with our high average unit volume, we have all of the tools for success in place, and we will be working with other passionate entrepreneurs to bring the ultimate Togo’s experience to both current and new markets,” said Gioia.

Togo’s offers both single unit and multi-unit development opportunities in key growth markets in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Interested entrepreneurs can contact Todd Peterson, vice president of franchise sales, at 818-597-9605 or todd.peterson@togos.com, or visit http://www.togosfranchise.com.

About Togo’s Eateries Inc.
Togo’s was founded in 1971 by a young college student in San Jose, California with a big appetite and a little money. He started making sandwiches the way he liked them – big, made to order and stuffed with the freshest ingredients. Soon there were lines out the door and Togo’s was well on it’s way to becoming a west coast original. Now, almost 40 years later, Togo’s still makes sandwiches the way we did back then. In addition to great sandwiches, Togo’s makes hand-tossed salads, wraps, soups and desserts. For more information on Togo’s Eateries Inc., “like” Togo’s on Facebook or follow on Twitter please visit http://www.togos.com, call 1-866-70-TOGOS.

About Togo’s Franchisor LLC
Togo’s Franchisor LLC helps qualified franchisees create their own “West Coast Original.” Togo’s locations generate some of the highest average unit volume in the sandwich restaurant segment, require a low investment, utilize only a small space footprint, offers best-in-class operational field support, carries remarkable brand loyalty and is a simple minimal-equipment turnkey business. For more information call 877-78-TOGOS or visit http://www.togosfranchise.com.

TOGO’S SANDWICHES OPENS IN PLEASANT HILL, CA

admin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:45:56 +0000

Togo’s Eateries, Inc., a West Coast Original serving up delicious handcrafted sandwiches since 1971, announces its re-entrance into Contra Costa County. The new location on 55 Crescent Dr. in Pleasant Hill, CA. is the first of five to open in the county over the next year.

“Togo’s is famous for our big, made-to-order sandwiches stuffed with the freshest ingredients, and we are thrilled to bring them back to this Bay Area community,” said Renae Scott, vice president of branding and marketing. “We are looking forward to this expansion and creating more than 125 new jobs for Contra Costa County.” Scott is a Bay Area native who grew up in the Pleasant Hill area.

The 1100 sq. ft. location opened its doors on Nov. 15 with Togo’s new store prototype, which showcases its fresh food with reach-in glass refrigerators, see-through counters and vibrant new décor. The location will feature Togo’s superior quality ingredients including California avocados mashed daily, abundant quantities of high-quality meats and bread baked fresh every day.

A grand opening event will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012 and will feature music, a local school fundraiser and giveaways. The restaurant is located at 55 Crescent Dr. Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. It’s open Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit http://www.togos.com.

TOGO’S MENU GOES HOG WILD

admin — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 19:37:15 +0000

Togo’s Menu Goes Hog Wild

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich – Big, Meaty and Better than a Breadwich

San Jose, Calif. – Togo’s Sandwiches, a ―West Coast Original since 1971 serving big, made to order sandwiches stuffed with the freshest ingredients, today announced the new limited time offer—BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich. The sandwich is making its debut just in time for the fall when consumers seek out warm and tasty options as season shifts and temperatures cool. Not to mention—October is National Pork Month!

The BBQ Pulled Pork features slow-cooked, tender pulled pork, savory BBQ sauce, crisp and creamy coleslaw on fresh-baked classic white bread.

“The addition of our BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich was a long-time coming, as we worked on perfecting the recipe until it was just right,” said Renae Scott, vice president of branding and marketing for Togo’s. “Our new sandwich delivers on taste, quality and value. It’s a big, meaty sandwich that all of our customers will crave.”

This limited-time sandwich is priced at $5.89 (pricing may vary by location) and is now available at all 240 locations in California, Oregon and Nevada.

TOGO’S TURNS 40

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:31:04 +0000

Togo’s sandwich shop in Corvallis turned 40 this year.

The first Corvallis location opened in the spring of 1971 on Monroe Avenue, next to Oregon State University.

Current owner Chris Martin bought the local franchise from Jennifer Lusch in 1986.

Martin made the move from Monroe Avenue to Northwest Ninth Street about seven years ago, when the strip of shops along campus was under heavy construction.

“This has turned out to be a very good location for us,” Martin said. “Now that we’re here and we have a parking lot, I’m doing volume in business that I’ve never had.”

