Restaurant and hospitality leader The Briad Group recently announced it is offering national franchise opportunities for CUPS Frozen Yogurt – That’s Hot, the beach-themed self-serve fro yo concept which currently has four locations in New Jersey and seven more in development for 2012. CUPS is now franchising in 34 states.

By franchising CUPS, The Briad Group is returning to its roots as the company first started with a single ice cream parlor in New Jersey in 1987.

Now, 25 years later, The Briad Group is one of the largest franchise operators in the U.S. The Briad Group is a franchisee of Wendy’s, T.G.I. Friday’s, Corner Bakery Cafe, Marriott, Hilton and a licensee of Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar. With 71 locations, The Briad Restaurant Group is the largest T.G.I. Friday’s franchisee in the U.S.

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“CUPS was created by a company with decades of experience operating national brands that we all know and love,” said Rick Barbrick, president and COO of The Briad Group, and CUPS co-founder. “We currently are franchisees of these great brands so we know what franchisees are looking for in an investment. We also understand the support needed to be successful.”

Since opening the first CUPS in Clifton, New Jersey in November, 2010, CUPS has taken the Tri-State area by storm, becoming the local hot spot for teenagers and adults alike who make their own fro yo concoctions, choosing from 24 yogurt flavors and over 50 different toppings and three sauces.

CUPS, however, is more than just “best in class” frozen yogurt and toppings.

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According to Barbrick, CUPS key differentiation is the guest experience: “It’s more of a club like experience with an edgy vibe. We have loud dance music with lighting and murals that give us a look and feel that is very different from the normal yogurt bar or ice cream shop. Our edginess has drawn crowds and celebrities, such as one of the Jonas Brothers and the stars of television reality show Jerseylicious.”

According to an Entrepreneur Magazine article, “What’s Hot (or Not) for Franchises in 2012,” the frozen dessert category is one of the hottest franchise categories this year. Also, according to IBIS World Industry Report on Frozen Yogurt Stores, yogurt sales, which will top $724 million this year, have grown an average of 5.9 percent a year between 2006 and 2011.