DGAP-News: VAPIANO SE: Vapiano continues targeted international expansion with already 13 new restaurants in 2018

Vapiano continues targeted international expansion with already 13 new restaurants in 2018

• Target of 33 to 38 restaurants in 2018 confirmed
• Fourth Mini Vapiano pilot launched in Chicago after Ingolstadt, Vienna and Berlin
• Second Freestander pilot after Fürth opened in Toulouse

Cologne, 12 July 2018 - Vapiano SE (ISIN: DE000A0WMNK9; stock exchange symbol: VAO) successfully continued its international expansion in the first half of 2018. Thirteen new restaurant openings during this period -among others in Utrecht, Berlin and Vienna - have increased Vapiano's global presence to 215 restaurants in 33 countries. With several more openings around the globe to come in the second half of the year, the target of 33-38 new restaurants in 2018 has been confirmed. The Management continues its strategy of targeted international expansion.

Further pilots of the two new restaurant formats Mini Vapiano and Vapiano Freestander were also opened. In Chicago, the fourth Mini Vapiano in total was started, pushing the number of restaurants in the US to ten. Mini Vapianos are smaller restaurants characterized by significantly lower investment costs, which are currently being tested in various national and international locations.

In Toulouse, France, Vapiano recently opened another Freestander. As indicated by the name, Freestanders are larger free-standing restaurants built at prominent traffic junctions outside the city centers. After the end of the pilot phase, management and supervisory board of Vapiano SE will decide on the further roll-out of the Mini Vapianos and the Freestanders.

"Our international expansion is proceeding to plan and we are optimistic about the second half of 2018. The new Mini pilot in Chicago and the second Freestander in Toulouse will provide us with valuable insights for the potential expansion of our innovative restaurant formats," says Jochen Halfmann, CEO of Vapiano SE.

About Vapiano
In 2002, Italian lifestyle brand Vapiano created a new category in system gastronomy with its innovative "fresh casual dining" concept combining elements from "fast casual" and "casual dining". The restaurant concept is based on quality, uncompromisingly fresh ingredients, and transparency. Pasta, pizza dough, sauces, dressings and desserts are handmade each day in every Vapiano. The dishes are prepared in front of the guests "à la minute" and "customized" to the guests' requirements. The recipe for success also includes the cosmopolitan ambiance. Long oak tables invite communication, a fully grown olive tree and a cozy bar and lounge area characterize the feel-good atmosphere found in every Vapiano. Vapiano also represents autonomy and individuality, so guests can choose between different "guest journeys". Guests decide whether they will order their food from the Vapianisti, at the terminal or via the VAPIANO app, and whether they will pay via chip card or app. The company has also successfully been offering take away and delivery services in a growing number of restaurants so guests can enjoy Vapiano "anytime, anyplace, anywhere". The successful concept has quickly spread from Hamburg all over the world. As of March 31, 2018, there were 206 restaurants in 33 countries on five continents in the Vapiano network. Vapiano shares (ISIN: DE000A0WMNK9) have been traded on the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since June 27, 2017. Further information can be found at ir.vapiano.com.

Investor Relations Contact:
Dr. Andrea Rolvering
Cellphone: +49 151 5445 9750
Tel: +49 221 67001 301
Email: a.rolvering@vapiano.eu

Financial and Business Press:
Dariusch Manssuri, IR.on AG
Cellphone: +49 173 566 2776
Tel: +49 221 9140 975
Email: dariusch.manssuri@ir-on.com