Marble Slab to launch franchises in Australia

US ice cream brand Marble Slab Creamery is to extend its franchise model to Australia, with the aim of setting up at least 30 stores in the country.

The expansion followed an agreement between Global Franchise Group, which owns the Marble Slab Creamery Brand and Miteco Pacific to create a master franchisee link-up.

The deal will accelerate Marble Slab’s spread across Asia Pacific, following its entry into Singapore in 2009.

A minimum of 30 franchise outlets will be opened in Australia over the next 10 years. Global Franchise Group already has 130 stores in Australia under its TAF franchised brand.

Marble Slab was founded in Houston, Texas in 1983. The brand now operates in markets including Canada, Lebanon, Mexico, the UK and the UAE, as well as the US.

“Australia has a vibrant franchising community and an excellent history of success with our TAF retail brand,” said Chris Dull, president and CEO of Global Franchise Group.

“Miteco Pacific’s strong background in the quick service restaurant and casual dining industries, as well as their significant experience in the Asia/Pacific market, made them an ideal master franchisee and we look forward to working with them to introduce the Marble Slab Creamery brand to a new market.”

“We are delighted to bring Marble Slab Creamery’s high-quality ice cream products and innovative frozen slab technique to consumers in Australia,” added John Borlas, President of Miteco Pacific.

“We believe that Global Franchise Group’s outstanding training, marketing and operational support will complement our existing experience in this market and will allow us to effectively grow the Marble Slab Creamery concept in the country.”