Schlotzsky’s, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Focus Brands, has entered into a franchise deal with Moscow-based entrepreneur Mehmet Akpinar, to open 55 outlets across seven of the former Soviet countries, including Russia, Belarus, Estonia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine.
The first outlet, under the deal, is scheduled to open in Moscow while the remaining outlets are expected to open over the next 10 years.
Focus Brands International president Mike Shattuck told Restaurant New Release that the deal was one of the more significant deals the company has ever signed.
"This is a huge deal for us - we love expanding the Schlotzsky's brand with entrepreneurs like Mehmet, who understand the complexities, challenges, and rewards of operating a company within their respective country," Shattuck added.
The restaurant chain is also looking to expand overseas in future. Schlotzsky's currently operates more than 350 outlets worldwide.
