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WOWorks debuts 7 delivery- and takeout-only virtual restaurant brandsWOWorks debuts 7 delivery- and takeout-only virtual restaurant brands

Parent to Saladworks, Frutta and Garbanzo creates digital options with Olo

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

July 13, 2023

2 Min Read
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WOWorks, parent to such restaurant brands as Saladworks, Frutta Bowls and Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, has debuted seven digital-only brands, the company announced Wednesday.

St. Petersburg, Fla.-based portfolio company, which also owns The Simple Greek, Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina, and Zoup! Eatery, said the seven new offerings, ranging from sandwiches to irresistible acai bowls, were developed as online-only delivery and takeout concepts in collaboration with Olo, the software-as-a-service platform.

"WOWorks's new virtual brands are a testament of its guests increasing demand for more nutritious and flavorful meal options that can be enjoyed on-the-go," said Kelly Roddy, CEO of WOWorks, in a statement. "Our partnership with Olo will allow WOWorks' franchisees to add on additional revenue streams that can leverage their existing menu offerings in front of an increasing audience on third-party online food delivery sites,"

WOWorks' new digital-only offerings are:

  • Soup Works — A virtual brand of Saladworks that offers a variety of soups.

  • Stack'd Sandwiches — A virtual brand of Saladworks that offers a menu of signature sandwiches and panini melts.

  • Toasty — A virtual brand of Frutta Bowls that features toast-based items.

  • Spoon Me — A virtual brand of Frutta Bowls that serves acai, pitaya, coconut, and blended kale bowls topped with fruit.

  • Sips — A virtual brand of Frutta Bowls that offers a variety of smoothies.

  • Titan Gyros — A virtual brand from Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh that features double-stuffed gyros.

  • MacLove – A virtual brand of Zoup that features mac-and-cheese recipes.

“Third-party delivery services, such as DoorDash, UberEats, and Grubhub, have become the driving force behind a culinary revolution, reshaping the way consumers experience food,” WOWorks said in a press release. “By introducing these innovative virtual brands, WOWorks opens fresh revenue streams for its franchisees, propelling growth.”

WOWorks was formed in 2020 with a group of health-oriented brands available through a variety of channels, both traditional and non-traditional, including ghost kitchens, food trucks, and grocery retail.  It is fully owned by Centre Lane Partners LLC.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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