Domino’s franchise going strong

The Domino’s Pizza franchise has cemented its position as Australia’s largest pizza maker by opening more franchises than expected during the 2004-05 financial year.

The franchise had expected to operate 376 franchises in Australia and New Zealand by 30 June 2005, but instead had 387. Of these, 339 stores were in Australia and 48 were in New Zealand. It still expects to open at least 42 stores in 2005-06 in accordance with its prospectus forecast for the financial year.

Over the last financial year the Domino’s franchise opened 93 stores – a new record for the company. This included moving into the Melbourne market for the first time, where it now has 35 stores.

While New Zealand and Victoria have been the focus for much of the new store activity, the fast food franchise has also expanded in existing territories. According to CEO Don Meij, the expansion has been fuelled by continued strong profits, a listing on the ASX, and a growing national appetite for pizza.

“Over the past year we’ve not only opened a number of new stores, but also merged with a number of other pizza players, including Pizza Haven New Zealand, Mad Dog Pizza in New Zealand and Big Daddy’s Pizza in Melbourne,” he notes.

“However, we still see plenty of opportunities in Australia and New Zealand and we will be pursuing those in 2005-06.”

Approximately 30 percent of Domino’s Pizza stores are owned and operated by Domino’s Pizza, with the remaining 70 percent owned and operated by pizza franchise partners. It is Australia’s first publicly listed pizza chain, having made its debut on the Australian Stock Exchange in May 2005.