Franchises make Fast Starters list

Sarah Stowe

Aussie Farmers Direct once again hits the top five in a BRW magazine list, numbered second in the 2010 Fast Starters. Five franchise systems are named in the top 100 list, three of them Mexican food franchises.

Last year Aussie Farmers Direct, the home delivery farm box franchise, was in third place and has shown a growth of 131.18 percent in 2008 to 2009 and a turnover of $65,025,374.

Moving from its 30th position last year is Salsa’s Fresh Mex Grill, now listed 23 with a turnover of $6,411,251, representing a growth rate of 57.90 percent.

The highest ranking of three first timers, Guzman y Gomez served up a turnover of $3,359,050, a growth of 47.18 percent to reach the 42nd placing.

Fellow NSW-based Mexican dining franchise, Mad Mex, saw growth reach 211.57 percent in 2008 to 2009, bringing a turnover of $2,446,630 and a slot at number 52.

Ranked 69, Appliance Tagging Services turned over $1,697,360, and grew by 88.70 percent over the period.

The young companies are ranked by 2008 to 2009 revenue of at least $500,000 (verified by audit), the bulk of which cannot be start-up funding, must have two financial year reports and may not be a subsiduary of a multinational.