Spudbar appoints franchising expert as expansion gathers pace
One of Australia’s leading franchise experts has joined up-and-coming franchisor Spudbar as they embark on their growth strategy.
Simon McNamara, the Founder of Viva Juice – a company he later sold to Boost, and a founding shareholder of the rapidly expanding burger business, Grill’d, will join the baked potato chain as a Business Partner.
Spudbar is a food concept that was developed in 2000 offering baked potatoes with gourmet toppings.
Spudbar CEO Kirsten Roberts was delighted to announce McNamara’s appointment as they prepare for a busy year of expansion. “I am very excited to be working alongside someone with such proven abilities as Simon, and welcome the opportunity to tap into his experience as Spudbar embarks upon this period of rejuvenation and growth,” she said.
The company is forecasting 30% growth in year-on-year same store sales in 2009/2010 and is also aiming to double the number of stores from 13 in the next 12-18 months.
Operations in existing locations across Victoria, Western Australia and New Zealand will increase and Spudbar will expand into the NSW and Queensland markets.
Mr McNamara said his experience had taught him that success in franchising was often predicated upon a “simple business model that offers good operators strong and predictable profit margins.”
He is keen to expand the menu, but believes maintaining a strong workplace culture will be a key to their success.
“These things matter and they contribute to success, particularly in the rapidly growing ‘fast casual’ category where Spudbar fits. Customers want exciting meal options that are healthy and reasonably priced. And franchisees want a profitable business they can grow and that allows them to live the life they want to lead,” he advised.
