John Lupi
Founder and Member

John Lupi has nearly 20 years experience in the restaurant business.

Currently, John is co-owner of Appalachia, formally Countryside Cafe, a 95 seat casual eatery which was established in 1991, in which he served as chef/owner. John has created numerous menus & culinary events.

Prior to starting his own busines John was General Manager for the Peasant Restaurant chain in Atlanta, GA 1987-1991 managing restaurants with sales exceeding five million dollars.

Food & beverage manager for Callaway Gardens. Pine Mt GA 1984 - 1987, covering three restaurants and two bars with sales exceeding four million dollars.

John was born and raised in Connecticut where he attended University of Hartford.

As a pure testimonial for John's desire to have fresh food in a hurry he has created Justix.

Cynthia Leigh Lupi
Founder and Member

Cynthia Leigh ("Cindy") Lupi has nearly 17 years experience in the restaurant industry.

Cindy is Co-owner of Appalachia.

Prior to opening this restaurant Cindy worked for Peasant Restaurant Group and the Houston restaurant Group.

Cindy has been involved in several restaurant design projects, which have included graphic and interior design.

Cindy is a graduate of American College of Applied Arts, Atlanta Georgia, with a BA in Art and Design.

Michael S. Lassiter
Franchise Development and Member

Mike Lassiter serves as President and Chief Executive Officer for Franchising Concepts, a franchise success company. In addition to this role, he provides full-time focus in his capacity as President of Rising Roll Gourmet, a fast casual restaurant concept. In his capacity, he focuses on the day to day responsibilities of a number of franchisor companies through concept managers and direct contact with emphasis on franchise marketing, strategic planning, consulting and supporting partners, franchisee communication, new concept evaluation, franchisee qualification and closings, as well as site selection management.

Mike's franchising experience is extensive. He has launched seven new franchise companies and/or franchise related companies and has successful multi-unit management experience spanning almost 25 years. Mike has also been a franchisee, franchisor and area developer. This experience on all sides of the franchise model gives him a perspective that few can claim.

Prior to founding Franchising Concepts, Mike was President of Quality Concepts, Inc, an independent Area Developer for Schlotzsky’s, Inc, a restaurant franchisor. Contracted to Schlotzsky’s, Quality Concepts conducted franchise sales and support, store training and development, as well as market analyses and site selection. Mike was ultimately responsible for developing his territory to 85 units; making Quality Concepts the second largest Area Developer for Schlotzsky’s worldwide. During this time, Mike’s territory grew from less than $1M to approximately $40M in annual revenue, and he was awarded one of the top Area Developers for three sequential years.

Mike was also a Schlotzsky’s franchisee, purchasing one unit and building another; one in need of turnaround management and one new concept deli. These units subsequently were named "Best Deli" in north Atlanta by Creative Loafing Magazine, “Favorite place for a sandwich,” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, and designated "Top Deli in North Atlanta," for two years by Inside Northside Magazine.

Mike served as Regional Manager for Fox Photo Labs in a five state territory, where he was responsible for overall P&L, customer service, field support, site selection, inventory control, recruitment and quality assurance.

Mike also has extensive experience in commercial real estate and is a partner in real estate investment firms. On numerous occasions he has been a guest lecturer at Kennesaw State University. He completed a BBA in Management from Sam Houston State University and MBA studies at Mercer University. He is an active member of the 1% Club.

Erin Schwak
Franchise Development Manager

Erin Schwak joined Franchising Concepts in November 2004, as our Franchise Development Manager. In her role, she coordinates the franchise development strategy for three franchise entities. Her focus is franchise sales and she is in contact with franchise brokerage networks across the country; sharing with them the unique franchise offering of Ageless Remedies, Justix and Rising Roll Gourmet. She is in constant contact with interested prospects and shares with them valuable information related to each concept. Erin also orchestrates the franchisee Discovery Days in Atlanta and travels to a number of industry trade shows.

Erin attends grand opening events, National Conferences and is strategic in managing franchisee communication. She participates in franchisee monthly conference calls and is crucial in recording franchisee performance data.

Prior to working with Franchising Concepts, Erin served as Product Specialist with Memberclicks in Atlanta, Georgia. She also served as Marketing Lead Coordinator with Kodak Dental in Atlanta, Georgia.

Erin graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.A. in Communications.