Top 10 Cities Edible® is Looking to Grow Through Franchising

Edible®, a brand synonymous with innovative gifting solutions, is poised for significant expansion in 2024. With hundreds of locations globally, the company is launching its NextGen store concept, a cafe-style location that blends e-commerce with in-store experiences. This expansion opens the door for new franchise opportunities, and Edible is targeting key markets to fuel its growth.

Mark Mele, chief development officer at Edible, shared insights into the brand’s strategic approach to franchising, highlighting 10 cities where Edible is looking to establish a strong presence.

1. Wilmington, North Carolina

Wilmington stands out as a perfect location for Edible’s NextGen store. As a coastal town with a growing population and thriving tourism sector, Wilmington offers a strong mix of suburban and tourist trade. "Small to medium markets tend to be great for us," Mele said. "When we go into these markets, we’re looking for the right trade areas, real estate and suburban destination centers. Wilmington checks all those boxes."

2. Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh, part of the Research Triangle, presents a unique opportunity for Edible. Its combination of tech-savvy professionals and family-oriented communities make it an ideal location for the brand’s innovative gifting and treat-yourself offerings. The city's growth and expanding suburban areas also align well with Edible’s real estate strategy.

3. Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville offers a diverse demographic base and a rapidly expanding suburban area, making it an attractive market for Edible’s expansion. "Florida continues to be a strong growth region for us," said Mele. "We see a lot of potential in cities like Jacksonville, where there is a good mix of local and tourism-driven demand."

4. Newport, Kentucky

Just across the river from Cincinnati, Newport offers proximity to a major metro area while maintaining a smaller-town feel. This makes it a prime candidate for Edible's NextGen stores. With its revitalized downtown area and expanding suburbs, Newport presents a great opportunity for franchisees to tap into both local and regional customer bases.

5. Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati is a market with existing Edible stores, but the brand sees room for consolidation and the introduction of NextGen locations. “We’ve redeveloped a few markets where it made sense to consolidate some locations and make space for a NextGen store," Mele said. Cincinnati's established customer base and vibrant downtown make it a prime target for continued growth.

6. Columbus, Ohio

As Ohio’s capital and a rapidly growing city, Columbus provides an ideal backdrop for Edible's innovative offerings. Its diverse population, strong business community and thriving suburbs align with Edible’s target demographic. “Columbus has always been a great market for us,” said Mele. "The city’s growth and suburban expansion continue to make it a priority for our franchisees."

7. Greensboro, North Carolina

Greensboro is another North Carolina city that fits Edible’s growth profile. The city's family-oriented communities and growing suburban developments make it an attractive destination for a NextGen store. "North Carolina, in general, is a great state for Edible, and Greensboro is a market where we see a lot of potential," Mele said.

8. Madison, Wisconsin

Madison offers a unique mix of a bustling university community and a growing tech sector, both of which are key demographics for Edible’s product offerings. "College towns are great locations for us, and Madison’s mix of students, young professionals and families makes it an ideal market for expansion," Mele said.

9. Anaheim, California

Anaheim, home to major attractions like Disneyland, offers a blend of tourist traffic and local demand. Edible sees strong potential in this market, especially with its new cafe-style concept. “California has been a big part of our growth strategy, and Anaheim is a prime market for a NextGen store,” Mele said.

10. Tampa, Florida

Tampa's thriving business environment and fast-growing suburban areas make it one of Edible’s top targets for franchise growth. The city’s vibrant economy and diverse population offer a solid foundation for success. “Tampa is a city where we already have a presence, but there’s room to expand with the NextGen model, offering both retail and a cafe experience,” Mele said.

Why These Cities?

Edible's expansion strategy is built around the strength of suburban destination centers and the ability to attract a wide variety of customers, from families to professionals. The NextGen store concept is about more than just gifting — it's about creating an experience where customers can come in, enjoy treats, and celebrate everyday moments.

“We’ve collected a lot of data over the years and understand the lives of our customers," said Mele. "This allows us to target markets where we know there’s a demand for both our gifting and treat-yourself products.”

Edible's move into these top cities reflects its commitment to providing franchisees with optimal growth opportunities. With a robust support system, strong brand recognition and innovative store concepts, Edible is well-positioned to continue its expansion across the U.S.

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 80% 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.