Desert Moon Franchise

Danbury Green Introduce Coke Freestyle, with over 100 Flavors

2011-06-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

At first glance, the Coke Freestyle machine looks like something you might find stashed away in Mos Eisley Cantina -- minus the grime.

But while its sleek, sweeping lines could have come out of George Lucas' "Star Wars," the dispenser's purpose is unmistakably 21st century: It allows customers to choose from more than 100 drink variations to suit their taste specifications.

Coca-Cola Co. deployed its first Freestyle machines in Atlanta and Orange County, Calif., back in 2009, but only recently -- April 19 -- brought one to Fairfield County.

It's at the Desert Moon Cafe, 113 Mill Plain Road. According to Desert Moon operations manager Michelle Cullen, and is only the third such vending machine in the state.

"They (Coke) just started doing it in the New York area," she said.

Cullen says the machine has already begun to drum up excitement among the fast-food Mexican restaurant's customers.

"We've seen, I say conservatively, at least a 2 percent increase in sales," Cullen said. "We actually have people just get a drink (without ordering food), to try the machine. People are buying two sodas instead of one, because they see the machine."

Using the touch-screen interface, customers can choose from 104 drink varieties, ranging from the relatively tame (Sprite with orange) to the quixotic (caffeine-free Diet Coke with peach).

After the customer finishes his or her order, the $18,000 machine whirs into action to concoct the drink, combining carbonated water with one of the 26 concentrated syrup cartridges.

The entire process takes only a few seconds, Cullen said.

"What it basically does, it makes your drink to order," she said. "As you push the button, it creates the soda for you at that moment."

Contact Libor Jany at ljany@newstimes.com or 203-731-3350

Desert Moon featured in Nation's Restaurant News

2011-05-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

Nation’s Restaurant News Reporter Mark Brandau researched the scoop on how Desert Moon tackles Cinco de Mayo, a holiday that came to be because Mexico was victorious over the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. In America, Americans have embraced the holiday as a time to celebrate with Mexican food, margaritas and mariachi bands. Desert Moon throws its own bash and hopes to capture more than a few new guests too. Read more about how Desert Moon gears up for the big day here!

Restaurants gear up for Cinco de Mayo
By Mark Brandau

Fred Kirvan, president of the eight-unit fast-casual chain Desert Moon Fresh Mexican Grille, equates Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican holiday celebrating the country’s victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862, with another American day of retail and restaurant excess.

“Cinco de Mayo is our Black Friday,” he said of May 5, which he called “the only day all year when all people are thinking about Mexican food.”

(Read More)

Desert Moon featured in Connecticut Post

2011-05-17T11:07:00.000-07:00

Desert Moon was recently featured in a Connecticut Post article called "Mexican restaurants cash in on Cinco de Mayo." Operations Manager, Michelle Cullen, compared the popular holiday to the Christmas of the Mexican business. The article also discussed how Desert Moon's attendance doubles each year on the holiday and describes the party that Desert Moon will be holding in celebration. Click here to view the article in its entirety!

Mexican restaurants cash in on Cinco de Mayo
By Olivia Just

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is generally celebrated with tequila, margaritas and a hearty craving for Mexican cuisine -- a far cry from a battle waged by Mexican troops against the French on May 5, 1862, the historical event the holiday commemorates.

For local Mexican and Southwestern restaurants, however, Cinco de Mayo is the single day each year assured to attract customers seeking a slice of Mexican culture.

(Read More)

Desert Moon featured in Home News Tribune

2011-04-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

Home News Tribune reporter Ken Serrano spoke with local Desert Moon franchisee Rankesh Patel about his entrepreneurial background, his life passion and his former Bollywood career. Patel, although only 29, has already experienced more than most do in a lifetime. His current undertaking: Business owner of Desert Moon in Franklin. Learn more about the story here!

For Piscataway man, a growing business and a Hindi film career on hold
by KEN SERRANO

Franklin (Somerset) — When Rankesh Patel came to the United States from India at age 14 in 1996, he did not attend high school.

Instead, he worked in family businesses and then, aiming for a career in Hindi film, he attended the New York Film Academy, going to evening workshops for acting in his spare time.

(Read More)

Franchisee Profile: Peter Spagnuolo from White Plains, NY

2011-04-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I live in White Plains now and grew up in Hastings, which is along the Hudson River.

Q: Before Franchising, what were you involved with?
A: I am attorney, still practicing. I’ve been practicing law for 19 years in the bankruptcy and real estate sectors. About three years ago, I started looking at ways to expand my portfolio. I am an entrepreneur at heart and I wanted to grow a business that was my own. I took over the Desert Moon in White Plains in 2008 after I found out it was for sale. I thought Mexican food would be a great segment to be involved with as it’s one of the fastest growing food segments in the nation and Desert Moon was my niece’s favorite restaurant. Since purchasing Desert Moon, I have added two other food concepts to my portfolio.

