Which Wich Continues Nationwide Expansion, Celebrates with 22 New Restaurants in Q1

Which Wich, an award-winning, national, fast-casual sandwich concept, is looking forward to another strong year of growth after wrapping up quarter one with impressive results. The innovative sandwich leader signed an additional 16 new franchise agreements and opened 22 new stores – the highest number of openings in Q1 since franchising in 2005. Additionally, Which Wich stores that have opened this year have seen the strongest opening sales, on average, in the company’s history.

“We have repeatedly outperformed our overall growth numbers the past three years, and through the work of our dedicated franchisees and loyal fans, we’ve been able to kick off 2015 with record results,” said Jeff Sinelli, founder, CEO, and “Chief Vibe Officer” behind the booming sandwich brand. “By continuing to build upon our Vibe, we’re well positioned to reach our growth goals through the remainder of the year.”

With the brand’s ongoing growth initiatives, Which Wich aims to surpass its 2014 numbers by opening 83 new restaurants in the U.S. and abroad this year. In Q1 alone, the brand made its debut in previously untapped markets such as Portland, Ore., and has continued to attract experienced franchising veterans who see the growth opportunities presented by the brand. As a testament to the brand’s potential, franchisees from a variety of established brands have joined the Which Wich family including Dunkin’ Donuts, Tropical Smoothie Café, Smashburger, Subway, Schlitterbahn Water Park, Sports Clips and Arby’s.

To bolster customer relations and convenience, the brand introduced the first drive-thru locations with self-order touch screen technology in Crystal Lake, IL and Tallahassee, FL. With both locations already enjoying success, the brand is hoping to roll the technology and platform out system-wide.

“The entire Which Wich system is energized by the tremendous achievements in just the first three months of 2015,” Sinelli said. “We intend to continue that momentum into the half-year point and are excited to welcome even more franchisees who have that special Which Wich Vibe to the family as we enter even more markets ready for the unbeatable Which Wich experience.”

The company expects to surpass the number of signed franchise agreements by 20 percent in 2015 - 80 domestic and 40 international. Which Wich also hopes to grow their number of opened stores by almost 35 percent, with 83 new restaurants expected to open in new and existing markets this year. The brand has 250 stores that are currently in the site selection, lease negotiation, or construction phase.