Robert Katz, managing director of The Stanwood Group, a New Jersey-based franchise development and sales organization, revealed that many of the nation’s next great franchise success stories are right in their own backyard! By Rose Mango
Robert Katz, managing director of The Stanwood Group, a New Jersey-based franchise development and sales organization, revealed that many of the nation’s next great franchise success stories are right in their own backyard! Katz, the 23-year veteran franchise developer and brand builder, has been investing heavily in some of the Philadelphia area’s most iconic and beloved brands to help create tomorrow’s
franchise success stories.
With a hand-picked curated team of some of the nation’s leading franchise experts, The Stanwood Group offers the experienced franchise development and sales systems necessary to expand a business through franchising. More specifically, The Stanwood Group has a clear mission that sets it apart from competitors: to level the playing field for small business owners looking to franchise affordably.
“We’re able to franchise businesses more affordably than anywhere else in the U.S., enabling them to preserve precious capital for when they might need it the most. Through our strategic ties to the legal community and our national network of leading franchise suppliers, our franchisors are able to access franchising at a very low financial entry point without breaking the bank. This is one of the key differentials that positions us as an industry leader and advocate for small-business owners looking to pursue their dreams of expanding through franchising,” said Katz.
Some of Stanwood’s local all-star lineup of brands include:
- Original Ricci’s Hoagies, the 103-year-old brand serving up its South Philly signature real-deal hoagies since 1920.
- Pete’s Famous Pizza, a Philadelphia icon named “Best Pizza in Philadelphia” and featured on the Food Network for its famous meatball Stromboli.
- La La Lobster, Bucks County’s award-winning lobster roll chain.
- Moustaki Authentic Gyros, the Delaware Valley’s leading fast-casual Greek restaurant chain.
- Groovy Smoovies, South Jersey’s family destination movie-themed smoothie shop.
- Guerriero Gelato & Cakes, recognized in Italy as having the best gelato in North America.
- Salon OKO, which features best-in-class hair artists in Philadelphia.
- The Couch Tomato Café, the Delaware Valley’s leading healthy fast-casual chain.
- Brazas BBQ Chicken, the Peruvian BBQ winner of 2023 Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Philly.
- White Horse Coffee Cafe & Creamery, known for its signature micro-roasting specialty coffee and handcrafted sundaes.
- Batter & Crumbs Vegan Bakery & Café, voted best vegan coffee shop in the U.S. by VegOut Magazine.
- Santucci’s Original Square Pizza, the fastest-growing pizza restaurant franchise chain in the Delaware Valley.
Katz explained that his involvement in The Stanwood Group, motivated by a desire to support his community, has led him to experience a moment that feels like things have come full circle.
“As a kid, I grew up eating at these Philly favorites, like Pete’s Famous Pizza, Original Ricci’s Hoagies and Santucci’s Original Square Pizza,” he said.
The one brand Katz said is most near and dear to him is Baby Otter Swim School, the nation’s fastest-growing traveling swim school, which just celebrated its first year in franchising with over 14 territories awarded and more on the way.
“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to give back by joining Baby Otter Founders Mindy York and Marlene Bloom, along with baseball Hall of Famer Andre Dawson, in the fight to end preventable drownings in the U.S. through franchising,” said Katz.
Chad Bickle, certified franchise consultant and head of franchise sales for The Stanwood Group, also shared how he looks forward to empowering even more small-business owners. “I am excited to be a part of the future growth of these emerging franchise brands. I see big things ahead,” he said.
The company is doing what it set out to do and will continue to revolutionize the franchise industry! Set up a meeting with The Stanwood Group, and see how its team can help you become a franchise success.
Rose Mango