How Edible® Is a Smart Conversion Opportunity for Existing Real Estate

For landlords and business owners looking to repurpose or lease underutilized real estate, Edible® offers an enticing solution. With its flexible buildout requirements, compact footprint and proven franchise model, Edible is a smart conversion opportunity that aligns seamlessly with existing spaces. Whether filling a vacant unit in a bustling shopping center or transforming a small restaurant or office into a thriving gifting hub, Edible brings value, versatility and vibrancy to any location.

Last year, Edible announced its forthcoming NextGen store concept, blending the best of digital and physical retail into a new-and-improved store layout. In line with this new model, Edible’s unique real estate strategy capitalizes on its ability to adapt to various environments.

“Due to our small footprint, minimum parking requirement and local outreach, we are an ideal tenant for lifestyle and shopping centers with high foot traffic where the landlord wants to backfill small space,” said Tyler Chomik, real estate manager.

Edible’s ability to seamlessly take over existing spaces not only simplifies the leasing process but also ensures a quick and efficient turnaround, reducing downtime for landlords and property managers.

“We have a minimum build-out requirement and we don’t require complex equipment like grease traps or hoods, so we can take over everything from former restaurant spaces to even small offices,” said Chomik. “We provide that great option for landlords looking for tenants to fill that type of space.”

For existing business owners exploring franchise opportunities, Edible’s model offers an exciting path to conversion.

“Recently, we went on the hunt to look for some of these second-generation spaces,” said Mark Mele, chief development officer of Edible. “They have walk-in refrigerator boxes already there, a defunct restaurant, plenty of square footage — we don’t need the hood, electrical requirements, etc. With Edible, we just need to be in the right shopping center, but it can be any type of real estate.”

This flexibility opens doors for creative adaptations. “In unique, downtown-type markets where space is tough to come by, there is an opportunity where you can do a ghost kitchen and just deliveries — we are just sending orders out,” Mele said.

Edible's business model, which has been refined over 25 years, allows owners to tap into four unique revenue streams:

• Retail: Brick-and-mortar Edible locations provide the convenience of in-store pickup options for guests. Guests can pick up a variety of offerings, such as freshly prepared arrangements, platters, cheesecakes, cookies and boxed fruit to go. Other than the busy holiday season, each shop only requires five employees to operate.
• E-Commerce: Edible.com allows guests to place their orders anytime and have them fulfilled by their nearest Edible shop, aiding in local store marketing for the franchisee.
• Delivery: Edible gifts can be ordered last-minute or in advance and delivered to the vast majority of the U.S. within an hour thanks to Edible’s impressive retail footprint and partnerships with third-party services such as DoorDash and Uber Eats. Edible is also uniquely positioned to offer next-day, same-day and 1-hour delivery.
• Catering: Whether it’s for family get-togethers, client meetings or large celebrations, Edible offers guests the ability to cater with platters, dessert boards, extra-large arrangements and more.

“Edible Next-Gen can operate in both suburban and urban environments,” Chomik said. “That means we benefit from being surrounded by both residential and business communities.”

For existing business owners, Edible’s franchise opportunity provides a way to leverage the brand’s understanding of basic business factors — from cost of goods to marketing — while embracing a new venture in the gifting industry. Franchisees not only gain access to Edible’s established brand recognition and support but also contribute to their communities by providing meaningful gifting solutions for life’s moments.

“Our conversion opportunity can be great for an existing business owner who has operated a business in the past — they tend to make good franchisees,” said Mele. “They should also live in the community they serve. We are a gifting business and that means our franchisees are very customer-service-focused.”

For landlords, property managers and business owners, Edible presents a compelling opportunity to breathe new life into existing spaces. With flexible real estate requirements, the ability to adapt to urban and suburban environments, and a reputation for innovation, Edible is the smart choice for conversions.

For more information on franchising with Edible®, visit: https://franchise.edible.com.

About Edible®

Founded in 1999, Edible® has revolutionized the gifting industry, uniquely leveraging the synergistic power of an innovative e-commerce hub and locally owned brick-and-mortar locations across the globe. Edible's platform seamlessly blends the convenience of online shopping with a vast retail footprint that services over 70% of U.S. households within an hour. Expanding beyond its iconic fruit arrangements, Edible has a range of offerings, including delectable dessert boards, cookies, brownies, cakes, farm-fresh flowers and more — perfect for every celebratory occasion and any treat-yourself moment. For more information, visit edible.com.