About Us

Crescendo® is the premier specialty retailer of the world's finest oils, vinegars and spices. Every product on our shelves is harvested at the peak of perfection, providing customers with a "Symphony of Taste."

Crescendo's unique concept offers customers the opportunity to "See, Sample and Savor" before they choose the quantity they wish to purchase. The European tradition of tasting and selecting a preferred quantity is centuries old and harkens back to the practice of shopping in local farmers markets. Through in-store tastings, cooking classes and demonstrations, and extensive, individualized service, customers are given the opportunity to learn what makes Crescendo products the best in the world and to taste the difference for themselves.

Crescendo carries the largest, freshest bulk selection of natural, organic culinary oils and fruit and balsamic vinegars in the world. The key to Crescendo's unparalleled freshness starts with our close partnership with local growers from around the world. At the point of harvest, products are sealed in airtight containers, coming into contact with air and light only at the moment of tasting or decanting for your customers. Crescendo offers an uninterrupted supply distribution to our USA franchise locations through an integrated supply partner in Chicago.

Why Choose Crescendo?

Passionate Customers
Health and wholesome food are now of interest to the majority of consumers - 85 percent according to industry studies. Importantly, how people shop for healthy food has changed. Traditional grocery stores no longer account for the lion's share of these purchases. Consumers are increasingly looking toward specialty stores, such as Crescendo.

Crescendo speaks directly to those customers who are passionate about healthy food and quality ingredients. Whether a chef at a five star restaurant or a mother seeking to delight her family, Crescendo customers know a great meal begins with the finest ingredients. Letting imagination and their taste buds guide them, customers can choose a taste of Asia tonight followed by Africa tomorrow, or perhaps enjoy a hint of France or Italy.

Sales beyond the Four Walls
The unparalleled quality of Crescendo cask-borne, artisan oils, vinegars and spices creates a unique opportunity for sales to restaurants, culinary schools, and caterers. While most retailers must wait for customers to enter their stores, Crescendo owners can achieve recurring sales by educating local chefs about exclusive products that will set their menus apart from the competition.

Other sources of outside sales include corporate gift programs, real estate agents, financial planners, and other professionals who routinely gift their customers and employees. Seasonal gift giving is another source of revenue. Crescendo customers delight in sharing their passion for their favorite flavors, which translates into brisk holiday sales.

Dedication to Excellence
The Crescendo mission is to provide patrons with a Mediterranean way of sampling and savoring premium-quality, artisan products directly from the cask, with a commitment to uncompromising levels of satisfaction.

Crescendo is committed to bringing only the finest quality culinary oils, vinegars and spices to the marketplace and to always being the first stop for quality and health conscious gourmets, epicures and food lovers.

Crescendo shops create a delightful, memorable customer experience by sampling the full range of products, which increases likelihood of purchase and engenders a strong sense of goodwill toward the business.

A Global Vision
Crescendo's successful franchise system was founded in 1994 in Germany, and Crescendo now has shops in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and the United States. Our goal is to be the premier source and leading educator for the finest artisanal products to savor a healthy life.

A Dedicated Team
Crescendo USA is dedicated to recruiting, developing, motivating, and educating passionate individuals to be successful and profitable Crescendo franchisee partners. To meet this goal, we offer a complete package of support services. We get franchisees off on the right foot by providing extensive product and operations training, including a top-notch operations manual. We help find just the right location, and then assist with the lease negotiation. We professionally design store layout, and then bring our hammers to help with the build-out and setup. We provide initial training for your staff and hands-on planning for a remarkable grand opening event and marketing campaign.

Our support and guidance do not stop once your shop is up and running. Our ongoing services include store operations, marketing, accounting, performance analysis, and world class event design and execution. Come see what it feels like to be part of a team dedicated to helping you create a thriving business and share your passion for exploring the finest flavors of the world.

FAQ's

Q: Is a culinary background required to be a CRESCENDO owner?
A: A culinary background is not needed to own a CRESCENDO store, only a passion to educate and excite customers about our amazing products.

Q: How much does it cost to open a CRESCENDO store?
A: The cost to open a Crescendo store varies greatly and is based on many factors. Investment begins at a minimum of $90,000.

Q: Are there financing options available?
A: Crescendo is SBA registered and has optional third party financing options for store fixtures.

Q: What are the net worth requirements?
A: Net worth requirement is $250,000 with liquid cash of $25,000.

Q: Are multi-store agreements available?
A: Yes, multiple store agreements are awarded based on financial qualifications.