40 Locations Join Loyalty Marketing Program, More to Follow as Chain Expands Nationally
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Rewards Network, a leading provider of marketing services and loyalty programs to restaurants, has just added 40 Garlic Jim’s Famous Gourmet Pizza® locations to its coast-to-coast dining program. More will be added to the program as the fast-growing chain expands across the country.
Named one of “four chains to watch” by Pizza Marketplace, Garlic Jim’s is breaking the mold by combining a high-end, gourmet product with high-speed, carryout/delivery service. It’s a concept that has taken off, catapulting the chain from two to 40 stores since 2004. Garlic Jim’s plans to double in size during 2007.
With headquarters in Everett, Washington, and many locations on the West Coast, several members of the Garlic Jim’s management team are Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members. In fact, that’s what brought Rewards Network to their attention. Dwayne Northrop, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Garlic Jim’s, explained, “Lex Nepomuceno, our chief marketing officer, is a mileage maniac. He earns thousands of miles every year by dining at participating restaurants. If a program can elicit that kind of customer loyalty, we want to be part of it.”
Rewards Network President and CEO Ron Blake views Garlic Jim’s as a great addition to the thousands of restaurants already participating across North America. “Garlic Jim’s is a leader in gourmet pizza delivery. Their product targets the discerning diner who wants quality plus convenience. Our members fit that profile, so this alliance is a win-win for everyone.”
Northrop expressed equal enthusiasm. “As we expand, we want to focus on building our brand awareness and customer base. Through Rewards Network, we’ll be able to reward customers with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles, Upromise college savings rewards, eScrip nonprofit contributions and cash back. It’s a great way for us to keep our chain in growth mode with a steady stream of loyal, repeat diners.”
Northrop is also relying on those loyal diners to help Garlic Jim’s maintain quality control. Rewards Network’s reporting includes member ratings and feedback. “What distinguishes us from other fast-delivery pizza chains is the gourmet quality of our product. Rewards Network’s customer feedback will go a long way toward helping us monitor our franchise operations to maintain the product and service standards on which we’re building the Garlic Jim’s brand.”
About Garlic Jim’s
Garlic Jim’s Famous Gourmet Pizza is the first pizza franchise to focus on quick-delivery pizza made fresh with gourmet toppings. With it’s in-store system and intensive team training, Garlic Jim’s is able to make pizza in 25 minutes or less “from order to out the door,” thus pioneering the “Gourmet, Right Away” concept. The term ‘gourmet’’s use of the finest ingredients: fresh packed sauces, fresh 100% whole-milk mozzarella, and fresh dough made daily. Garlic Jim’s offers customers two crust choices: hand-thrown thick crust, made with parmesan cheese and buttermilk, or garlic thin. There are also four cheese options, seven sauces, and a variety of meats, fresh vegetables, and other gourmet toppings. In addition to current locations in Oregon, Arizona, California, Pennsylvania and Washington, Garlic Jim’s has stores under development in New Jersey, Colorado, Florida, Tennessee and Texas. For more information about Garlic Jim’s and available franchise opportunities, visit www.garlicjims.com, or call 866-918-JIMS (5467). refers to Garlic Jim
About Rewards Network
Rewards Network (AMEX:IRN), headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is a leading provider of marketing services and loyalty programs to the restaurant industry. Thousands of participating restaurants and other merchants across North America benefit from the Company’s extensive email, internet and print marketing efforts; member ratings/feedback and other business intelligence; customer loyalty programs; and access to capital. In conjunction with leading airline frequent flyer programs, club memberships, and other affinity organizations, Rewards Network provides over three million members with incentives to dine at participating restaurants, including airline miles, college savings rewards, loyalty/reward program points, and Cashback RewardsSM savings. Additional details about Rewards Network can be found at www.rewardsnetwork.com or by calling 1-877-491-3463.