In addition, the sandwich shop fills large orders for business meetings all over town, getting a boost from the lunch crowd of neighbors such as Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Corvallis Clinic, Hewlett-Packard and Allied Waste.

Martin also opening another franchise location two years ago in the Memorial Union at Oregon State University, giving the sandwich shop a presence on campus once again.

In Corvallis, the competition between sandwich shops can be fierce. Martin once had another shop open just two doors down on Monroe Avenue. But, you can never predict how such pressures will end up effecting the bottom line, he said. He actually saw an uptick in business after that.

“I kind of figured out just worry about myself,” Martin said. “Service is what we focus on.”

Martin employs about 28 part-timers, nearly all college students, between the two restaurants.

In addition, his daughter Nikki, 27, and son Tyler grew up working in the restaurant.

At 25, Tyler, was the longest tenured employee working at the Ninth Street location last week. He started working at the shop 10 years ago.

Tyler recalled making drinks and bringing them to customers as a kid at the Monroe location.

Martin’s said he used to pay his daughter Nikki in stickers and his son Tyler in pogs for helping out around the restaurant before they were old enough to be real employees.

“We’ve had regulars that have seen the kids grow up,” Martin said. His wife Betsey Martin has also pitched in over the years. She now works as an X-ray technician in Corvallis.

What keeps customers coming back?

“I think it’s the value of our sandwiches,” Martin said. Two local favorites are the Signature Pastrami (served hot) and the Turkey and Avocado.

Classic six-inch sandwiches range from $5.40 to $5.95. There’s also salad and salad wraps, desserts and drinks. On the catering menu, 3-foot-long party sandwiches are $40, boxed lunches are $6 to $8 each. Togo’s also catera food trays, salads and desserts.

“In the last year, we’ve been kind of flat,” Martin said of the restaurant’s profits. “In this economy, I hear that’s pretty good.”

Martin said that he’s looking to expand to another location in the near future. Son Tyler will likely manage the new shop, most likely in Bend.

Before taking over Togo’s, Martin was a mechanical engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area.

After 25 years as a restaurant owner, Martin easily sees himself staying in another 10.

“I enjoy it,” he said. “The employees we have are great. It’s energetic.”

Although Togo’s is franchise, for many years Martin had the only Oregon locations. There are now 245 restaurants throughout California, Oregon and Nevada.

“For 25 years, I’ve been pretty isolated,” he said.

In fact, as more franchises popped up in Beaverton, Medford and up and down the West Coast, Martin said he’s had loyal customers who don’t realize that it is a franchise alert him that another business is “using his name.”

The original Togo’s was opened in Marquette, Mich., in 1964 by two Northern Michigan University students, Tom Neumann and Gordon Reed.

Around 1966 Neumann sold his part of the business to Reed, who moved to California and in about 1969 opened a Togo’s in downtown San Jose, Calif.

Togo’s Eateries Inc. is still headquartered in San Jose. The CEO is Tony Gioia.

To celebrate the anniversary, Togo’s is adding new toasted wraps to the menu and has partnered up with Share Our Strength, a national nonprofit with a “No Kid Hungry” strategy to end childhood hunger in America by 2015.

Since Sept. 1, for every dollar or more donated to Share our Strength, guests will receive a free 20 oz. fountain drink for their next visit.

There’s also a refillable 40th anniversary commemorative cup that has been available since the beginning of the summer for $2 with 50 cent refills for another week.

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TOGOS’S MARKS ANNIVERSARY WITH NEW LOOK

admin — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:39:24 +0000

Chain rolls out new prototype and menu items, remodel options for franchisees

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Togo’s Eateries Inc. is ramping up openings of restaurants using the chain’s new prototype, and in September will roll out remodel options for franchisees to refresh existing units.

The 245-unit sandwich chain opened the first redesigned unit last year in Valencia, Calif. Currently, about five new rebranded stores have opened within the nearly fully-franchised chain. The redesign includes new interiors that aim to highlight the San Jose, Calif.-based chain’s history as a “West Coast original,” as well as showing off ingredients and the sandwich-making process.

The rebranded units are “hitting home runs,” said Tony Gioia, Togo’s chair and chief executive, who bought the chain along with private-equity firm Mainsail Partners in 2007, after it was divested by Canton, Mass.-based Dunkin’ Brands.

