FT. LAUDERDALE, FL--(Marketwired - April 08, 2015) - The Grilled Cheese Truck, Inc. (the Company; GCT) (OTCQB: GRLD) announced today it has signed a definitive agreement with The Orange County Rescue Mission (OCRM) to commence operations of an unprecedented pilot program that will provide job training, employment and business opportunities for local U.S. Veterans, fostering the missions of both organizations.
The strategic partnership allows The Grilled Cheese Truck, Inc. to establish an operational base on the campus of The Orange County Rescue Mission, where their kitchen facilities/commissary will serve the goal to implement a pilot program that provides developmental support for U.S. Veterans. This first phase of the initial 3-year program allows for the establishment of a number of bases in OCRM-affiliated rescue missions in California, Arizona and throughout the country over the coming years. The Company believes that the Veteran-based labor and low-overhead resources provided by OCRM will create a significant economic contribution for The Grilled Cheese Truck, Inc.'s mobile food truck operations in Orange County. Utilizing the fully permitted and equipped commercial kitchens and Commissary Operations contributed by OCRM along with the Veteran labor work force, the Company hopes to increase the strong economic value proposition and potential financial return of this unique cooperation agreement.
"We are thrilled to move forward with our plans to implement a thriving program that capitalizes on the strengths of an underserved and highly motivated Veteran-based community, guided by the mission of the OCRM. We will realize the vision we share in our organizations' common purposes -- to create lasting, positive change in our communities through job training and job placement and replicate this model throughout the country across the expanse of OCRM missions," said Al Hodges, CEO of The Grilled Cheese Truck, Inc.
The strategic partnership will leverage dedicated OCRM food preparation facilities and a mobile Grilled Cheese Truck food service operation, with the goal of positively impacting Veterans' employment and business operations opportunities with a program that moves them to self-sufficiency through skills training, employment opportunities and opportunities to become owner-operators. Each truck employed is projected to generate approximately $500,000 per year in gross revenues.
"Our mission is to provide assistance in the areas of guidance, counseling, education, job training, shelter, food, clothing, healthcare and independent living communities. This partnership represents the best of our combined missions, creating opportunities in communities around the country in our network of rescue missions," said Jim Palmer, President of The Orange County Rescue Mission.
Peter Goldstein, President of The Grilled Cheese Truck, Inc., said, "We envision rolling out a strong and highly productive combined program that will serve OCRM and its constituents across hundreds of its missions throughout the country. We have worked closely to plan out our initial launch and our growth strategy and we are highly encouraged by the commitment we have made together. Our combined efforts are a testament to the dedication and resolve that our distinct organizations can forge in socially responsible business strategies. We look forward to a long and rewarding alliance."
About The Orange County Rescue Mission
Established as a faith-based not-for-profit in 1965, The Orange County Rescue Mission has become one of Southern California's largest assistance organizations by following its mission: Feed. Clothe. Shelter. Heal. Empower. The Rescue Mission facilitates numerous programs that serve as a source of help to area residents in need, among them, providing 3,499 meals every day for a total of more than 1,276,000 each year. To learn more, visit www.rescuemission.org.
About The Grilled Cheese Truck Inc.
The Grilled Cheese Truck, Inc. is an American entrepreneurial "emerging growth" company with a brand and menu that is widely followed throughout the nation within the Gourmet Food Truck Space. The company currently operates and licenses grilled cheese food trucks in the Los Angeles, CA area and Phoenix, AZ and is rolling out into additional markets with the goal of becoming the largest operator in the gourmet grilled cheese space. The Company is pursuing major "gates" of revenue (stadiums, universities, Casinos and related venues, festivals, motorsports, action sports, team sports, large outdoor events/concerts, large churches, schools, major employers, government offices, etc.) while building significant market share in the gourmet food truck industry. The company and brand maintain a growing following of customers, social media followers, and general media attention all attracted to The Grilled Cheese Truck's position in the rapidly growing industry. The Company is among the first movers in consolidating the Gourmet Grilled Cheese restaurant space with an aggressive strategic growth plan that includes significant and accretive acquisitions. Management has extensive experience and success in managing and growing large QSR companies. The Company seeks to franchise its Gourmet Grilled Cheese Trucks operations and intends to principally offer the first 100 franchised grilled cheese trucks to Veterans, having invested significant time and resources over the last 2 years to develop a business model that provides jobs, business opportunities and support for Veterans. For more information about The Grilled Cheese Truck, Inc., please visit www.thegrilledcheesetruck.com
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release and of the management or representatives of The Grilled Cheese Truck, Inc. (the "Company") in connection therewith that relate to beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, intentions and future financial condition, results of operations or business performance constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations about future events. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts, and by words such as "may," "could," "should," "would," "believe," "expect," "project," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan" or other similar words or expressions. Any or all of the forward-looking statements in this press release may turn out to be inaccurate or wrong. This can occur as a result of inaccurate assumptions or as a consequence of significant known or unknown risks and uncertainties. The Company addresses these risks in the "Risk Factors" section of its filings with the SEC. Because of these risks and uncertainties, the Company's actual results may differ materially from those that might be anticipated from its forward-looking statements. Therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.