Spudtastic Opportunities
by
Spudbar
Consumers are looking for food that is nutritious, yet tasty and offers value for money. Founder Clay Thompson is excited that “Spudbar ticks all the boxes”. In fact, he adds, potatoes are lower in calories and fat than pasta and rice.
Building on the success of Spudbar in Melbourne, Clay is expanding the franchise and exciting opportunities exist to join this growing healthy fast-food chain.
Established in 2000, Spudbar fast food franchise specialises in oven-baked potatoes with a choice of over 30 hot or cold toppings. But there is more than just spuds on the menu; fresh salads, seasonal soups and 96% fat free yoghurt are other favourites. Customers can select from the Spudbar set menu that features popular combos such as the Dahl-i-Lama, a hot spud with toppings of curried lentil dahl, mushrooms, tabouli, carrot, wilted spinach, peas and natural dill yoghurt. Alternatively, they can build their own spud or salad from the extensive range of hot and cold toppings. Clay explains “there is a real theatre for the customers at Spudbar as they can see their meal being built and participate in the creation of their own masterpiece”.
Spudbar opened its first franchise store in Prahran in 2004 and today has seven franchises operating across Melbourne. The business is about to open its first kiosk at the Watergardens shopping centre food court. “Watergardens is very exciting for Spudbar because it proves to potential franchisees and other shopping centres that Spudbar can operate in a small stand alone kiosk. As there is no frying or grilling and no need for a grease trap, Spudbar has the flexibility to operate out of many areas that other meal options can’t”, explains Clay.
“Our goal is to recruit at least 10 franchisees across Victoria and Western Australia this year”.
Spudbar is attractive to potential franchisees as the concept works well in a variety of locations including neighbourhood strip shops, food court shopping centres and as kiosks at local community or sporting events.
“The operation is clean, there is no grilling or frying and the start up cost is low at less than $250,000 “, says Clay.
“For that level of investment, our franchisee receives a turn key operation that includes site selection, lease negotiation, shop fit out, equipment, stock, an extensive three week training course, opening promotion and operational support.”
Spudbar is looking to recruit franchisees that are enthusiastic, motivated and are not afraid of a little hard work.
“We’re looking for people who want to be part of an exciting business riding the wave of the booming healthy fast-food industry,” explains Clay. “Experience in hospitality is not essential as training is provided but good customer service skills are important as we believe that our customer is King.”
Spudbar franchisees not only profit from being part of a fun, strong brand, but a wealth of benefits including ongoing support, staff training, purchasing power for fresh produce, centralised bookkeeping and customer loyalty.
“Our existing stores have built up strong customer loyalty,” says Clay. “Our research shows that 50 per cent of customers eat at Spudbar at least once a week. We find that once customers try our spuds they’re hooked and keep coming back.” Spudbar currently cooks 35,000 spuds per month.
While Spudbar take away franchise is capitalising on the rapidly growing healthy fast-food market, the Melbourne business is also committed to being an environmentally friendly retailer. “We pride ourselves on efficient energy use, extensive recycling and off setting of carbon emissions. We are proud to be carbon neutral“, says Clay.
2008 is an exciting time for Spudbar. With the opportunity to capitalise on the United Nations International Year of the Potato, low setup costs, strong growth plans and a product that customers rave about, Spudbar is an exciting opportunity for people looking to start their own business.
31.07.2008
FCA Member
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Contact Spudbar
Level 1/574 Plummer St
Port Melbourne
VIC 3207
Tel: 03 8638 9999
Fax: 03 9645 5455