Ten more new, refreshed Togo’s units are scheduled to open this year, and another 25 are projected for 2012, mostly in California and surrounding states, he said.

“Operators are seeing the value of the new format,” he said, noting that sales are trending “significantly higher” among the rebranded units.

“It’s easier to operate,” he added. “It shows off the food and offers visibility for customers and the one-to-one sandwich making.”

Over the past nine months, the chain has also been testing the remodel of existing units with elements of the new design, Gioia said.

In September, the company will offer remodel options in three tiers at varying costs for the older locations — many of which need a facelift, he added.

Franchisees can choose a base remodel, estimated to cost between $25,000 and $30,000. A somewhat more comprehensive second tier is about $50,000, and a complete overhaul ranges from $80,000 and $90,000.

Gioia said Togo’s has recorded 13 consecutive months of positive same-store sales, mostly as a result of increased traffic.

The chain has competed successfully with the $5 Footlong of Subway by offering its own $5 sandwich — rotating the selection daily — and including chips and a drink.

The $5 value deal accounts for between 20 percent and 25 percent of sales, Gioia said.

The chain’s toasted sandwiches and wraps, introduced last year, now account for about 10 percent of sales, he added.

Over the past year, food costs have increased between 3 percent and 4 percent for the chain, and Togo’s took a 1-percent menu price increase earlier this year to mitigate the impact.

In July, Togo’s introduced two new toasted wraps: the Viva Veggie with hummus, roasted red pepper, feta, red onion, lettuce and tomato in a balsamic vinaigrette and wrapped in a toasted spinach tortilla; and the Cha Chi Chicken, including all-natural chicken breast meat in a spicy pepitas dressing with black beans, corn salsa, lettuce, tomato and cheddar wrapped in a toasted sun-dried tomato tortilla.

Gioia hinted that the chain will soon announce the addition of a new “craveable” protein.

“I can’t say what it is yet, but it’s very on trend,” he said.

Anniversary promotions for the chain will continue into the fall, said Gioia, including a Facebook promotion in which guests can earn prizes by helping to build a “40-mile sandwich.”

TOGO’S SANDWICHES JOINS SHARE OUR STRENGTH

admin — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:14:47 +0000

Company to raise funds to end childhood hunger in America

SAN JOSE, Calif. – More than 17 million kids in America are at risk of hunger, and almost one in four of those children are struggling with hunger today. Today, Togo’s Sandwiches announced it has teamed up with Share Our Strength, a national non-profit with a “No Kid Hungry” strategy to end childhood hunger in America by 2015. All 240 restaurants in California, Nevada and Oregon will raise funds and increase awareness of this national campaign, while urging its customers to become advocates.

“In the U.S., more than 50 million people struggle yearly to put food on the table,” said Togo’s CEO & Chairman Tony Gioia. “Togo’s is extremely proud and honored to partner with Share Our Strength, as we are committed to raise funds and be part of the movement that will ensure the children of our nation are receiving the nutritious food that they need to ‘learn, grow and thrive.’”

Starting on September 1^st, for every dollar or more donated to Share our Strength, guests will receive a free 20 oz. fountain drink for their next visit. This will run in conjunction to Share our Strength’s “Dine Out For No Kid Hungry” campaign that is happening throughout the country at participating multi-chain and individual restaurants.

Through in-store displays, crew involvement, and digital marketing and PR, Togo’s will promote the partnership with Share Our Strength in support of ending childhood hunger in America.

About Togo’s Eateries Inc.

Togo’s was founded in 1971 by a young college student in San Jose, California with a big appetite and a little money. He started making sandwiches the way he liked them – big, made to order and stuffed with the freshest ingredients. Soon there were lines out the door and Togo’s was well on it’s way to becoming a west coast original. Now, almost 40 years later, Togo’s still makes sandwiches the way we did back then. In addition to great sandwiches, Togo’s makes hand-tossed salads, wraps, soups and desserts. For more information on Togo’s Eateries Inc., “like” Togo’s on Facebook or follow on Twitter please visit http://www.togos.com, call 1-866-70-TOGOS.

