Started in The Netherlands in 1999, Oil & Vinegar is now an internationally operating retail chain with over 100 stores in 8 countries, of which 11 are located currently in the USA. 

Franchisees at Oil & Vinegar have all the possibilities of an independent entrepreneur, while being supported by the knowledge and experience of Oil & Vinegar.  The service center in Seattle WA supports franchisees in the field of administration, stock management/ordering, marketing, store design, presentation, visual merchandising and also provides training in these specific fields.

Turn your Passion into your Business!

At Oil & Vinegar, we offer an interactive gourmet specialty shop concept packed with international panache, flavor and passion, providing our guests with an un-matched shopping experience.

Oil & Vinegar is a global brand name synonymous with high-quality international taste and experience.  In the US marketplace, we are gaining rapid brand recognition and are present in 8 US states. Primarily through franchising, our vision is to make Oil & Vinegar a household name, providing food enthusiasts in local markets the opportunity to experience our unique international flair and discover the perfect culinary gifts for any occasion

We are actively seeking passionate entrepreneurs who love gourmet food and are ready to chase the dream of running their own business. What Oil & Vinegar has to offer is a retail concept vastly different from anything in the market and one that appeals to the gourmet interests.

As an Oil & Vinegar business owner, you will have the opportunity to take your guests on a tour of international culture, healthy eating, beautiful gift arrangements, and of course amazing flavors – all in the comfort of YOUR OWN store!

The unique Oil & Vinegar Concept

Oil & Vinegar is an innovative and interactive Gourmet Specialty Retail concept filled with a vast range of exclusive or private labeled products made from the highest quality ingredients. The assortment is carefully selected by our buying team in Europe and produced by traditional family businesses in the respective country of origin. The care taken in the selection process and quality controls employed is why our products maintain their authentic flavors and superior quality. We believe you can taste the Mediterranean sun in our products. As our name suggests, our specialty is our "on-tap" oils and vinegars which consist of only the best quality given our rigorous selection process and long-standing partnerships with only a select few artisan producers around the world.

In the stores our customers can taste most any of our products, be tempted and advised by our staff on combinations and uses leaving our guests with no choice but to take one of each! Together with the inviting character of the shops, the personal attention for our customers and the way in which gifts are wrapped, a visit to Oil & Vinegar is a memorable culinary experience compelling our guests to visit again and again, plus share their experience with others.

We currently have two opportunities available to a prospective franchisee. The first is our traditional in-line full store format and the second is a new Kiosk (mini shop) format. The later will be a significantly lower initial investment and come with a lower ongoing operational cost structure. The first kiosk opened, located in Lynnwood WA within the Alderwood Mall, is currently for sale as an operational unit. We have other in-line store locations that we are expecting to become available next year as operational re-sale units.

The assortment of Oil & Vinegar

The assortment consists of over 300 gourmet food and non-food products, mainly from the Mediterranean cuisine. Included are herb mixes, dressings, olives, sundried tomatoes, mustards, sauces, pestos, pastas in various cuts and colors, and – of course – a large variety of olive, nut /seed oils and balsamic/wine vinegars from various parts of the world. Matching ‘non food’ products are ceramics (plates, platters and olive bowls etc.), kitchen utensils and cookbooks to complement the atmosphere of the different countries and food cultures.

As a franchisee you have the purchase obligation to order and stock all "core items" (~ 200 skus) comprised of primarily branded Oil & Vinegar products supplied by us. Our assortment is consistently refreshed with new products coming to your shelves every quarter. By continuously introducing new products from all over of the world we can keep our customers inspired and surprised. As a franchisee, you have the same possibilities as an independent entrepreneur, while being supported by the knowledge and experience of Oil & Vinegar.

Innovative retail formula

A visit to our shops is truly an experience not quickly forgotten. The open character of the store is inviting and once inside all the senses are stimulated by the tasteful presentation of our culinary products.  The in-store marketing allows the store owner to tell a different story each month about a region our products come from (eg Italy or Spain),  a seasonal activity (eg. BBQ or holiday entertaining), a flavor or ingredient (eg. Truffle or Basil), or a holiday/gift season (eg. Christmas or Mothers Day).  Our guests are actively encouraged to sample nearly any product in our international assortment. Furthermore, there is a vast selection of oils and vinegars that are freshly tapped in front of you, a party for everyone who enjoys cooking and loves good food. Our unique presentation not only stimulates additional impulse purchases, but the gift aspect will turn nearly every recipient into a potential new customer. To surprise our customers, we re-merchandise (decorate) our stores every 4 to 6 weeks to give a completely different atmosphere. Depending on the theme we introduce the newest products and kitchen accessories from a certain country or continent to keep our customers continually inspired and encourage them to explore and experiment in their own kitchen!

Passion, enthusiasm, commitment
Do you recognize yourself in the following characteristics?

You are passionate about cooking, love to entertain, and have an eye for quality ingredients

A love for food and cooking and the attention for quality are essential characteristics for successful entrepreneurship in an Oil & Vinegar shop.  By convincingly transferring your knowledge onto customers with enthusiasm and credibility, customers will trust your recommendations and return to be inspired again and again. 

You are energetic and show full commitment

You are in the shop yourself and tirelessly give your customers the attention they deserve. You are well informed about their desires and their previous purchases. You make your customers more loyal with your advice, enthusiasm, and the quality of your personal customer service. With your commitment you turn visitors into buyers, and your staff and customers into ambassadors for the brand. 

You have a talent for sales and a commercial attitude

Sales talent is a combination of hospitality, people skills, thoroughness and flair. You are a true host/hostess and personally fit in very well with your target group. You are also capable to assemble a great team around you that portraits the perfect image for your store. Professional hygiene and cleanness are a given for you. 

You have managerial capacities

The store is your own company and you will take responsibility for it, even though you are supported in many different facets by the corporate office. You can handle your employees both in an inspiring and in a developmental way.

You have sufficient financial resources 

You are prepared as well as capable to invest hard-earned savings in the store.  You have a financial plan which you analyze continuously, share with employees and take corrective action immediately when off course.

As a franchisee, you have the same possibilities as an independent entrepreneur, while being supported by the knowledge and experience of Oil & Vinegar.

Support from Oil & Vinegar

As a small business owner a lot of new obstacles will come your way. In these situations it is comforting to have people around you that you can rely on for good advise. From the first contact you will receive hands on training and guidance from our experienced HQ staff who will take you step by step through starting up and running the day to day of your business in a manner that has been proven to be successful.