La Paletera Begins Bi-Coastal ExpansionHouston’s Seaboard Launches California Franchise SalesApril 18, 2007 (Houston, Texas)—It began as a migrant worker’s dream for creating a life with security. Now, a year since the once tiny paleta company announced its march to the Pacific, La Paletera has begun selling franchises in California. Texas-based Seaboard Franchise Services is now interviewing prospective franchisees in Central and Southern California, officially launching its long-anticipated Westward Development Plan for expanding the La Paletera concept. The plan to take La Paletera outside the Texas borders for the first time was announced in April 18, 2006, when property for its first store in El Paso was obtained. That store is due to open this spring. Keith Hudson, president and CEO of Houston-based Seaboard Services which handles franchise sales for the company, made the announcement April 18, 2007, from Seaboard’s franchise sales offices in Houston. Off the drawing board and into reality, La Paletera is now set to expand all of central and southern California. Future plans also focus on New Mexico, Arizona and Oklahoma. La Paletera is a Mexican concept which specializes in all-natural fruit products and fast-casual hot food service. It is best known for its paletas, popsicles made of mashed and cut fruit. In addition, La Paletera sells fresh fruit cups loaded with all kinds of local and tropical fruits then spiced with lime juice and chili powder. Freezes and top-of-the-line gourmet ice creams are also on the menu. The fruit products contain no preservatives and are all made from fresh fruits—using no canned fruits or concentrates. While the Hispanic market has long been familiar with paletas and brought early success to the company, the all-natural ingredients and fresh fruits has caught the attention of consumers in other market bases with concerns for eating healthy, especially with snack and dessert foods. This cross-over customer base has propelled the growth far beyond original projections. For More Information |
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