KBcreation, Operator of Kagoshima-based Chopped Salad Shop 'VEGE & me', Enters Capital and Business Alliance with Wiz

Wiz (Headquarters: Toshima-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Shun Yamazaki; hereafter 'Wiz') announces that it has entered into a capital and business alliance with KBcreation (Headquarters: Kanoya-shi, Kagoshima; Joint Representatives: Yuki Kawabayashi / Shusaku Kabayama; hereafter 'KBcreation'), the operator of the Kagoshima-born chopped salad shop 'VEGE & me'.

Through this alliance, Wiz will support KBcreation's business growth, providing multifaceted support including store development, marketing, and digital transformation (DX) to achieve the goal of 100 'VEGE & me' locations by 2030.

Background of the Capital Alliance

'VEGE & me' is a chopped salad specialty store with multiple locations in Kagoshima Prefecture. Supported by rising health consciousness, its menu, which combines rich toppings with high satisfaction, has garnered steady support.

Wiz and KBcreation have previously collaborated, for instance, by opening a 'VEGE & me' location at the 'Revise Stand' owned by the professional basketball club 'Kagoshima Revise', which is also owned by Wiz.

Recognizing the brand's growth potential and its commitment to promoting healthy eating culture, Wiz decided to enter into this capital and business alliance to further support the brand's business expansion.

Comments from Representatives

Shusaku Kabayama, Representative of KBcreation: 'I am very pleased to enter into this capital and business alliance with Wiz. 'VEGE & me' started in Kagoshima with the concept of 'vegetables as the main character' and has grown with the support of many customers. With this partnership, we will accelerate our challenge toward 100 locations by 2030, leveraging support in store development, marketing, and DX. As a brand from Kagoshima, we will continue to contribute to the promotion of healthy food culture and regional revitalization.'

Shun Yamazaki, CEO of Wiz: 'I am excited to work together toward the 100-store expansion of the delicious salad bowl brand 'VEGE & me'. Wiz will handle the following:

1. Increasing leads for potential franchisees 2. Supporting the response to leads 3. Developing potential store locations 4. Supporting fundraising

We will aim to expand store locations while working side-by-side with them. 'VEGE & me' is delicious. Please give it a try.'

Future Outlook

Through this alliance, both companies will accelerate the expansion of 'VEGE & me' and promote initiatives to enhance brand value.

By utilizing Wiz's store management know-how, DX solutions, and marketing support functions, the companies will strengthen outlet strategies, support recruitment, and streamline operations to aim for 100 stores by 2030.

Additionally, through community-rooted business development, they aim to contribute to the spread of healthy lifestyles and regional revitalization.

About 'VEGE & me'

'VEGE & me' is a chopped salad specialist with the concept of 'vegetables as the main character'. By combining high-quality ingredients with a variety of toppings and dressings, the brand provides salads tailored to each customer's preferences. It also offers salad wraps and smoothies, expanding mainly within Kagoshima Prefecture as a brand that makes it easy and delicious to consume vegetables.