$
7,000
800m
EMPLOYEES 2013
REVENUE 2012
From 2010 to 2012, Lomar's revenues
Across the Atlantic, Baydöner,
increased by $5 million, and the
a chain of fast-casual restaurants, led
company added 90 employees to
Endeavor Turkey's roster in terms of job
its workforce.
and revenue growth. Having grown
While studying industrial engineer-
up in families where dining out was
ing at university, Carlos Londoño sold
not an option, founders Levent Yılmaz
his first tour package to high school
and Feridun Tunçer decided to open
seniors in Bogotá, Colombia. His current
restaurants in middle-class malls and
venture, Travel & Vacation Group,
shopping centers. And by serving just six
continues Carlos's passion for getting
dishes—iskender döner (a plate of thinly
people to travel. Equal parts travel
cut grilled meat served with tomato
agency and hotel chain, TVG's main
sauce and yogurt on pita bread), four
product is an "all-inclusive" travel pack-
side options, and künefe (a traditional
age to the island of San Andrés that
Turkish dessert)—Baydöner restaurants
includes flight, hotel, food, beverages,
can guarantee high standards and
and other benefits. Salesmen go door-
service quality while keeping prices low.
to-door to sell these packages, offer-
The concept has been a hit. Today,
ing monthly installment plans in order
Baydöner operates 70 restaurants—
to make the vacations affordable for
including 17 franchises—across 34 cities
low- to-middle-income families. Against
in Turkey. From 2010 to 2012, Baydöner
the backdrop of a booming Colombian
added $32 million in revenues and
economy, the company's revenue has
370 jobs.
tripled over the past two years—to $88
million—and TVG added 1,700+ jobs.
13
Tecsis estimates that it
manufactured 50% of all custom
wind blades in operation in
North America.
