The newest vomFASSshop–located at 305 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446–recently celebrated their grand opening to commemorate its newest franchise in Brookline, Coolidge Corner. On location events included product samplings, wine and spirits tastings, cooking demonstrations, in-store promos and more!
“What a huge accomplishment this is for Candace Rassias and her staff to safely and successfully open during one of the most challenging times in our history,” said Thomas Kiderlen, Global CEO and owner of VOM FASS AG Germany. “I’m very much looking forward to the future of this shop in the Brookline neighborhood and cannot wait for the opportunity to visit,” he said.
Rassias and Kiderlen at the VOM FASS headquarters in Waldburg, Germany celebrating vomFASS’ 25 year anniversary in September 2019.
“I am truly blessed.” said Candace Rassias, vomFASS Brookline franchisee. “To own my own boutique shop where I’d get to dabble culinarily and offer such a wide variety of exclusive products has been a dream of mine for years. I knew what I wanted. Having found the vomFASS brand and the history behind the generational business from manufacturing to franchise owners, I knew I found my home,” said Rassias.
Rassais, center, and staff toast to a successful grand opening.
The City of Brookline and Chamber of Commerce were on-site for a special ceremony on Friday, November 6th. Public events followed on November 7th-8th, following all local safety regulations and social distancing guidelines.
“From the moment Candace and I spoke about her interest in owning her own vomFASS location, I knew she had all the qualities we look for in a franchisee. Her passion for food and great wine was enough for me to know her success was hers to own. vomFASS USA is proud to announce her as the newest member of our team. Congratulations and here’s to your amazing start as an entrepreneur!” said Elaine R. Sugimura, CEO of vomFASS USA.
Sugimura, bottom right, and Rassais, front middle, with members of the VOM FASS USA Franchise System touring a French Absinthe distillery on the 2019 Producer’s Trip.
“When life throws you curve balls you figure out a way to embrace the new normal,” said Kevin M. Frain, COO, vomFASS USA. “We are really excited about the Brookline store opening. It has been a challenging year, but we are extremely thankful to the town of Brookline, the property ownership and everyone else who worked diligently to assist us in getting the store opened.” he said. Kevin was on location from the start of Candace’s journey and has supported her throughout the store opening process, so he knows first-hand all of the challenges she faced as many policies and processes via COVID were yet to be determined.
vomFASS Brookline is now open 7 days a week – hours of operation can be found at www.vomfassbrookline.com. The store is full of a wide variety of Holiday Gift Sets that will satisfy anyone on your shopping list. Curbside pick-up and shipping services are also available, call the store (617) 505-5012 for more details.
Rassias pours wine samples for customers.
“I want to thank everyone who has been a part of the opening process from the property management team, vomFASS USA, the Coolidge Corner Merchants, the City of Brookline plus my family and friends. I would not be here without you all! Most importantly, to my customers, existing and new, I look forward to serving YOU!” said Rassais.
Are you looking for a new opportunities in 2021 and interested in owning your own business? Please contact us at franchiseinfo@vomfassusa.com for additional information about owning your own shop!
https://vomfass-franchise.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/VomFASS-Ribbon-Cutting-001-1024x683-1.jpg6831024stefaniehttps://vomfass-franchise.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/logovomfass.pngstefanie2020-11-19 09:32:182021-01-15 14:10:56vomFASS Celebrates Grand Opening in Brookline, MA
Now’s the Time to Explore Franchising with vomFASS
vomFASS Global CEO Thomas Kiderlen, middle left, along with team members at the headquarters in Waldburg, Germany.
Today, we are once again facing the prospect of a recession as the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. While it is too early to predict the financial implications from the global pandemic, we do know that during times like this, with unemployment numbers higher than years past, it becomes a great time for those who are ready to become owners of their own business! A vomFASS USA franchise will allow you this opportunity and there is no better time than now to learn about who we are and what we do.
The unique vomFASS concept is always innovating and will continue to be a marketing-leader in the food and beverage sector.
