Local restaurant offers first franchise opportunities

TARPON SPRINGS — Fast casual restaurant Louis Pappas Fresh Greek started as a mom-and-pop restaurant more than 90 years ago.

Now with four locations, the restaurant wants to expand in new markets and is seeking franchisees for the first time in its history, a statement says.

“We have been approached about franchising opportunities for years,” says Louis Pappas, a former busboy that became CEO of the family's landmark restaurant in Tarpon Springs, in the statement. “I was just not ready to do that until I had a bulletproof system in place that would ensure the franchisees' success.”

He believes the pieces are in place and is ready to pursue investors, the statement says. New franchise owners can expect an initial investment, including the franchise fee, between $460,000 and $572,000, according to the restaurant's franchisee FAQ page. The statement did not say how many franchisees Louis Pappas plans to accept.

The original Louis Pappas Riverside Cafe opened in Tarpon Springs in 1925. The chain's fifth location is currently under construction as part of the $953 million expansion to Tampa International Airport.