The Açaí Spot – Marcio Saboya shares his story

You might have probably seen the colorful açaí bowls trending in the social media. Meanwhile, if you want to try the best ones, you should head to The Açaí Spot. CEO Marcio Saboya is the pioneer who brought them to Dubai. The açaí berry is from a native tree in Brazil. This antioxidant-rich fruit has been known for centuries as a healing, immune-stimulating and energy-boosting fruit. Therefore, Marcio Saboya who is a Brazilian share his story about how he wanted to bring the goodness of the açaí wonder berry to not just Dubai, but the entire world.

1. How did you enter in the franchise business?

The Açaí Spot was born with the idea to be a self-owned brand. As the months went by, customers loved our concept and they kept requesting for franchise. We then understood that the franchise model would be very beneficial in growing and expanding the business

2. Where and how did the idea of your concept come from?

I was living in Dubai for about 6 years, and I realized that Dubai didn’t have any concept selling açaí products. As I always wanted to have my business, I decided to be the one who would create the first açaí concept in Dubai. The Açaí Spot was then established in April 2015.

3. What inspired the brand name?

The name was straight forward, the Spot where people could find açaí bowls. Easy to read and easy to remember.

4. What is the story behind the brand’s logo?

The shape and color of our logo resemble the real açaí berry, which is a fruit native from the Amazon Jungle in Brazil.

5. What makes your brand different from your competitors?

We do care a lot for our customers. We want them to try açaí the way us, Brazilians, do.
Our food is always prepared freshly and with care. We created an ambiance where customers can relax and have a good time.

6. What are the essential qualities that you look for in a franchisee?

Someone who has passion for food-service. One of the most important aspects, when working in a restaurant business, is the love to serve people. Every day is a new challenge. The franchisee also needs to love the products that we serve.

7. How long does it take, in an average, for your franchisee to realize their investment?

It would depend a lot on the location and size of store. But it would, on average, take from one year and a half to two years and a half.

8. What was the major challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?

In the beginning, as we are the pioneers of açaí products in the region, the majority of the people didn’t even know what açaí was. Actually they could not even pronounce it. So we had to teach people who we were about. A lot of marketing, tasting and promos. The social media was a great tool for that.

9. What is your best achievement?

We are now completing 5 years, and I can say we had great achievements. But one of the best was to see the first franchise open. It is a great feeling when someone trust your creation.

10. How does your business day start?

I start reviewing the results of the previous day and what can be done for the present day.

11. What was your best moment throughout your franchise career?

Seeing new stores coming to life. Every store is a new step towards the dream, which is to have The Açaí Spot around the globe.

12. Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

We are now completing 5 years with 9 branches in 2 countries. For the next 5 years we aim to be in more countries and have at least another 60 stores.

13. Any tips you want to impart to our readers who want to be in the franchise industry?

Franchising is a great tool to grow your business. Ensure you have a great team to help you on this growth. Above all, do not forget that your franchisees need your help constantly.

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