DURHAM, N.C. — The Guess Corp., a conglomerate aiming to build U.S. businesses in sectors ranging from wine to private jets, has announced plans to build 250 retail locations over the next 18 months.
Bread, sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts, cheesecakes and wine will be part of the menu for dine-in or take-out at Guess Bread locations, which the company said will be built at an average cost of $3 million. The restaurants will have an open kitchen, and bread will be baked fresh on-site.
Billed as an upscale dining experience, there only will be 20 tables per restaurant with two chairs per table allowing couples-only dining, Guess said.
The design for The Guess Bread Co. was provided by Scott+Cormia.
“We are pleased to add another planned brand to our portfolio to be built alongside select sites of GP Express, our c-store and hospitality concepts will be complimentary to each other,” said Cutie Shrestha, senior executive vice-president and chief development officer for The Guess Corp.
Earlier this year, the Guess Corp., which claims on its web site (www.theguesscorporation.com) to be involved in 29 separate industries, announced plans to acquire at least 1,000 convenience store/gas station units over the next 12 months. Upon completion of the purchases, the company said that it intends to re-brand and renovate properties with innovative designs and provide enhanced customer relationship management technology. The company has invited brokers to provide buyer representation, according to the company.
Guess Corp. began as a luxury goods holding company in 2012, with a focus on diamonds, and has expanded into other business sectors including chocolate, specialty drinks, coffee, specialty tea and a wide range of non-food luxury industries.