Easyriders Announces Three-Store Franchise Development Agreement
23 August 1999
Easyriders Announces Three-Store Franchise Development Agreement; Expands Easyriders Retail Locations to Twenty-Six Nationwide
AGOURA HILLS, Calif.--Aug. 23, 1999--Easyriders Inc. (AMEX:EZR) today announced that the company has signed a three-store franchise development agreement with a Georgia developer expanding the number of Easyriders retail locations to twenty-six nationwide. Under terms of the agreement, Benji Meeks, an operator of one of the largest non-emergency medical transportation companies in the state, will develop and operate Easyriders stores in Valdosta, Georgia; Jacksonville, Florida; and Tallahassee, Florida. Meeks may also open a franchised store in the Pensacola, Florida market."This is an outstanding opportunity to join the Easyriders family," said Meeks. "Motorcycling is very popular in the South. Along with the burgeoning economy and the strong Easyriders brand, we expect these stores will be very successful."
Easyriders franchised stores include retail sales of motorcycles, clothing and a range of motorcycling accessories popular with enthusiasts. Most stores include approximately 8,000 square feet of floor space and are typically located in high-traffic areas of medium to larger cities.
"We are very excited about the prospects for the franchised locations in the Southeast," said Gaylon Smith, Executive Vice President of Easyriders Franchising, Inc. "Benji Meeks is a very strong businessman in the Southeast and has the ability to carry out our current strategy for multi-store operators in areas where they can have dominant market influence."
According to Smith, Meeks's first location is under construction in Valdosta. However, he is already up and running from a temporary location. A second site has been secured for the Jacksonville store, where construction is expected to begin soon.
Opening of the Tallahassee store will follow the first two openings.
"We are continuing to explore other franchise opportunities in various regions across the United States and are hoping to expand in the near future," said Smith.
About Easyriders, Inc.
Easyriders is a publicly traded, diversified company with publishing, retail, restaurant and entertainment interests dedicated to serving the independent, free-spirited motorcycling and related lifestyles market.
Easyriders currently publishes more than a dozen popular motorcycle, special-interest and lifestyle magazines, with a total worldwide readership of more than 6 million. The company also owns, operates and franchises Easyriders retail stores throughout the United States, and owns and operates the El Paso Bar-B-Que restaurant chain.
