Pier Lai opens two Movenpick Ice Cream franchises

Qualified accountant, Pier Lai, is the first Movenpick Ice Cream franchisee to own two stores – one n South Bank, Brisbane and the other in Westfield Doncaster, Melbourne.

Pier Lai has spent over 14 years as a business and IT consultant to many large Australian and international companies. He holds a Master of Business Degree through a joint Queensland and South Carolina (USA) program and since then had always dreamed of owning his own business.

After resigning from a high profile role with a German firm in 2009, Lai had noticed an article announcing a “Franchisee Information Evening” hosted by Movenpick Ice Cream.

“Having grown up enjoying Movenpick Ice cream in Asia since the 80s, I instantly recognised Movenpick as the premium ice cream brand that I loved,” said Lai.

“I attended the information evening without any expectations but was impressed by the very professional presentation from the Movenpick team. It was clear that Movenpick intended to make a big impact in the Australian market.”

Once registered with Movenpick, Pier Lai attended a detailed interview, a systematic site selection and in-store training at Movenpick’s Bondi. Lai received hands-on instruction on the art of scooping the perfect ice cream, baking fresh waffles and making ice coffee.

“The Movenpick Australia team compromise of professionals with years of hospitality and franchising experience, who can provides strong support to the franchisee every step of the way,” said Lai.

“Most importantly, the systematic way that the Movenpick franchises are operated means added confidence that I can open and manage a successful Movenpick boutique without prior hospitality or retail experience.”

In 2009, Pier Lai had opened his first Movenpick ice cream franchise in South Bank, Brisbane and was profitable from day one. 12 months later, Lai was able to return to full-time work as a business consultant because his team had fully adopted the Movenpick system and was able to operate with minimal supervision.

Eventually, Lai’s business consulting brought him to Melbourne in mid 2010 where he was introduced to Movenpick’s plan to open its “shopping centre model” ice cream franchises, which combined premium ice cream with a broader dessert and pastry range.

When Westfield Doncaster expressed their interest in opening Movenpick’s shopping centre model, Lai was offered the chance to open his second ice cream boutique.

“I must admit that I was nervous about running two stores in two different states but Movenpick’s proven operating model gave me the confidence to expand my business portfolio within the franchise,” said Lai.

“Given my experience with the first boutique, the process of opening the Doncaster store was even smoother and we were able to focus on expanding our dessert menu and tailoring our marketing strategy to the local Melbourne market.”

Movenpick’s Westfield Doncaster has become a proven success with many customers requesting to open more boutiques. Pier is looking forward to Movenpick ice cream franchises expanding its presense in Melbourne.

For more information and franchising opportunities with Movenpick Ice Cream, visit their website or send them an e-mail.