We generate new revenue streams for companies, particularly in the restaurant and hospitality industries. We create this growth for our clients through strategic consulting in the areas of restaurant development, franchising, product development and licensing.
Lauren Fernandez, Principal | Founder
Lauren is the founder of The Fernandez Company, the culmination of nearly two decades as a trusted brand consultant and legal advisor with all kinds of clients, from start-ups to multinational companies, to private equity and investment firms.
She consults with companies in all aspects of restaurant and franchise development, brand licensing, product development, and market implementation. Lauren is an expert in multi-national product development and commercialization in the heavily regulated food, alcohol, pharmaceutical and medical industries.
As a co-founder and investor in Origin Development Group, Ms. Fernandez has been both a multi-unit franchisee and brand developer, serving as a strategic growth partner for companies such as Chicken Salad Chick®. Lauren also served as the General Counsel for FOCUS Brands where she lead both the legal team and franchise administration, and was instrumental in the rapid growth of the licensing program.
Prior to joining FOCUS Brands, Lauren was part of an elite team at Novartis/CIBA VISION that successfully launched the company’s first new product in over a decade. She started her career in one of Atlanta's most respected Intellectual Property Boutiques, Gardner Groff.
Lauren holds an undergraduate degree from Stetson University, as well as a Juris Doctorate and MBA from Emory University. She serves on the Advisory Board for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. She also is a dedicated fundraiser for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and was named the 2015 Woman of the Year by the Atlanta Chapter. She is a native of the Tampa Bay area, but has lived in the Atlanta area for nearly two decades.
Areas of Expertise
Along with Lauren as Principal Consultant, our extensive network of consultants serve as subject matter experts across a number of complex areas of business development, including:
International Franchise Development
Retail Product Placement & B-2-B Sales
Product Manufacture & Distribution in Regulated Industries
Product Claims & Support
Co-Branded Products & Franchises