After launching a unique franchise investment opportunity in January, Turning Point Restaurants on Monday said it secured its first agreement, with the brand’s first franchise location to open in May.
Franchisees Dave Vazquez and Eric Brandow of RNF LLC have signed on to expanding Turning Point’s footprint in Pennsylvania, with plans to open a location in Upper Dublin Township. The newest restaurant will mark 22 total Turning Point locations across New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
“Nowadays, it’s rare to find a quality brand you can trust. Turning Point is a proven concept that is executed in an extraordinary way,” Brandow said. “This company is dedicated to opening new restaurants that prove to be profitable, manageable and well-loved by the community; we just knew this concept would be a great addition to Upper Dublin.”
Vazquez and Brandow met in 1997 while working for a restaurant operator in Philadelphia. Since then, they’ve worked on larger teams to open several high-end restaurants, including Buddakan, a well-known Asian fusion restaurant in Philadelphia and New York City. Independently, Vazquez worked for KC Prime Steakhouse, Striped Bass, and also opened 22 Bowen’s Wharf in Newport, Rhode Island. Brandow opened Serpico with James Beard award-winning chef Peter Serpico, and managed two Capital Grille locations in the Philadelphia area. After decades of honing their skills, the pair is ready to take their industry experience to Turning Point.
“We are so excited to have Dave and Eric join the Turning Point family as our first franchise owners,” says Kirk Ruoff, founder and CEO of Turning Point Restaurants. “Their combined industry experience and desire to pursue a better work/life balance for themselves and their families is a great fit for Turning Point.”
The Upper Dublin location will bring Turning Point’s creative breakfast and lunch menu items to Montgomery County.
The initial investment to become a Turning Point franchisee ranges from $695,000 to $1.195 million, which includes an initial franchise fee of $45,000. Turning Point provides its franchisees with everything from site selection assistance to construction and design management, on-site visits and coaching, extensive training programs and cutting-edge technology to help them thrive.
Started as a small lunch and dinner restaurant in 1998 in Little Silver by Ruoff, Turning Point has grown into 21 units across New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, with additional corporate-owned stores under development.
“For the last 23 years, we have perfected our skill to create this special concept, and we are seeking talented, hard-working people to help us grow,” Ruoff said. “We are looking for high-performing, family-oriented restaurant operators with deep ties to the community to represent and carry out Turning Point’s values.”
