Back to Previous

Heath L’Estrange becomes Croc’s Playcentre franchisee

Sarah Stowe

Rugby league star Heath L’Estrange has become one of four franchisees that own Croc’s Playcentre Prospect (New South Wales) which will also feature a Muffin Break cafŽ inside as part of a partnership with three other directors, all will be involved in some way towards the day to day running of the store. Inside Franchise Business: Rugby league star buys a franchise.

L’Estrange played for the Sydney Roosters, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and St. George Illawarra Dragons in the National Rugby League.

“Having recently retired from playing twelve years of professional rugby league, it was a tough time in terms of not knowing what I could to do that I would enjoy or what I would be good at that didn’t involve playing footy,” explained L’Estrange.

“One of my strengths during my career was working along side the young development programs for children, which I loved.

“My wife Jessica and I always said we would love to own a business that involved working with children, and also owning or running a cafŽ.

“So when our aunty and uncle, Tonia and Kevin, approached us about going in with them to buy a Croc’s franchise we thought this was a great opportunity to be involved with both of those things.”

He added, “The opportunity to be able to work alongside family and with a strong team environment, as well as working with children is the ideal business for the next stage of my career.”

With the Prospect outlet set to open on Saturday, there are plans for growth.

“We are looking for highly motivated people that understand what fantastic customer service looks like to join our franchise network and become part of a winning team!” said Brett Aldons, Croc’s Playcentre director.

Croc’s Playcentres plans on rolling out multiple sites throughout New South Wales in the coming 24 months.

“Available sites include Campbelltown, Gregory Hills, Marsden Park, Newcastle, New South Wales Central Coast, Smithfield, Box Hill, Hoxton Park and McGraths Hill,” he added.

Croc’s Playcentre Prospect opens on June 24th at 9.30am and becomes the 18th store in its growing franchise network.

Find out more about the cafe and children’s services category.