“If someone said to me six years ago I would have 11 stores I would have laughed at it as a joke.”Perth-based multi unit franchisee Yaz Mubarakai still remembers his first Sumo Salad meal.
“My wife and I ate lunch one Sunday and I remember I paid $9.95 for a spicy barbecue prawn salad. After the meal I felt really good. We filled out an online application to buy a franchise that evening.”
Yaz, his wife, sister and brother in law already ran a local post office, and when their shopping centre manager was keen for them to bring in Sumo Salad, they knew they were on to a good thing.
Although Yaz had never dealt with food before found he had a natural flair, and within the first six months the franchisor approached him to open a second outlet.
“I had discovered a passion for food.”
Spearheading a movement to serve up healthy, tasty, affordable dishes, the salad franchise has inspired suppliers, franchisees and customers who are passionate about making better food choices.
“For a franchise, this is a blue chip brand. It is creating an audience to market alternative, healthy choices in food,” says Yaz.
With two school-aged children mini advocates for healthy eating, the Muburakais are known locally as the Sumo family.
“Children are always taught about fruit and vegetables at school but nothing else really connects the dots. We contribute salads and wraps to community events, that’s how we help spread the word.
“We have blossomed because we enjoy what we do with the franchisor. We’ve gone from strength to strength. This has given me a chance to do something for myself, and build a future for my kids. I have gained a lot of respect from our business friends too.”
Friends have been quick to see the opportunity to build their own healthy fast food business offering a gourmet menu, raw foods and cold-pressed juices. Yaz formed an alliance with a friend to open three sites in Queensland, and partnered with another mate to open at Victoria’s Airport West and Watergarden.
His next goal is to find university locations. “This is a great audience to introduce to the brand, for students to have healthy options.”
In contrast to the rather rigid process of running a post office the crusading Yaz finds the Sumo Salad franchise experience a thrill.
“I’m very happy at work. When I visit a store I’m like a kid in a candy shop. I love the brand and the product. It has given me joy and purpose.
“Yes there are great financial returns but I’m doing something that is beneficial to customers. I get great satisfaction from providing a healthy product.
“I can’t tell you how good I feel, and I’ve never been as excited about my franchise journey as I am today. The brand has evolved, there’s a continuous cycle of change and improvements.”
Do you have the crusading spirit and a passion for positive change? Find out how you can be part of a journey together with SumoSalad and make Australia a healthier place.