Maui Wowi Says "Aloha" To Rockefeller Center

Hawaiian refreshments franchise opens first NYC location

NEW YORK (Friday, July 15, 2005) - Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends – the leading franchisor of gourmet, all-natural Hawaiian blends sold nationwide – has opened its first New York City retail location on the Concourse Level of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. In the city that never sleeps, surrounded by skyscrapers and sidewalks, busy New Yorkers and tourists can now get a taste of the Hawaiian Islands in a Big Apple icon.

Franchise owners Frank and Steve Buonanotte, brothers and natives of West Islip, N.Y., are thrilled to bring a taste of the Hawaiian Islands to tenants and tourists who frequent Rockefeller Center, home to NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall, Christie’s Auction House and the world-famous skating rink visited by more than half a million people every year.

In addition to being a Maui Wowi franchise owner, Frank is the CEO of Crossing Recovery Centers, one of the largest providers of outpatient substance abuse treatment on Long Island . He is also the president of Woodfield Properties, a property management company that owns real estate throughout Long Island . Steve is a NYC-based songwriter and owns a recording studio in Queens .

“This is a very exciting time for us and Maui Wowi,” Frank Buonanotte said. “We are confident that our new location will become a favorite among the many companies and individuals housed within Rockefeller Plaza , one of the busiest tourist attractions and centers of commerce in New York .”

Mitchell York, the Maui Wowi director of regional support for New York and Long Island , has assisted the Buonanottes with the development and planning of this location. A lifelong New Yorker and resident of Sayville , York is very optimistic about the success Maui Wowi will enjoy in its new venue and plans to aggressively develop the franchise concept throughout the New York metropolitan area in coming years.

“I cannot think of a better location for Maui Wowi than 30 Rockefeller Plaza,” York said. “Having worked with Frank and Steve for the past year, I know how determined and hard-working they are, and I know their new business will be successful.”

The Rockefeller Plaza location is one of more than 320 Maui Wowi franchises in the United States , with expansion plans calling for an additional 100 units to open by the end of 2005. Operating from kiosks, carts, event trailers and fixed storefront locations, Maui Wowi’s fresh and delicious products offer customers a refreshing taste of the Hawaiian Islands . The key to Maui Wowi’s growing franchise network is a dual attraction: Its simplistic, adaptable concept entices both the serious business investor seeking a behind-the-scenes role in a low-risk, multi-unit franchise venture, as well as ex-corporate execs seeking a more balanced and flexible lifestyle.

“Maui Wowi has experienced exponential growth throughout the past four years and we are thrilled to be expanding in well-known venues such as Rockefeller Plaza ,” said Michael Haith, CEO of Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends.

About Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends
The Maui Wowi concept started out in 1983 in a wooden shack at the Utah State Fair, with founders Jeff and Jill Summerhays serving a then unknown product- Fresh Fruit Smoothies. Before long, their delicious and original Smoothie recipe had people talking. Maui Wowi has since become a successful franchising opportunity, with substantial growth over the past 20 years.

The leading franchisor of gourmet, all-natural Hawaiian Blends sold nationwide, Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends has more than 320 units operating in 43 states and Puerto Rico . Maui Wowi's product line includes Fresh Fruit Smoothies, Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees, Smoothie Rip-Sticks, Hawaiian Springs Natural Artesian Water, and EAS Supplements. Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends was ranked #33 in the category of Fastest Growing Franchises on the Entrepreneur Magazine "Franchise 500" list and ranked #175 in Inc. Magazine's issue of America 's 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies. Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends has also been featured on CNN’s “People in the News” and Bloomberg News.

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