Jamba, Inc. today announced that the Company has signed a master development agreement with Max’s Group of Companies, a well-established restaurant and franchise operator, to develop 40 Jamba Juice locations in the Philippines over the next 10 years. The first Jamba Juice location is scheduled to open in late 2011.
Max’s Group of Companies currently operates three brands in the Philippines, including Max’s Restaurant, a well-known casual dining restaurant chain founded in 1945, which now has over 100 locations and a growing presence internationally. The partners for Max’s Group of Companies collectively represent four families and three generations of experience owning and operating restaurants as both franchisees and franchisors. Max’s Group of Companies also operates a major US-based coffee and doughnut brand in the Philippines.
“The partners at Max’s Family of Companies are highly experienced restaurant and franchise chain operators with 120 restaurants in the Philippines and nine in Canada and the U.S. We could not have found a better team with whom to partner as we enter our second major international market,” said Thibault de Chatellus, senior vice president, Global Franchise and Development, Jamba Juice Company. “We expect a strong and positive reception as Jamba already enjoys some awareness among Filipinos who have traveled in the U.S.”
“We are long-time fans of Jamba and think the brand is a perfect fit for our restaurant portfolio. In the health and wellness restaurant space, Jamba provides a wonderful assortment of great tasting, on-the-go products that make eating healthier simpler,” said Sharon Fuentebella, executive vice president, Max’s Group of Companies. “Given our hot and humid climate, we believe that Jamba Juice is the perfect option to satisfy Filipinos desire for beverages and snacks that are not only better-for-you, but are also deliciously refreshing.”
In addition to expanding into its second international market, Jamba Juice expects to add up to 50 to 70 new domestic traditional and non-traditional franchise locations in 2011. Jamba is currently awarding franchise opportunities in select markets around the globe. This recent franchise development activity reflects the accelerated pace growth for the Company and supplements the 436 currently operating franchise stores. For more information about joining the Jamba Juice team, visit, http://jambafranchise.com.