Miami-based brand I Heart Fries teamed with Artist, Athlete, Activist, Celebrity Influencer Dylan Gonzalez to launch an international franchise expansion effort.
“I Heart Fries is a restaurant concept that combines a variety of delicious international foods in one place. We serve traditional food from different countries – including Venezuela, Spain, and more – on a bed of French fries, allowing our guests to get a taste of many different cultures at one incredible restaurant,” explained Jesus Araque, Owner and CEO of I Heart Fries. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Dylan, who is the perfect partner for us because she also combines a bunch of amazing things – she’s a talented and successful artist, basketball star, entrepreneur, activist, fashionista, and social media influencer. Like I Heart Fries, Dylan demonstrates that you can have a variety of wonderful things in one dynamic package.”
I Heart Fries, which currently has two locations in Miami and Deerfield Beach, FL, has been hosting events to raise awares of the brand including DATE NIGHT WITH DYL and a six-week Holiday Dance Competition, where dance teams compete to be the official dance team of I Heart Fries commercials and personal appearances.
To learn more about the plans for the growing brand, Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine spoke with Araque and Gonzalez.
Why you wanted to franchise. What makes it scalable?
JA: We decided to franchise because the idea is simple, adaptable, and appeals to people everywhere. The brand is scalable because the menu is easy to execute and everyone loves fries.
DG: What drew me to the franchise originally was the concept. What truly won me over was the roots origin story ofI Heart Fries. My partner Founder Jesus Araque, we shared the same vision and together we possess team capabilities: 1. Strong business model 2. innovative and unique marketing strategies and 3. a clear identity.
What are the operational challenges of pursuing international expansion?
JA: The biggest challenges are supply chain logistics, maintaining quality, and adapting to different markets. Each country has its own rules and customer preferences, so we must be strategic. We’ve built a flexible model and strong supplier relationships to keep our flavors consistent.
DG: I believe potential operational challenges could derive from keeping up with the ever evolving global policies and regulations. Our brand strategy team, Encyclomedia Inc., built a financial oversight plan for the company franchise exporting solutions. Diplomatically joining forces with the International Trade Association to help navigate such issues. Additionally, like any international franchising business, brand consistency and quality will be tested. Our goal is to learn as well as educate, uplift, and align with our target communities to coalesce as seamlessly as possible.
How did this partnership come about?
JA: It happened through the (FCC) The Franchise Consulting Company. Tthey put us in contact, but once we met, the partnership became a Must-Do.
DG: One of my colleagues and brand representatives Mr. Deonse Blackwell introduced me to the project. Once my mind was made up, my business management team Encyclomedia Inc. and I, headed by: Lady Deedra DePalma, iHeart Fries, Director of Brand Strategy worked vigorously with: Our PR team Ms. Adrienne Walkowiak Marketing, LLC, iHeart Fries Founder Mr. Jesus Araque (FCC), The Franchise Consulting Company Consultant Mr. Rick Morgin (FJ) Franchise Journal Top Brands The Great American Franchise Expo brought this partnership to life.
What are you looking for in franchisee partners and what support will you offer them?
JA: We want partners who are passionate, committed, and excited about the brand. Experience is great, but notr equired. We provide full training, marketing support, and ongoing guidance to help them succeed.
DG: We’re looking for people who believe in the vision and love fries! I am personally christening and providingresources to every new franchisee that my team and I are responsible for opening.
How important is social media promotion for the brand and guest engagement?
JA: Social media is huge for us. It helps us connect with customers, showcase our food, and build a strong community. Our partnership with an influencer makes our reach even bigger and more authentic.
DG: Social media is an imperative factor for our scalable marketing strategies. It gives us the ability to utilize a global landscape and reach audiences from nearly every corner of the world.
Social media is an imperative factor for our scalable marketing strategies.
How do you maintain quality control as you grow?
JA: We have strict guidelines, standardized recipes, and regular training. We also do quality checks and use technology to monitor performance. Every location has to meet our high standards.
DG: As we grow, maintaining quality control will be achieved through fostering strong relationships and communications with our franchisees, providing developmental guidelines, taking advantage of technological advancements, enforcing our standards through reoccurring quality checks, and implementing all necessary training programs.
What distinguishes Miami as a food scene for franchise development?
JA: Miami is a mix of cultures, so it’s the perfect place for a global food concept like ours. Plus, the tourism and social media scene in Miami helps new brands grow fast.
DG: Miami is a panoply of international peoples, culture, and cuisine making it an ideal mecca for the food scene in franchise development.
Miami is a mix of cultures, so it’s the perfect place for a global food concept like ours.
What is your competition and how do you compare?
JA: This is what we’re doing and it works. Every morning our team arrives to do it better than the day before. Our concept is different, it’s unique! We make people feel at home one bite at a time. We also stand out with bold flavors, great branding, and strong customer engagement.
DG: Technically speaking any restaurant enterprise could be considered competition. I believe as far as ourniche in casual dining experiences we’re at the top of the food chain.
Where do you hope to see the brand in five years?
JA: Our goal is to keep growing, innovating, and bringing people together through great food. We see I Heart Fries as a global brand, with locations across the United States and abroad.
DG: In five years we hope to have global brand recognition, flourishing franchises around the world, and thekind of economic success to pour back into the communities.
