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Decadent, delicious and deserved – why this café could be the one for you

Sarah Stowe

Shingle Inn Cafes have a rich and deep history. Having been established in Brisbane’s Edward Street during the Great Depression, the original shingle clad, leadlight building was constructed as an English style teahouse and was highly regarded for its mouth-watering decadent indulgences, outstanding customer service and strong family orientated culture. 
 
It quickly developed an enviable reputation with queues regularly stretching out the door. With such a proud tradition the Shingle Inn CafŽ model was expanded and subsequently franchised in 2009 with spectacular results. There are now stores situated throughout Australia, and in 2014 Shingle Inn was awarded Australian Emerging Franchisor of the Year at the Franchise Council of Australia Awards, with their Mt Ommaney store receiving Franchise of the Year in the 2 or more staff category.  
 
One of the most daunting tasks in setting up any commercial business is choosing the right location. Perhaps the biggest appeal of the Shingle Inn CafŽ franchise model is their expertise in selecting prime sites to operate from. Locations are selected for the three different store types – “Kiosk”, “In-line” or “High Street”, to ensure suitability and flexibility for franchisees.
 
The Shingle Inn team has a very refined selection criteria based on their 78-year history, and are constantly conducting research and meeting with leasing executives to secure the best possible locations. Potential Franchisees can suggest a location if Shingle Inn doesn’t already have a site secured in that area, which can then be assessed against Shingle Inn site requirements. All critical aspects such as demographics, population, foot traffic, site visibility, retail environment and parking are carefully considered for each site to ensure the best possible outcome for the franchisee. Negotiating and finalizing the lease is the last and most important step which the Shingle Inn team also take care of utilising their credible experience and leverage to secure the best possible terms and conditions.
 
Shingle Inn CafŽ franchise is also highly appealing to those with no direct cafe or restaurant experience. What’s more important is a passion and commitment for hospitality and the desire to own a unique boutique cafe. Shingle Inn has an ongoing commitment to not only exceed their customers’ expectations in-store, but to also exceed the relationships cultivated with their franchisees. All necessary franchise components are supplied including comprehensive management systems, national marketing programs and ongoing training. Empowering franchisees to plan promotional activities and identify local area marketing opportunities. 
 
If you want to be part of a network that has been delighting generations of customers since 1936 find out more here.