IMMIGRANT OF THE DAY: TARIQ FARID - ENTREPRENEUR

Pakistan-native Tariq Farid is the founder, president and CEO of Edible Arrangements International, Inc. The company makes those gorgeous fresh fruit arrangements that resemble flower baskets and chances are one of the 800+ Edible Arrangements stores is in your area. Mr. Farid launced the very successful franchise company in 1999 and now has locations around the world. The company has been listed on many ranking services as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the US.

Comments

[Debi]

John E., We would love to speak with you about Farid & Co. We need your help. As you might know, we are in the middle of a battle & fighting to save what little is left. We don't want to be another statistic in this corrupt group. He is trying to ruin our family's life by taking our store away causing us to lose everything we have worked so hard for. While you were working for Farid we were having problems with the company. We are hoping you can give us some important information which will help us in court. Please contact us through the EAFOO group, you can also get our number from Joe or Tim.
Thanking you in advance,
Debi (former franchisee not by choice)

[Anonymous]

If Tariq Farid is worthy of Immigrant of the Day, then I am Santa Claus. Not only is Mr. Farid's company being run with a heavily flawed business model (if a model even really exists), but the company has a nearly 70% yearly turn over rate and the ownership's Muslim religion is heavily imposed on both corporate employees and franchisees alike. Tolerance is not in Mr. Farid's vocabulary. The company is run by a militant, iron fist where ideas, criticism, and "thinking outside the box" are grossly discouraged. Franchisees are slaves to the system and are constantly blind sided by new rules, new fees, and harsh requirements that are in questionable compliance with their Franchise Agreements. To top it off, according to public records, Mr. Farid was recently cited for third degree assault... which of his two wives was involved in the altercation is not clearly known. Do us all a favor. Do some research before you choose to give gratitude and applause to someone who clearly is undeserving.

[Joe Franchisee]

The good Mr. Faird is sucessfull on the backs of the EA franchisees. He continualy creates new costs and fee for the independent franchise owner to pay to him. They have grosely under stated the amount of money required to open and operate a franchise location, by utilizing very seasoned stores that have gigantic "exclusive territories" but then gives his franchisees no exclusive territories. While stores are closing across the country, and owners losing thier investments, homes and retirements, Mr. Farid built himself a mansion in Chesire CT and is planning to build a islamic mosque. Mr. Farid is an dishonest man.

[JoeF]

Unrelated, but I just read that DHS wants to expand the US-VISIT program to Permanent Residents.

[JoeF]

Unrelated, but I just read that DHS wants to expand the US-VISIT program to Permanent Residents:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10126625-38.html?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0