Australian pizza franchise Eagle Boys has recognised the need to develop a new store model in order to thrive in small towns.Called the “Local Store Model”, the new range of franchised stores will be established in towns with a population of between 2,500 and 5,000 residents. The stores will have a smaller store footprint, and open for fewer hours (4.30pm to 9pm daily) with an optional delivery service but will still offer the same menu. The new model is part of the company’s robust... ...Read more »

Brisbane-based gourmet pizza franchise Pizza Capers has taken out the “Rising Star Award” at Queensland Business Review’s Q400 Awards. Pizza Capers co-owner Scott Geiszler said the award acknowledged the immense growth rate of the business which moved from the 332nd spot on the Q400 list in 2006 to number 97 this year. “It is fantastic to know we are one Queensland’s largest businesses, it is what we strive to achieve and it’s great to be recognised for all our... ...Read more »

The franchising sector has continued its strong growth in the past two years according to the results of the Franchise Australia 2008 Survey revealed at the sectors leading annual conference - the National Franchise Convention. The resultsdiscovered a continued growth rate in franchise systems of 14.6% from 2006 to mid-2008. “The survey findings are a sign of the confidence in the franchising sector at a time when global and domestic economic indicators are in decline,” FCA (Franchise... ...Read more »

A report from foodservice consultants Technomic has found that many top restaurant chains grew their 2007 sales through signing more franchisees, instead of relying on same-store sales increases. “Restaurant chains are facing an increasingly challenging environment and higher costs,” notes Darren Tristano, Executive Vice President of Technomic Information Services. “Expansion through franchising transfers some of the downside risk of a slowing economy to the franchisees, while the... ...Read more »

Australian pizza maker Eagle Boys Pizza has recorded a 21.9% increase in sales growth during the past 12 months on the back of climbing sales and growing store numbers. Australia’s third largest pizza chain recorded revenue of more than $125 million, and opened 51 new stores. The company now operates 230 franchised stores in Australia across five store models. The number of stores has risen swiftly since their first opening in 1987, with last month’s acquisition of Pizza Haven Australia,... ...Read more »

Australian pizza maker Eagle Boys Pizza has bolstered its national expansion drive with the purchase of Pizza Haven Australia, the nation’s fourth largest pizza chain. The move will see Eagle Boys operate 270 stores across Australia and see the company enter the Sydney and South Australian markets for the first time. Under the deal, Pizza Haven franchisees will be offered the opportunity to convert their stores to Eagle Boys stores. Eagle Boys Pizza Managing Director Todd Clayton believes the... ...Read more »

The economic downturn in America has led to a number of initiatives from McDonald’s seeking to lure customers, but the strategies now seem to be frustrating some franchisees. US comparable sales for the company rose 4.3% in May as their promotions, which included providing a small menu of items at $1 and the use of giveaways, provided steady growth. Giveaways have so far included a two-day burrito giveaway and free coffee on Mondays in some areas. Franchisees dealing with rising costs,... ...Read more »

Burger King is set to commit to new franchises to help grow the brand. They are keen to create ‘Whopper Bars’ which will be a more exciting experience for the customer with the burgers to be made in front of them. The stores are designed to be small so that they can fit into spaces where a Burger King outlet would not be feasible. At the moment the concept is still being explored in more detail and the first Whopper Bar is not expected to open in America until early next year.... ...Read more »

Small Business Minister Margaret Quirk today released the report of an inquiry into the operation of franchise businesses in Western Australia. The inquiry was set up in 2007, following some concerns about fairness in franchising arrangements. South East Metro Small Business Centre manager Chris Bothams was appointed the independent chair of the inquiry. Mr Bothams, an accomplished and respected former franchisee and two-time winner of the WA Franchisee of the Year award, was also named the... ...Read more »