Sydney-based bakery business Taste of Europe officially opened its first franchise at Broadway shopping centre on 23 December.  

Taste of Europe founder, Fotios Koutsioukis told Franchising the business has really begun to kick-off in the past week or two. 

“There have been some great reviews. People keep coming back and telling us what great coffee we have, because we base ourselves around traditional European coffees.

“Our menu is derived from different coffees around Europe and we’ve broken it up into countries of origin,” he says.

He adds the new franchise has begun to develop a social media presence. “We have a Facebook page for the store and it has about 100 people following it already.”

It seems Taste of Europe’s Broadway fanchisee, Adrian Medina is pleased with his decision to invest in the brand thus far, having communicated that he is keen to expand his Taste of Europe empire in the future.

“Adrian has indicated that he would love to open up other stores once the Broadway one is up and running, which is good news for us,” Koutsioukis says.

Taste of Europe has also signed its second franchisee, and is currently looking at potential sites in Sydney’s west.

“We have seen a few sites, there is one in Parramatta and we have looked at another in Campbelltown mall.

“The franchisee has those two sites to choose between, or if she decides she doesn’t want either then we will start looking for other sites,” he explains.  

Koutsioukis stresses the importance of site location, and works with his franchisees to find sites that please both parties. 

“Location is everything – you might have the best concept but it doesn’t mean it’s going to work in every location,” he says.

Koutsioukis expects the western Sydney store will be up and running within three months of site confirmation. 

Taste of Europe is currently in talks with its third potential franchisee, and there are definite plans to expand the brand both within Australia and abroad.

“We are hoping to go interstate and global expansion is on the cards as well, but first we will look at setting everything up strong and steady here in Australia,” he adds.