The gourmet biscuit business Byron Bay Cookies has opened six franchised stores across Australia after launching its system globally in 2012.

Four of the stores are franchisee-operated concession outlets within David Jones Foodhalls in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

“After the success of our existing retail stores, we thought the timing was right to extend our retail footprint in Australia and abroad” said Gordon Slater, chairman of Slater International, parent company of Byron Bay Cookies.

In addition to its selection of cookies, the new store model offers a signature blend of single origin coffee, a savoury range, a ‘Pick & Mix’ selection of customised, coated or chocolate-enrobed biscuits, colourful macaroons, and other treats.

Slater said the franchising development will allow Byron Bay Cookies to meet growing demand for its product and complement its current distribution model.

“Franchising will help us to fill a gap in the marketplace, and we strongly believe this new retail model will allow us to create a new shopper experience by connecting with customers in a different way and open new possibilities for growth“, said Slater.

All Australian-based franchisees will be supplied by the bakehouse in Byron Bay; international franchisees will be supplied from either the UK or the US.

• Slater International also owns the Luken & May and Falwasser brands.