02.26.10 BBI Named Among Top Three By Fast Casual

Beautiful Brands International (BBI), the Oklahoma-based umbrella company for widely successful worldwide franchises, has earned the ranking of number three on Fast Casual Magazine’s 2009 Top 100 “Movers and Shakers” list.

“It’s an honor for us to be recognized in this way among industry elites,” stated Beautiful Brands Founder, President, and CEO David Rutkauskas. “BBI’s inspired innovation in the industry has really done a lot to pioneer new ways of franchising and creating worldwide brands that have universal consumer appeal. I’m thrilled to receive this ranking as we continue to set new milestones through a passion for excellence in what we do.”

Fast Casual magazine, which reports on the emerging fast casual restaurant industry, releases its list of top franchises each year based on trends, analysis and profiles of leading fast casual chains and franchises.  It’s the first time BBI as a whole has been recognized in the highly coveted list of the well-known restaurant magazine’s yearly report. BBI’s signature brand, Camille’s, was previously ranked among the publication’s elite in for the previous four years.

"This top spot in Fast Casual shows how well we do at effectively targeting and defining industry niches and producing quality franchises that fill the void,” said Rutkauskas. “Our continued goal is to not only become the leading restaurant development company in the world but the standard bearer for quality in the industry. I believe this relentless pursuit of excellence is what will continue to define who we are as company for many years to come.”

With 21 years of franchising experience, BBI has created an impressive portfolio of widely successful brands, ranging from fast casual salad to fast casual comfort food. In the last ten years alone, the company has sold over 1500 franchises in 38 states and 27 countries, spanning three continents worldwide.

“The strength of our brands is really the secret for our success,” said Rutkauskas. “We choose only the best, brightest, and most promising concepts and package them beautifully to franchise. We also have a keen eye for market demand and an incredibly experienced team that has a real passion and expertise for turning single store concepts into global franchise leaders.”

BBI was founded under the leadership of David and Camille Rutkauskas and is responsible for the successful launch of worldwide, franchised brands including Camille’s Sidewalk Café, FreshBerry Frozen Yogurt Cafe, Rex Chicken, Caz’s Chowhouse, Café Ole, Greenz Salads, Kyro Pizza, Dixie Cream Donut Co., Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse, Le Beau Rouleau Crepes and Croissants, In The Raw Sushi, and St. Michaels Alley. For more information on BBI or its brands visit www.beautifulbrands.net.