Shiraz expanding.

One of my fave places in the Ville, Shiraz, is about to double their number of locations. In May, a new location is opening at Landis Lakes and in June on North Hurstbourne Parkway by Haverty's. I just had lunch at the Holiday Manor location Wednesday and as usual, it was excellent. I sure hope they'll be able to keep close tabs on quality control and the awesome customer care I have grown accustomed to receiving.

I've been dying to try this place!

I'm glad to hear about the N. Hurstbourne location! I went out to Holiday Manor a couple of weeks ago and the service was not what it was at the Frankfort location. I had just resigned myself to making the trek because I will not go back to the one on Holiday Manor. I love the guys down on Frankfort ... they have always been so gracious. The person waiting on me at Holiday Manor was anything but ... Oh well, I guess we all have our bad days.

Anyways, GREAT NEWS!!!!

WIth one opening right by work (Hurstbourne) I will OD on falafel.

I sure hope they'll be able to keep close tabs on quality control and the awesome customer care I have grown accustomed to receiving.

From what I know, they currently prepare all of their food for both stores out of a single, owner-operated commissary. This almost guarantees solid quality at all locations. It is when you farm food production out to an independent commissary that you run the risk of inconsistency in food quality. Shiraz has a great product and I wish them nothing but the utmost success! I love their hummus!

Just noticed there is now a "Coming Soon - Shiraz" sign at the North Hurstbourne location. Let's hope "soon" is really "soon!"

I've been told from good sources that both the new locations are franchises- unlike the Holiday Manor location which Ramin owns ( and is working at several times I've been there).

Not sure of any implications: just passing on the info.

Deb

The last time I was in there, Ramin said that he was also looking at the spot in the Douglass Loop next to The Pink Door.

ahhh... that would be "The Deli at Douglass Loop". I'm ashamed I did not go there often enough. I enjoyed it. I enjoy Shiraz as well, but enough is enough. I don't support expansion at that multitude. Even at the risk of making this, "that type of discusion". I do love Shiraz based on my several visits, and it definately is not up to me if they thrive as a regional chain, but they're becoming just that. I wish "The Deli" could have made a go. They had good sandwiches, beer, and a vision. (weeping)

[Robin Garr]

I've been told from good sources that both the new locations are franchises- unlike the Holiday Manor location which Ramin owns ( and is working at several times I've been there).

Not sure of any implications: just passing on the info.

Very similar to the J. Gumbo model, then. I hope Ramin keeps close tabs on the franchises.

The last time I was in there, Ramin said that he was also looking at the spot in the Douglass Loop next to The Pink Door.

Seriously?! That would be so awesome!

The two keys, as I see them, to successful franchising (or any significant expansion) is quality of product and quality of experience (atmosphere). Those two things must be consistently maintained throughout all locations in order to ensure the success of all the stores. Too much inconsistency in those areas will scare off regular customers and make repeat business difficult to establish.

Fortunately for Ramin he is doing the smart and right thing by having a company owned, controlled, and operated commissary producing the food. Putting your production in the hands of outsiders is risky. No one knows your food better than you do, trusting someone else to be able to duplicate what you do at your level is a big step.

It will be interesting to see how the stores he does not own perform.

Best wishes to all the great folks at Shiraz!

The last time I was in there, Ramin said that he was also looking at the spot in the Douglass Loop next to The Pink Door.

Seriously?! That would be so awesome!

The last time we were there (about a week or two ago), he confirmed this is a possibility. However, it probably wouldn't be any time soon. He was talking in about a year, give or take. Too many other irons in the fire with the other openings. I'm hoping he does though! Shiraz, that close to home, would be fantastic!

I hope they consider a Norton Commons location.

I'm really excited about this.

Now I will have one right next to my office and one right next to my home.

I'm destined to have an ample supply of kabobs and tziki sauce.