Publix Invests in Florida Quick-serve Restaurant Chain
LAKELAND, Fla. - Publix Super Markets Inc. has made an equity investment in Crispers LLC, a Florida restaurant company that targets the health-conscious customer with a variety of salads, sandwiches and soups in a quick-serve format.
"We recognize the growth potential of Crispers and the fact that both companies share similar values for the highest quality service and products," said Publix CEO Charlie Jenkins Jr.
"We are excited about the Publix investment and what it means for our business," said Crispers CEO Warren Shatzer. "We look forward to an ongoing relationship with Publix that will benefit both companies."
Publix, which declined to reveal the size of its investment, plans to help the chain expand, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Publix will lend its expertise in food buying and perhaps share some recipes, but has no plans to put Crispers in its supermarkets.
"We're not taking a role in day-to-day operations," Publix spokesman Lee Brunson said.
Based in Lakeland, Fla., Crispers was founded in 1989 by President Bill Whitaker and his wife, Vanessa. The company operates 13 locations in Bartow, Bonita Springs, Clermont, Lakeland, Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa and Winter Haven. Crispers' strategic plan calls for opening nine additional store locations during the next 12 months and at least one each month thereafter.
"We recognize the growth potential of Crispers and the fact that both companies share similar values for the highest quality service and products," said Publix CEO Charlie Jenkins Jr.
"We are excited about the Publix investment and what it means for our business," said Crispers CEO Warren Shatzer. "We look forward to an ongoing relationship with Publix that will benefit both companies."
Publix, which declined to reveal the size of its investment, plans to help the chain expand, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Publix will lend its expertise in food buying and perhaps share some recipes, but has no plans to put Crispers in its supermarkets.
"We're not taking a role in day-to-day operations," Publix spokesman Lee Brunson said.
Based in Lakeland, Fla., Crispers was founded in 1989 by President Bill Whitaker and his wife, Vanessa. The company operates 13 locations in Bartow, Bonita Springs, Clermont, Lakeland, Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa and Winter Haven. Crispers' strategic plan calls for opening nine additional store locations during the next 12 months and at least one each month thereafter.