About Share Our Strength

Share Our Strength^®,a national nonprofit, is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives. Through its No Kid Hungry^® Campaign—a national effort to end childhood hunger in America by 2015—Share Our Strength ensures children in need are enrolled in effective federal nutrition programs; invests in community organizations fighting hunger; teaches families how to cook healthy, affordable meals; and builds public-private partnerships to end childhood hunger, at the state and city level. Working closely with the culinary industry and relying on the strength of its volunteers, Share Our Strength hosts innovative culinary fundraising events and develops pioneering cause marketing campaigns that support No Kid Hungry. Visit Strength.org to get involved.

TOGO’S CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF LOVE AND SANDWICHES

admin — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:00:16 +0000

Company to Commemorate Anniversary with Refreshed Website, Ad Campaign, Product Launches & Consumer Giveaways

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Togo’s, a “West Coast Original,” kicks off its 40th anniversary with a celebration of the past and future. The company will launch a new campaign based on the 40-year history of love between man and the Togo’s sandwich. Throughout the campaign, the happy couple will go on first dates, road trips, and even buy a new home. The anniversary festivities also include the introduction of a refreshed website, a new toasted wraps product line, consumer giveaways, and interactive social media promotions.

“Togo’s began as a young college student’s dream to make sandwiches the way he liked them -– big, made to order and stuffed with fresh ingredients. More than 40 years later, our continued commitment to this dream is what keeps us connected to the communities in which we do business,” said Tony Gioia, chairman and CEO of Togo’s. “Our guests are always our first priority, and we are amazed at how Togo’s has touched their lives throughout the years. It’s their stories that encourage team members to take pleasure in their jobs, and make us proud of our history.”

“You Had My Wrapper Off Before the Movie Even Started! #24”
“Our guests are passionate about Togo’s. We wanted to celebrate that love in a fun and unique way. Our new website captures our brand personality and gives guests more ways to interact with Togo’s. And our fun and engaging social media game will reward our loyal guests with prizes as they work together to build a virtual 40 mile sandwich” said Renae Scott, vice president of branding and marketing. “In addition, we are introducing New Toasted Wraps to the Togo’s line up of great sandwiches; Viva Veggie and Chi Cha Chicken.”
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Viva Veggie – hummus, roasted red pepper, feta cheese, red onion, lettuce and tomato, all tossed in balsamic vinaigrette and wrapped in a toasted spinach tortilla.

Chi Cha Chicken – all-natural chicken in spicy pepitas dressing, black bean and corn salsa, lettuce, tomato and cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a toasted sun-dried tomato tortilla.

“I Know I’m a #9, But You Always Made Me Feel Like a 10.”

The 40th Anniversary celebration lasts all summer long at each of the 245 restaurants throughout California, Oregon and Nevada with:

Crews donning new uniforms featuring Togo’s anniversary theme of “40 Years of Love and Sandwiches.”

A special 40th anniversary commemorative refillable cup available for $1.99 with 40 cent refills all summer.

Engaging and fun “Love and Sandwiches” POP and Merchandising

“I Loved Your Car. You Loved My Tomatoes. #3”
In conjunction with the anniversary, Togo’s will continue to implement its system-wide brand refresh by remodeling 60 Togo’s restaurants this year and continue remodels into 2012. The remodel package showcases Togo’s fresh food with glass reach in refrigerators, see through counters, and vibrant new décor.

TOGO’S EATERY CONTINUES ITS WEST COAST TRADITION WITH THE OPENING OF THE 81st LOS ANGELES MARKET LOCATION

admin — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 22:55:07 +0000

San Jose, Calif. – Togo’s Eateries, Inc., a West Coast Original serving up delicious handcrafted sandwiches since 1971, announces the opening of its newest location in the Los Angeles market on Monday, June 13 marking the 241st location in the United States.

“We are thrilled to open the 505 S. Flower St. Togo’s in Downtown Los Angeles,” said Tony Gioia, chairman and CEO of Togo’s Eateries. “Togo’s is famous for our big, made to order sandwiches stuffed with the freshest ingredients. We set ourselves apart from the competitors with our one-on-one service and high quality sandwiches. Get ready Los Angeles, for the great taste of Togo’s!”

The new franchise location is owned by Fernando Santos, longtime Los Angeles resident who looks forward to serving the community and providing great tasting food and exceptional service. The new Togo’s location will bring many jobs to the local community.