During the last market meltdown, franchising was a sector that continued to rise as it allowed business minded individuals to rely on their own abilities rather than relying on others who made decisions on their worth and employment situation. The key to opening a successful franchise is to choose a profession you are passionate about. If you are a foodie, love communicating with others, and managing your own time and business; this opportunity, again, is for you!
Explore our unique franchise opportunity and take control of your financial future.
It is important to share that even during the last economic downtrend (2008-2009), not everyone’s finances suffered during this time; just a few years later in 2013, Reuters reported a record number of billionaires in the world. It is in times like these that many of us more carefully consider the stability of our current jobs and businesses. While it is impossible to guarantee that an industry is “recession-proof,” there are certain industries that do well — or even thrive — during times of widespread unemployment and economic recession. Economic hardship does not necessarily equate to personal financial downfall. In fact, people tend to turn to franchising in times of a strained economy (as well as in times of prosperity).
Franchising has historically done well under most economic conditions. During boom periods, the fear of missing out on a great opportunity fuels strong franchise growth. During a downturn, on the other hand, the fear of job loss and financial security drives many people to take control of their own futures by investing in a franchise business.” – Eric Stites, Franchise Business Review CEO and Managing Director
Despite recent economic trends of growth and stability, the economy — as we have just witnessed — is notoriously unpredictable. If you’re looking to start a new business or buy a franchise that can weather unpredictable market volatility (and a potential recession or depression), you may want to consider investing in an industry that will thrive in good times as well as in bad.
As consumers continue to value a healthy diet, vomFASS is positioned to provide a variety of healthy and delicious products that make cooking at home easy. As more consumers find themselves becoming home chefs, the demand for these products are sure to increase.
The TOP Recession-Proof Industries
Industries and/or companies that offer goods or services that fulfill people’s basic needs are less likely to fail in periods of recession.
Understanding how a business will perform during a recession is an important consideration before you buy a franchise. As a potential business owner, you should ask yourself:
Are the products or services more luxury items or everyday necessities?
Who are your typical customers and how may their purchasing decisions change?
In recent years, the vomFASS line of gourmet foods has grown immensely in response to market trends.
As you conduct research the type of businesses you want to pursue, consider industries that offer basic services. Here are some examples:
A company or industry that provides staple items (such as grocery stores)
A company or industry which provides a critical repair or maintenance service (like the auto-mechanic industry)
A company or industry that provides an essential public-works service (like electricity servicing)
A company or industry that provides a mandated service (like pipeline inspection)
If you plan on starting an independent business or purchase a franchise, you must consider the industry you will be competing in and take a close look at those that have proven their economic endurance over the past several decades.
Food and Beverage
No matter what happens to our economy, people must eat. Whether they are looking for a healthy option to sustain themselves throughout the day or a tasty treat to aid them through a stressful situation, there are business and franchise opportunities just waiting to be cashed in on.
Looking for a franchise opportunity you can sink your teeth into?
What’s Cooking?
In times of economic instability, people cut back on “splurges.” That means a lot less of going out for dinner and a lot more of cooking in. The National Purchase Diary (NPD) estimated that, in 2008, 77.4 percent of meals were prepared at home. Home-cooked meals rose steadily to 80 percent in 2013, at the end of the recession. And with the current social distancing guidelines in place, home cooking is once again making an appearance during a tough economic period.
vomFASS offers everything you need to create a top-notch culinary experience!
Where are People Getting the Food They Cook at Home?
Grocery and food specialty stores are a stable investment, not just because they offer people the basic sustenance to survive (food, spirits and lots of it); they also provide consumers with their basic goods. No matter what the economy is doing, people still need to brush their teeth, make delicious meals, do their laundry and wash their dishes. Grocery and food specialty stores sell toothpaste, food and beverage items, laundry detergent and dish soap, all of which will be purchased in good times as well as in bad.
Our product mix offers a variety of culinary products that make cooking easy and fun for new home chefs!
Bottom’s Up!
