Two of the most well-known names in sweets and treats announced they are joining forces to create expanded opportunities for their franchisees and more menu variety for their customers.

Red Mango Yogurt Café Juice Bar & Smoothies announced a co-branding alliance with Crest Foods, Inc., franchisor of Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip. Under terms of the agreement, franchisees of both brands will have the opportunity to co-brand and expand their menu to include Red Mango and Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip signature products in the same location.

"It's a terrific alliance for our franchisees and for the brands," said Ziad Dalal, Crest Foods founder and president. "With a very modest additional investment, franchisees can essentially have two franchises in one that leverage their real estate and labor investments and offer customers a wider range of options."

Existing and new locations will also have the option to participate in this alliance. Exterior branding for Red Mango Yogurt Café Juice Bar & Smoothies will be side by side with Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip. Each co-branded location will offer the award-winning all-natural frozen yogurt, made-to-order fresh fruit smoothies and a wide variety of fresh cold-squeezed juices from Red Mango, as well as the famous cookies, baked goods, Nescafé specialty coffees, and light foods such as crepes and flatbreads from Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for both Red Mango and Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip franchisees and a bonus to customers of both brands," said Jim Notarnicola, vice president of marketing and franchising for Red Mango. "This will be seamlessly executed so that there is no brand confusion and designed to provide an immediate opportunity for franchisees to see incremental increases in sales and profits."

The new co-branded stores will open in late November in Richardson, Texas, at 1201 State Street in the CityLine development by new franchisee Clint Goin followed by another location in Fort Worth's iconic Sundance Square by new franchisee Kim Tauch.

"The economic model of the same retail space offering two brands and two menus to loyal customers will be extremely attractive to potential franchisees," added Dalal. "It enables them to lease better spaces and is designed to deliver better revenues all day long and all year round. It will also allow customers to enjoy a wider selection to satisfy their sweet tooth needs."