Westwood, NJ (RestaurantNews.com) Franchise Growth Solutions (FGS), led by founder Gary Occhiogrosso, is driving a new era of brand acceleration in the franchising world, positioning itself as the go-to partner for restaurant-based systems, startups, and emerging brands looking to scale across North America. With proven success in system creation, franchise sales, and operational optimization, FGS is now recognized as a leading franchise sales organization for restaurant franchisors and growth-stage brands.
A Vision Realized: From Local to National, with Purpose
Franchise Growth Solutions was founded with a singular mission: to empower entrepreneurs to expand their businesses via franchising, transforming local wins into sustainable, national, and even global brands. Under Gary’s leadership, FGS operates as an outsourced Chief Development Officer for its clients, providing an integrated suite of services: franchise system design, franchise sales, operational optimization, lead generation, market benchmarking, and more. FGS has assembled a cooperative network of seasoned franchise executives, more than 15 franchise specialists across disciplines, to deliver deep expertise without the overhead of a large in-house team.
The Founder: Gary Occhiogrosso – His Franchise Journey
Gary Occhiogrosso brings decades of hands-on experience and industry credibility. He began his journey in franchising as a Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee, which gave him direct operational insight into what it takes to run a high-performing franchise unit. He later co-launched the Ranch *1 franchise program and served in senior leadership roles such as President of TRUFOODS, LLC (a multi-brand franchisor) and COO of Desert Moon Fresh Mexican Grille. His industry achievements have been recognized broadly: he was selected among the “Top 25 Fast Casual Restaurant Executives in the U.S.” by Fast Casual magazine and named a “Top 50 CXO” by SmartCEO magazine.
Additionally, Gary was an adjunct professor at New York University, teaching restaurant concept development and entrepreneurship, and has published numerous articles on franchising, entrepreneurship, and growth strategy, voice and thought leadership also extend through his podcast “MasterMind Minutes,” where he offers high-leverage insights on franchising to founders, franchisees, and industry leaders.
Success Stories & Impact
Over the years, Franchise Growth Solutions has helped multiple brands evolve from local or regional concepts into franchise-ready systems – with successful franchise sales and operational scaling across North America.
- FGS maintains a diverse brand portfolio in sectors such as food service, home services, education, health & wellness, entertainment, coffee & tea, senior care, and beauty & spa.
- The firm is selective in its client partnerships, working with brands that are committed to rigorous system development and growth.
- FGS has built credibility as a cooperative of franchise experts, working hands-on with clients through all phases from system design to franchisee recruitment.
- One recent brand success is Mokafé, which joined FGS’s portfolio under Gary’s stewardship, demonstrating the firm’s ability to lift coffee/food concepts into franchise mode.
Clients consistently report that working with FGS is transformational: they gain clarity in brand positioning, improved profitability, standardized systems, more efficient operations, and better franchisee alignment (as reflected in client testimonials on the FGS website).
Why FGS Is the Leading Franchise Sales Organization for Restaurants and Emerging Brands
While many franchise consultants offer piecemeal services, FGS brings a fully integrated model that blends end-to-end franchise development and aggressive franchise sales.
- Restaurant-first specialization: Because the food service / quick service restaurant (QSR) space has unique challenges – menu costs, consistency, supply chains, consumer trends – FGS’s deep franchise restaurant pedigree sets it apart.
- Emerging brand expertise: For startups and growth-stage brands that are not yet mature, FGS helps navigate the pitfalls of premature franchising, faulty financial modeling, or poor unit economics.
- Sales firepower: FGS doesn’t just advise – its franchise sales engine is structured to generate leads, vet prospects, convert franchisees, and support closing deals.
- Cooperative executive talent: Instead of a one-size-fits-all template, FGS draws on a coalition of franchise executives who bring domain-specific wisdom (operations, real estate, marketing, legal compliance, etc.).
- Client-first ethos: FGS’s methodology emphasizes long-term partnership over transactional consulting. Every client gets tailored strategic plans, performance metrics, and ongoing coaching.
This combination of domain focus, full-service capability, and executive depth has earned FGS a reputation as a high-impact partner for restaurant franchisors and emerging concepts looking to scale.
Quote
“Our mission is to help emerging and restaurant brands become force multipliers – turning a concept with promise into a disciplined, scalable franchise system,” said Gary Occhiogrosso, Founder of FGS. “When founders bring clarity, alignment, and rigor, we turn risk into traction.”
About Franchise Growth Solutions
Franchise Growth Solutions™ (FGS) is a full-spectrum franchise advisory, development, and sales organization helping mission-driven brands expand across North America. Through a cooperative network of franchise executives and deep domain specialization in restaurant systems, FGS delivers strategic planning, franchise system design, lead generation, franchisee recruitment, operations optimization, and growth coaching. From launching new franchise models to accelerating franchise sales for emerging brands, FGS serves as an outsourced Chief Development Officer for its clients – guiding every stage of brand evolution and scaling.
To learn more, visit FranchiseGrowthSolutions.com.
Contact & Media Inquiries:
Sarah Osorio
Franchise Growth Solutions
sara@frangrow.com
201-534-5610
FranchiseGrowthSolutions.com