Q: Why was this brand the right fit for you?
A: It all came down to the quality and freshness of the food. When you have a good product, people will naturally come and I felt passionate that Desert Moon was the right choice based on that criteria. Fortunately my gut instinct was right. My location is in the mall and it is one of the most popular choices among mall shoppers. People often reference how fresh our food is compared to other mall food court options. Desert Moon gives mall shoppers a healthy alternative. This year we will probably install the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, which will offer customers a wide selection of beverage options. Desert Moon corporately is also focused on helping its franchisees explore new innovations for their locations, which was another reason I felt comfortable being a franchisee with the brand.

Q: How do you see the brand connecting with your local community?
A: I make it a point to contribute to local nonprofits that approaches us for a donation. I believe it’s valuable for Desert Moon to be ingrained in the community and for Desert Moon to be synonymous with community involvement. I plan on sponsoring a little league team this year as well.

Desert Moon featured in Home News Tribune

2011-04-05T08:36:00.000-07:00

Desert Moon of Franklin Park was just featured in the Home News Tribune about local entrepreneur, Purvang Patel. Purvang shares his personal triumphs to become a business owner in the United States – immigrating from India at the age of 9. He thus found franchising a great way to pursue his business ownership dreams and opened a Desert Moon in the fall of last year. Read more about his process of opening a franchise and his personal success story here!

Entrepreneur follows his dream under a Desert Moon
Written by GENE RACZ

FRANKLIN (SOMERSET)— A confluence of factors prompted Purvang Patel to open his own Desert Moon franchise in Franklin Park.

The 31-year-old from Piscataway said he always wanted to be his own boss, and he had a friend who was successfully operating a Desert Moon franchise across town — serving fresh Southwestern/Mexican food that Patel really liked.

(Read More)

Franchisee Profile: Purvang Patel of Franklin Park, NJ

2011-03-11T14:45:00.000-08:00

Location: Franklin Park, NJ/ lives in Piscataway

In 1988, Purvang Patel emigrated from India with his family when he was just nine years old. They came to the United States to find better opportunities. Decades later, Purvang has achieved business ownership through Desert Moon. He, along with his two friends and business partners Mital and Tejas, opened their first location in October 2010.

Q: Before Franchising, what were you involved with?
A: After college graduation, I went into the IT field. I worked in IT for about six years before I started looking for an entrepreneurial opportunity where I could work for myself. You could say that I am always looking for the next best opportunity. It’s ingrained in me. I am good at IT, but really wanted to do something that had unlimited growth potential and, ultimately, I decided that was by owning my own business. I landed on franchising because of the brand recognition you get through a national franchise. Purvang’s Mexican Restaurant doesn’t mean as much as Desert Moon. I believe that people will come to my location based on the name itself.

Q: How did you learn about the brand?
A: A good friend of mine owns a Desert Moon location in a nearby city. I experienced the food there and loved it. You know right when you taste it that the food is better than anywhere else. The freshness and quality is unrivaled. In addition, the Mexican fast casual dining segment is growing tenfold and I thought that fact alone would give me ammunition to continue growing, especially since the ingredients at Desert Moon are extremely healthy. You can make many meals at our restaurant for less than 500 calories.

Q: What have been some career milestones for you/your business?
A: We are concentrating on getting our first location settled here in Franklin Park. We are spreading the word among our friends and residents in close proximity to our location. We are going to be getting heavily involved in the community as well through school programs, fundraisers, etc. We want our community to know that we are committed to being a community partner.

Desert Moon supports American Cancer Society Relay for Life

2010-05-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

On Friday, May 21st, Desert Moon will be supporting the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Through our Email Loyalty Club and Social Media Sites we will be inviting guests into all restaurants to help support the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Desert Moon customers can donate 10% of their check total by simply presenting the coupon below!

Desert Moons guests may also contribute additionally that day by filling out one of our Loyalty Club Email sign-up sheets in their local restaurant. By doing this, they can be informed of future charitable opportunities through Desert Moon. So stop by this Friday, and help out a great cause!

Desert Moon's Cinco De Mayo Festivities!

2010-05-03T11:07:00.001-07:00

Come join the Cinco De Mayo Fiesta at Desert Moon! Perfect for lunch and dinner, as well as your headquarters for your Cinco De Mayo celebration this upcoming Wednesday, May 5th! Be sure to go to our website to find your nearest Desert Moon location. We hope to see you on Wednesday!

Desert Moon's Cinco De Mayo Celebration! by Desert Moon Grille

Desert Moon Radio Spot

2010-04-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

Check out Desert Moon's new radio campaign -- listen for it in your area soon!

Desert Moon 04-01-10 Facebook-Mixdown by Desert Moon Grille