Togo’s Eateries are known for their superior quality ingredients including California avocados mashed daily, abundant quantities of high-quality meats and fresh-baked breads. The new Los Angeles Togo’s will feature fresh menu favorites, including breakfast items, delicious sandwiches, savory soups, hand-tossed salads and wraps, all handcrafted and made-to-order. The restaurant is located at 505 S. Flower St. in Downtown Los Angeles and is open Monday-Friday from 7AM – 6PM and Saturday 9AM – 3PM. For more information, call the restaurant at (213) 622-2900 or visit http://www.togos.com.

About Togo’s Eateries Inc.
Togo’s was founded in 1971 by a young college student with a large appetite and little money looking to make sandwiches the way he liked them – big, made to order and stuffed with the freshest ingredients. Keeping in the spirit of the original, Togo’s products are still made with only the highest quality ingredients; including fresh-baked breads, premium meats, cheeses and produce.Togo’s is a franchise-based business, for more information call (866)70-TOGOS (86467) or visit http://www.togosfranchise.com. For more information on Togo’s Eateries Inc., in general please visit http://www.togos.com.

LEMON PEPPER TUNA SANDWICH GETS TOASTED!

admin — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:13:51 +0000

Starting March 9th Togo’s Sandwiches Heats Things Up With the Addition of the Lemon Pepper Tuna Melt

San Jose, Calif. – Togo’s Sandwiches, a “West Coast Original” since 1971 serving big, made to order sandwiches stuffed with the freshest ingredients, announced today the introduction of the new limited time featured sandwich to the Toasted line up, the Lemon Pepper Tuna Melt. Lemon Pepper Tuna returns by popular demand each spring but this year it returns as a melt with cheddar cheese on March 9th.

The Lemon Pepper Tuna Melt features 100% Albacore Tuna seasoned with tangy lemon, cracked black pepper, diced celery and red onions. It’s then topped with melted cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles and pepperoncinis on toasted San Francisco style sourdough bread.

“The classic #12 Lemon Pepper Tuna cold sandwich is a guest favorite and they wait for its return each spring,” said Renae Scott, vice president of branding and marketing for Togo’s. “Now guests can get the great taste of the popular Lemon Pepper Tuna as a Melt in our new Toasted line up.”

For guests that are looking for seafood or non-meat alternatives during the Lent time period, Togo’s will offer the 6” regular #12 Lemon Pepper Tuna sandwich as the Friday daily special for $3.99.

TOGO’S EATERY CONTINUES ITS WEST COAST TRADITION WITH THE OPENING AN ALL NEW MEDFORD OREGON LOCATION

admin — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 19:06:27 +0000

Store to Open on February 14

Medford, Ore. – Togo’s Eateries, Inc., a West Coast Original serving up delicious handcrafted sandwiches since 1971, announces the opening of its new location in Medford, Ore. on Biddle Rd. marking its 243rd location in the United States.

“We are thrilled to expand the Togo’s brand in Medford,” said Tony Gioia, chairman and CEO of Togo’s Eateries. “Togo’s is famous for our big, made to order sandwiches stuffed with the freshest ingredients. We set ourselves apart from the competitors with our one-on-one service and high quality sandwiches. Get ready Medford, for the great taste of Togo’s!”

The new franchise location is owned by William Brake, a longtime Medford resident who looks forward to serving the community and providing great tasting food and exceptional service. The new Togo’s location will bring many jobs to the local community.

Togo’s Eateries are known for their superior quality ingredients including California avocados mashed daily, abundant quantities of high-quality meats and fresh-baked breads. The Medford Togo’s will feature fresh menu favorites, including delicious sandwiches, savory soups, hand-tossed salads and wraps, all handcrafted and made-to-order. The restaurant is located at 1200 Biddle Rd. #C Medford, OR 97504 and is open from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily. For more information, call the restaurant at (541) 840-2921or visit http://www.togos.com.

About Togo’s Eateries Inc.
Togo’s was founded in 1971 by a young college student with a large appetite and little money looking to make sandwiches the way he liked them – big, made to order and stuffed with the freshest ingredients. Keeping in the spirit of the original, Togo’s products are still made with only the highest quality ingredients; including fresh-baked breads, premium meats, cheeses and produce. Togo’s is a franchise-based business, for more information call 877-78-TOGOS or visit http://www.togosfranchise.com. For more information on Togo’s Eateries Inc., in general please visit http://www.togos.com.