The owners of World of Beer Franchising Inc. have entered into an agreement with a company headed by former Outback Steakhouse president Ben Novello that could help take the brand national.

The financial details of the agreement are confidential, but both sides are pleased with the arrangement. The partnership enhances the likelihood that the brew pub will spring franchises outside of Florida.

"I have a lot of confidence in the brand that Matt (LaFon) and Scott (Zepp) have created and the growth potential I see," said Novello, who resigned as president of the Outback Steakhouse brand in 2006.

Jim Pollard, formally of Outback, is also part of the endeavor.

"Ben and Jim are going to make the company stronger, and we couldn't be more excited," said Scott Zepp, one of the owners of World of Beer Franchising Inc. "We try to do the best thing for the brand, and bringing them on will be the best thing for the company."

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