Mike Rafipoor buys back franchisees for Panini Kabob Grill

In California, Mike Rafipoor, the founder of Panini Kabob Grill, has experienced notable developments within his restaurant franchise business. Founded in 1998, Rafipoor's restaurant grew to 25 locations, primarily focusing on healthy Mediterranean cuisine. Despite initial plans to expand through franchising, he encountered significant challenges. In 2017, he partnered with a consultant to market a franchising package, leading to the establishment of 5 franchise locations. However, many franchisees lacked the necessary experience in running a full-service concept. This situation ultimately led Rafipoor to take decisive action. By 2021, recognizing the difficulties experienced by the franchisees, he opted to buy back 4 of the 5 franchise locations and reverted them to company ownership, retaining one franchisee. Rafipoor's strategy to expand solely through company-owned locations aims to maintain operational efficiency. This decision aligns with his vision to enhance the restaurant's infrastructure by centralizing operations in California. The singular oversight of these locations allows for consistency in food quality, service, and operational management, thereby creating a better guest experience. Looking ahead, Rafipoor has plans to expand further, targeting states like Arizona and Nevada for future locations, which will also be company-owned. This expansion strategy emphasizes his commitment to maintaining high standards in food preparation and service. By focusing on made-from-scratch meals and healthy ingredients, the restaurant caters to health-conscious customers and families seeking quality dining experiences. Training staff rigorously is also an integral part of Rafipoor’s strategy for ensuring success. From kitchen operations to meal service, training is designed to enhance the overall customer experience, fostering an environment where both employees and guests feel valued and satisfied. As Rafipoor navigates the complexities of growth, he remains dedicated to the principles that have defined Panini Kabob Grill, reinforcing customer health and quality as top priorities.