Homestyle Dining Joins VetFran & MinorityFran Initiatives of the International Franchise Association

Homestyle Dining LLC, which operates and franchises the Ponderosa Steakhouse and Bonanza Steakhouse restaurant brands, today announced that it has joined the Veterans Franchise Initiative and the Women’s and Minority Franchise Initiative of the International Franchise Association (IFA).

The Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, known as “VetFran,” is a voluntary effort of member companies of the IFA to honor men and women who have served in the U.S. military and assist with their transition to civilian life. IFA’s MinorityFran Program is designed to expand business ownership and franchise opportunities for women and minorities.

Ponderosa Steakhouse and Bonanza Steakhouse are popular restaurant brands where guests enjoy flame-grilled steaks and entrees along with a high quality buffet featuring an endless selection of salads, soups, appetizers, vegetables, and desserts at affordable prices.

There are over 200 Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses currently operating in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Taiwan, and, opening early 2014, Egypt.

“We are honored to partner with VetFran and MinorityFran and believe it is important for franchisors to offer a path to business ownership to these important groups,” stated Thomas A. Sacco, President and CEO of Homestyle Dining.

“We believe entrepreneurial veterans who have bravely served our country bring skills, experience, values, dedication, and training that are assets in the business world,” Sacco added.

New franchisees who qualify as part of Homestyle Dining’s VetFran and MinorityFran programs will benefit from a reduced initial franchise fee of $25,000 for the first restaurant and reduced royalty fee of 2% for the first and 3% for the second year of operations.

“Through IFA’s MinorityFran initiative, we hope to help candidates with diverse backgrounds build a business and contribute to the creation of stronger communities which reflect the real America in our franchise community,” Sacco stated.

Additional information regarding franchise opportunities with Homestyle Dining can be found online at http://www.ponderosasteakhouses.com/franchising and http://www.bonanzasteakhouses.com/franchising or by contacting Sunil Dewan, Vice President Worldwide Franchising for Homestyle Dining LLC by email at Sdewan@bonpon.com or by telephone at (206) 295-1145.