Spirits as a category have traditionally been resistant to economic downturns. According to a CNN report, alcoholic beverage sales grew 10% in 2008, the last economic recession in the United States. People may have changed where they spend, like moving from bars to home, but they continue to purchase the category.
One other recent favorable trend is the rise of the economic purchasing power of the millennials. Millennials as group are drawn to authenticity and are drawn to brands that are transparent about how their products are made. This is a perfect fit for the vomFASS Spirits category as almost all of our products are unique to vomFASS and we know the source.
Studies predict that consumers will still continue to purchase alcohol but how and where they choose to enjoy it will change.
What’s Next?
Buying a franchise or starting a new business is not a decision you will make overnight. It is a process that you will research exhaustively. For many would-be entrepreneurs, franchising is an interesting opportunity given that it offers you the chance to be your own boss without taking on the significant risk that comes with starting a business from scratch.
With vomFASS you have the ability to leverage exclusive products, a robust training program, site selection expertise, unique marketing tools and ongoing support to ensure your success!
By doing your research, you can invest in an industry that offers security no matter the state of the economy.
To find out if franchising is for you (or which franchise is for you!), make sure you do your research. Contact us at vomFASS USA and learn more about why we may be the right fit for you, your spouse/partner and/or family!
Members of the vomFASS USA Franchise System celebrate the 25 Anniversary of the company at the international headquarters in Waldburg, Germany.
Note – It is important to share that no industry is truly “recession-proof,” but there are certain industries that are more resilient during economic downturns than others.
https://vomfass-franchise.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/tk-masks-new-normal-newsltter-banners_may2020-1-1024x512-1.jpg5121024stefaniehttps://vomfass-franchise.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/logovomfass.pngstefanie2020-05-14 13:57:462021-01-15 14:11:00Franchising Opportunities with vomFASS in the “New Normal”
vomFASS Creator and Leader of a Unique Experiential Retail Concept
Article originally appeared in Nov. 2019 Edition of Insights Success Magazine
In an ever-changing environment, brands must stay ahead of their consumers in knowing what they desire, how they want it delivered, and where they can purchase your product. In the current culinary & foodie world, we live in today, there are demands that industries communicate to the customers all the why’s, how’s and where they are paying for products and the freshness of it.
Today’s consumers are more informed than ever on the quality and sourcing of the foods that they eat. This fresh new phenomenon is often described as “foodie culture,” and it’s changing customer expectations as to what products they want and how much they will pay. Fresh as can be, and with a unique story behind them, vomFASS excels in catering to the adventurous sensibilities and high expectations of foodies. Part of the vomFASS magic is careful selection and curation of the finest growers and producers from the Swiss Alps to the shores of the Mediterranean.
A Wide Array of Artisanal Products
vomFASS is a unique retail & community event business specializing in a wide array of artisanal products, including the world’s finest oils, vinegars, spirits, gourmet foods, and spices. Experiential retail is where the focus is as consumers are hungry for a more customized interaction with the products they bring into their home or offer as gifts. The company’s customer loyalty base has grown exponentially, as once they taste the amazing products; they understand what quality truly is. Their quality products are what sets them apart, in order to support the franchisee’s and continually improve their education and training on all product offerings, the franchisor created and invested in an internal Wiki. It also acts as an extensive repository for recipes that are submitted by vomFASS’ franchisees, which makes the products come to life. By continuing to learn what its customers are looking for, the company can modify their offerings from product to the retail environment. As a team, they are striving towards always improving the products they deliver to both their franchisees and consumer base.
The combination of exclusive artisanal products and unique in-store tasting experiences provide franchisees with tools to capitalize on two key trends: foodie culture and experiential retail. vomFASS franchisees love to entertain and educate customers on new product arrivals, enticing pairings and how to integrate its extensive line of gourmet products into their lives and homes. They become ambassadors of the company by leveraging its unique value proposition & extensive product knowledge to deliver the experience, and authenticity that today’s consumers demand. The company is proud to have received many awards for both the products it offers as well as its Franchise system. This tradition of excellence is something that is embodied in everything the company lays their hands on – from store locations to selection of their franchisees and of course, any new products.
