Melbourne-based
healthy fast-food franchise group,
Trios, will make its interstate debut in weeks with the opening of two stores in Sydney, signalling the beginning of the company’s expansion out of Melbourne.
With 12 stores currently operating in Melbourne and a further two in the pipeline, the company’s focus over the next 12 months will be to expand further interstate, beginning with Sydney, followed by Brisbane.
Co-founder and Managing Director, Mr David Elia, said Trios’ vision was to have 50 stores by the end of 2006. “These franchise signings in Sydney are of particular importance because they signal the beginning of our interstate expansion,” he said.
“We hope to significantly raise the profile of the brand by bringing it to new markets and ultimately, attract more potential franchisees.” The first Sydney store will open in November at MacArthur Square, Campbeltown, followed with a second store early next year at a location yet to be confirmed.
Following the two Sydney stores, a further two will open in Brisbane by the end of the year, taking the national total to 18 outlets. Mr Elia said once these were up and running, the company would focus on breaking into the South Australian and West Australian markets.
“We’ve had a lot of success in New South Wales and Queensland primarily due to appearances at franchise trade shows, which generated many valuable leads, including these eventual franchisee signings. “We hope to emulate that success next year at trade shows in Perth and Adelaide by introducing potential franchisees to the Trios concept.”
Trios plans to set up stores in high traffic locations around the country servicing areas such as CBD office buildings, food courts, airports, tourist and sporting precincts, universities and hospitals. Mr Elia said prominent locations were very important in the fast-food industry and Trios was committed to securing high-traffic positions for franchisees.
“A prime location is almost as important as a good product in attracting people to trial a brand,” he said. “Our focus at the moment is on shopping centre food courts where there is a demand for healthy, low-fat, fresh meal alternatives.”
Mr Elia said Trios was continually searching for suitable store sites and ideal franchise partners. “Our ideal franchisees are energetic couples or singles who would reflect the Trios culture by having a passion for healthy eating and a general understanding of food and retail".
“This is an exciting time for Trios; we are confident we’ll continue to grow as more consumers adopt healthy eating habits and more potential franchisees recognise the promise of the business.”
30-Jul-2007