Wahoo's Fish Taco Names Tom Orbe Vice President to Lead New Franchise Expansion Program

Wahoo's Fish Taco, a community mainstay and worldwide pop culture phenomenon since 1988, today announced the appointment of Tom Orbe as vice president responsible for the company's franchise program. Orbe, a Wahoo's franchisee himself, brings extensive experience in the ownership and operation of a franchise, customer service, marketing and sales to the position. Orbe will take the lead in driving the growth of Wahoo's stores across the United States.

'Expanding Wahoo's will meet the demand we have in communities throughout the nation for our signature homemade food and family-friendly atmosphere,' said Orbe. 'I am happy to join the restaurant's creative, progressive team and look forward to extending the success I have experienced with Wahoo's to the new franchise owners.'

Combination of Franchise and Customer Service Acumen

Orbe currently owns and operates the Temecula, Calif. store, a position which has provided a valuable understanding of the Wahoo's culture and dynamics. Before joining Wahoo's, he worked as the vice president of sales, product development and marketing for Kawasaki Motors Corporation, U.S.A., where he honed his appreciation for the devoted customer. Prior to Kawasaki, he was the vice president at Nissan Motor Corporation, U.S.A., where he established many new franchisees and became sensitive to the many challenges faced by the entrepreneur. Also a skater, surfer and bike rider, Orbe was originally drawn to Wahoo's by its fresh, affordable food and support of the action sports industry. As a regular customer, he grew to admire the company's unique business model-its simple menu, outstanding service and community involvement.

'With his passion for the brand and innate understanding of what we do, Tom is everything we want in a franchisee and the ideal person to lead us toward our growth initiatives,' said Mingo Lee, co-founder and CEO of Wahoo's. 'He understands how everything works-the unique Wahoo's business recipe-and that makes him essential to our team.'

Wahoo's Presents Various Locations, Key Benefits to Franchisees

In an effort to meet the demand Wahoo's Fish Taco has developed a growth initiative to add at least 100 franchise locations in the next five years. In choosing future franchisees, Wahoo's will consider individuals who have a genuine enthusiasm for the brand, adequate restaurant and/or business experience and sufficient funding. Wahoo's plans to sign 15 franchises in California during the fall of 2009, with the first five locations being determined via a lottery because of the high demand. In addition, the company will open four franchise locations in Arizona, also available through a lottery in the winter of 2009. Additional locations across the country will be assigned as the process develops. The initial franchise fee is $30,000 for the first store and $25,000 for any additional locations.

As part of its commitment to maintaining the authenticity of its world-famous restaurants-the sticker-covered walls, beach casual vibe and local community involvement-Wahoo's will conduct extensive training for all franchises, both in the classroom and on-site and follow-up regularly to offer personalized support. Franchisees will also benefit from catering opportunities as well as a co-op marketing program.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

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