COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sbarro (www.sbarro.com) announced its entry intoBolivia with a new store opening at the Ventura Mall in Santa Cruz.  Sbarro Bolivia SRL plans to open a total of 10 eateries in Bolivia over the next decade. The franchise agreement with Sbarro Bolivia SRL further expands Sbarro's footprint in South America, which currently includes eateries in Brazil andColombia, as well as locations launching soon in Peru.

Sbarro Bolivia partners Guillermo Cortes, Ricardo Issa, Mario Raul Quiroga Blanca and Eduardo Enrique Issa have also started construction on a second store in downtown Santa Cruz, scheduled to open this September. An additional eight units will follow, including a location at the new Santa Cruz mall@ Las Brixas set to open in early March 2015.

'Our new franchise partner is a natural fit for our expansion in South America, as the Group has a prominent presence in Bolivia. They own a chain of fitness centers, multiple video arcades, and two casual themed restaurants,' said Randy Jones, Chief Operating Officer of Sbarro. 'Opening week sales at the Ventura Mall were extremely strong and consumer response was favorable. We look forward to continuing this trend of strong sales, positive feedback and focused growth throughout the Boliviamarket with Sbarro Bolivia SRL as our partner.' 

Over the past two years, Sbarro has significantly expanded its international presence with new franchise agreements across the globe. The company currently operates more than 800 eateries across more than 40 countries, with more than 440 of those restaurants located outside the United States.

'We are excited to join forces with Sbarro during the company's ongoing expansion,' said Ricardo Issa. 'Our first store opening has been a huge success. We are very happy with the support our team received, and we look forward to supporting the brand throughout its growth in Bolivia.'

About Sbarro
Since it first opened its doors as an Italian Salumeria in 1956, Sbarro has been a leader in driving the growth of the Italian restaurant category.  Today, Sbarro team members bring a taste of the true Italian spirit to guests every day at its more than 800 eateries across more than 40 countries.  An award-winning franchise organization, Sbarro features a menu of popular Italian favorites including pizza, pasta and salad dishes.  Sbarro is headquartered in Columbus, OH. For more information, visitwww.sbarro.com.

SOURCE Sbarro