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Oil & Vinegar plans U.S. expansion |
07.17.2009
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SEATTLE -With 75 locations worldwide, gourmet retailer Oil & Vinegar plans to expand the number of franchised stores it operates here in the U.S.
Oil & Vinegar is gearing up for expansion, and targeting areas such as Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Virginia, North Carolina, Oregon, Illinois, Florida, Washington state and Washington, D.C. Two franchises will open this year, and eight more, located in upscale mall properties, will open next year, said Matt Stermer, CEO of the American division, in a prepared statement.
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The specialty shop, with U.S. operations based here, already has five locations-in Washington, Illinois, Virginia, Texas and Montana. The stores offer "on-tap" oils and vinegars, along with mustards, sauces, pestos, tapenades, olives, marinated vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, honeys, fig spreads, fondue chocolates, dried herb mixes, sea salts, spices and a variety of flavored pastas.
"For the past 10 years, Oil & Vinegar has focused on becoming a global brand name synonymous with international premium taste and experience, with the majority of the store development occurring in Europe," said Stermer, in a prepared statement. "Today the brand is relatively unknown in the U.S. marketplace. Our vision is to make Oil & Vinegar a household name, providing food enthusiasts in our local markets the opportunity to experience our unique international concept."
Stermer, who is responsible for expanding the chain in the USA, previously worked for athletic apparel and footware brand Nike. While working for Nike in Holland, Stermer became familiar with Oil & Vinegar and brought the concept back with him.
Oil & Vinegar was founded in the Netherlands in 1999. By 2002, the company had expanded the concept internationally to the United Kingdom, Germany and Belgium and later entered the U.S., South Africa and Australian markets.
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