BROOMALL, PA - John Betz is the new addition to the Swiss Farms family, becoming the drive-thru grocers first franchisee with plans to open three stores.

"This is a truly historic event," said Rocco Fiorentino, president of Swiss Farms Franchise Co., "[I]t is the first time we have made Swiss Farms franchises available in our 42 years of business. We are equally excited about our partnership with John Betz and his partners who have significant franchisee retail brand operating experience and are very familiar with the history of Swiss Farms. It is important that we select partners who have the knowledge and philosophy to consistently deliver exceptional customer service. That is our brand promise that consumers have enjoyed since 1968."

John Betz has been a franchisee since 1990, growing a portfolio of brands including Auntie Anne??s Pretzels, Starbucks Coffee, Kohr Bros. Frozen Custard and Johnson??s Popcorn. Over the last 20 years, his company, Betz & Associates, had steady growth with 15 locations and nearly 300 employees.

"As a franchisee, I look for a great brand providing a unique service and first class franchisor support. I know from working intimately with Swiss Farms that they are the same caliber as Auntie Anne??s and Starbucks Coffee."

Betz and his investors have committed to opening three Swiss Farms stores in New Jersey. Their first store will open in Somerdale in September of this year.

Swiss Farms, "America??s Drive-Thru Grocer," operates 13 corporate stores in Delaware and Chester County, PA.

To see more on Swiss Farms, get a copy of the 2009 NACS "Ideas 2 Go" DVD, which features a profile of the unique retail concept.