Blimpie Executive Named Vp Operations, Edible Arrangements Franchise Group

HAMDEN, CONN (Wednesday, October 05, 2005) - John Eucalitto, a 15-year veteran of Blimpie Associates, has been named Vice President of Operations for Edible Arrangements Franchise Group, the leading purveyor of exquisite, hand-sculpted, fresh fruit arrangements that resemble floral bouquets. In addition to a corporate store, Edible Arrangements has more than 250 franchises in the U.S. and Canada.

The appointment is effective immediately. Eucalitto's responsibilities include overseeing the construction, opening and ongoing operations of Edible Arrangements' franchises worldwide. He replaces Kamran Farid, brother of CEO and Founder Tariq Farid, Edible Arrangements Franchise Group, who will be promoted to COO.

"John is a formidable addition to our team at Edible Arrangements. His 15 years of hands-on franchising experience at Blimpie Associates and Blimpie International will prove extremely helpful as we manage the rapid expansion of our franchises both nationwide and internationally," said Mr. Farid.

"Edible Arrangements is a young and energetic organization that is on the move," said Eucalitto. "Its growth rate has been phenomenal. Edible Arrangements has a high-quality product, a low entry cost and offers generous profit margins, so franchisees can really make money. I am confident that my expertise can help guide and support its continued success."

Prior to joining Edible Arrangements, Eucalitto, who is 41, was Senior Vice President of Development at Blimpie Associates, Ltd., a position he assumed in 2003. He was responsible for bringing together Blimpie Associates' and Blimpie International's previously disparate menus, product lines, store décor, portioning and manufacturing. He was also liaison to area developers and franchisees within a 350-unit Blimpie system and recreated a franchisee advertising cooperative in New York and New Jersey.

Previously, he was a Blimpie International Subfranchisor and President of CT Blimpie Associates, where, beginning in 1991, he was exclusive owner of Blimpie franchise development rights for Connecticut and New York's Westchester, and Rockland Counties. In a 10-year period, he developed a territory of 60 franchise restaurants and oversaw all aspects of the business, including franchise siting, construction, openings, marketing and cooperative advertising. Annual revenues exceeded $12 million.

Before joining Blimpie International, Eucalitto was Vice President and Partner at Service Associates, Inc., a Torrington, Conn.-based residential property developer. He was responsible for design, governmental approvals, bidding, awarding contracts, managing contractors, assisting sales staff, and maintaining relationships with buyers.

Eucalitto received his Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University's School of Business in 1985.

A native of Torrington, Conn., Eucalitto lives in Old Saybrook, Conn. with his wife, Wendy, their son, Frank, and daughter, Madison.

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Hamden, Conn., Edible Arrangements Franchise Group is the leading purveyor of luscious fresh fruit “bouquets” that artfully resemble their floral counterparts. The company’s corporate store and rapidly expanding franchises (now numbering more than 250) hand deliver these wholesome and festive products across the U.S. and Canada. Arrangements can be ordered through the company’s website, by telephone or at one of its stores. The company was ranked eighth in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top New Franchises in 2005. For more information, please visit www.ediblearrangements.com.

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