There’s no doubt 2019 has been a massive year for franchising. From international chains proving their worth Down Under, to monster partnerships boosting business, the last 12 months have had it all.
But for some Aussie brands, 2019 also marked a first foray into the franchise scene. A range of brand new concepts, coupled with a few existing independents made the leap, and we’re all happier for it.
Here’s our list of new franchise brands that joined the ranks this year.
1. Motto Motto
The fast-casual Japanese dining concept already had a decent network across the country, but in October Motto Motto announced a franchise future.
Steering the ship is experienced executive and former Huxtaburger CEO Matt Fickling, who announced the chain was looking to explore national growth in the new year.
Motto Motto currently has five stores across Queensland, along with one store in Sydney.
2. 20PerFit
Another new franchise brand to hit the market in 2019 was innovative, technology-driven fitness chain 20PerFit.
The fresh-to-market concept introduces Electro Muscle Stimulation (EMS) practices to the Aussie fitness arena. Members strap themselves in to a high-tech suit and receive a series of mild electro-pulses while they work-out.
The technology is proven to aid athletic performance, recovery, weight loss and bone density, helping users from fitness models to elite athletes.
3. The Yiros Shop
Brisbane institution The Yiros Shop is another familiar face that made the move into franchising this year. The new franchise brand had amassed a solid following since launching in 2015, however, outlined plans to grow across key areas.
“It’s fantastic to see how popular our fresh Greek food is among locals and visitors and with this, we have built a huge following of loyal customers who keep coming back for more,” founder Nicholas Mitrossilis said
“We’ll look to grow the franchise business along the eastern seaboard once we have the right partners in place.”
4. NexZen Accounting
At the Brisbane franchising expo in June, NexZen Accounting unveiled its inaugural franchise model.
At the time, founder and CEO Mukesh Bajaj said that he was inspired to share his knowledge after operating a successful independent business for over seven years.
“Seven years ago, I had a dream of reducing the high failure rate of businesses,” he said.
“I’ve already had the journey, and now I’m just giving that to the franchisees, so that they don’t have to start from zero.”
5. Cowch
Dessert bar Cowch became a new franchise brand in April this year. Answering the age-old, after-dinner question of ‘dessert and coffee or cocktails?’, the decadent dining concept was a hit from day one.
The chain launched its inaugural site on Brisbane’s iconic South Bank strip years ago, followed by a second outlet at Gold Coast’s Pacific Fair, however the idea to franchise came later.
Founder Arif Memis said he looked to café concept Soul Origin as an industry leader and worked on emulating their practices.
Hospitality experience is not essential but enjoying putting a smile on people’s faces is mandatory.
6. HappyPics
Family photographs are treasured memories, and one new franchise brand is making sure they get the recognition they deserve.
In April, Happy Pics launched its franchise model, a business that works through childcare centres to create engaging lifestyle images with a difference.
“We gain the kids’ trust and give them space and time to shine,” founder and franchise manager Clayton Walker said.
The business works with 240 childcare centres already so franchisees could purchase territories with existing customers. There are 60 territories available across the country.
7. Advance Fitness
In March, full facility gym Advance Fitness entered the franchise sector. The 24/7 concept started way back in 2011, and has a presence in both Australia and New Zealand, but as growth heats up, the future looks firmly rooted in franchising.
“We are firm believers that there is a growing future for full-facility gyms, but main growth will continue to be ‘groups’ or franchises,” Advance Fitness co-founder Clayton Sinclair said.
“It is our observation that franchise gyms are more attractive to new buyers as new operators feel more confident with the support. Therefore, we have taken the next step and established Advance Fitness as a full-facility 24/7 gym franchise system.”
New franchise brands
The last 12 months have seen a wealth of new franchise brands hit the market. From fitness chains to dessert brands, there is a healthy sector of emerging models and concepts to consider.
Take a look at this year’s latest franchising formats and ask yourself in 2020 is the year you take the leap into entrepreneurship.