Swiss Farms Plots Northeast Expansion

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Swiss Farms is preparing to open its first stores in North Carolina in March, according to a Charlotte Observer report. The new stores are part of the drive-thru chain's expansion into the Northeast after four decades of doing business in Pennsylvania, as CSNews Online previously reported.

"We wanted to expand the brand because we felt for years, they've been able to enjoy drive-through convenience and have a niche in the marketplace," said Rocco Fiorentino, president of Swiss Farms Franchise Co.

The first North Carolina store slated to open is in the Crown Point Shopping Center located on Monroe and Sardis North roads in Charlotte, with another four to follow. Franchise owner Mike Lang plans to eventually open 10 to 12 stores in the Charlotte area.

The Crown Point store will offer Swiss Farms products, as well as prepared foods. Lang said he has been working with a chef to develop recipes for the store for about a year. The drive-thru location will also sell beer and wine -- the first Swiss Farms to do so. Approximately 800 items will be available for sale.