Excellent Communicator and Great Leaders
“Future growth, improved operations, amazing product offerings to the best of class locations and franchise partners will guarantee the success of vomFASS as we migrate towards the years ahead” — Elaine R. Sugimura, CEO of vomFASS USA
ek2, LLC owned by both Elaine R. Sugimura and Kevin M. Frain were hired as consultants and used their strengths as disruptors, and change agents to create the best strategy to move the business forward. With limited resources, all of the changes had to be done within the current expense structure. As active CEO and COO, they have been able to shift the past losses into current gains. Having held the CEO title in various businesses prior to joining vomFASS, Elaine’s global communication and marketing skills have allowed the organization to grow in new areas of business. Her international business experience and applicable strategies continue to fuel the growth of the company. Kevin has held both COO and CFO titles in his work experiences thus far. He has been instrumental in driving the changes within the overall Operations. Creating and implementing new processes and procedural strategies has lifted the company to a new level of success. The next 5-year growth strategies are not possible without these critical improvements. Together, Elaine and Kevin have changed the make-up of the company; by giving it “the color” it needed, vomFASS is now poised to meet and or exceed corporate expectations.
An Experiential Marketing Strategy
The initial challenge in 1994 was when Johannes Kiderlen made an error in his calculations when buying sherry for his wholesale customers. He realized that he had one too many zeros on the quantity he placed and was unable to return the alcohol once purchased. This lead to the idea of offering the sherry ala “vomFASS” – meaning “from the cask / barrel”.
Johannes Kiderlen decided to offer the sherry in casks, and he was soon rewarded based on his genius marketing idea. Once the word was out, the business began to rise as he had hoped. He created an experiential strategy way before the world was ready for this type of marketing. As the years progressed, he continued to grow the company with newer and fresher products to market the same way.
Thus, the world of vomFASS took root and began its unprecedented growth path in Europe. They continue to be the dominant player and the forefather of the taste-before-you-buy concept. As the world continues to move at a fast pace, vomFASS is still the leader in the marketplace for this concept. The company’s goal is to build without ever losing the essence of the brands’ original mission. “Only the best, always!” “Only the very best ingredients that can be found will be used in the manufacture of vomFASS oils, vinegars, gourmet foods, spirits and spices.”
Ability to Educate Customers
The opportunity to interact and create an experience that is delicious to their palate and the ability to educate customers with the vomFASS story and how its special partnerships and bond with its producers continues to be one of the key reasons for its success. This is a great opportunity to work with an established brand and use your skills to educate and entertain customers. vomFASS franchisees have a strong set of business skills, enjoy the recognition of ownership, and the opportunity to control their own destinies while providing superior quality products to their customers. “It’s a great time to join the vomFASS family,” says Thomas Kiderlen, owner of vomFASS.
“For over 25 years the vomFASS franchise opportunity has provided the platform for highly motivated individuals to display their communication and business skills and appreciation of gourmet foods & spirits. Our franchise opportunity revolves around educating, informing, and sharing a vast array of products in an exciting environment!” — Thomas Kiderlen, owner of vomFASS
A Leader in the Marketplace
vomFASS continues to be the dominant player and the forefather of the taste-before-you-buy concept. As the world continues to move at a fast pace, vomFASS is still the leader in the marketplace for this concept. The company believes that every business must continue to reinvent themselves to ensure sustainability and growth in such a highly competitive marketplace. Having a niche business model, vomFASS’s Look-Taste-Enjoy concept delivers a retail experience that is truly unique in the marketplace.
Does this new store concept sound like a perfect fit for you? Please contact us at franchiseinfo@vomfassusa.com for additional information about owning your own shop!
https://vomfass-franchise.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/blog-images_Insights-Success_Jan2020-1024x512-1.jpg5121024stefaniehttps://vomfass-franchise.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/logovomfass.pngstefanie2020-01-22 14:04:322021-03-02 11:02:57vomFASS Named to “The 10 Best Franchises to Buy in 2020” by Insights Success Magazine
