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RFG signs property firm to help franchisees

Sarah Stowe

Multi-brand franchisor Retail Food Group has signed a deal with property leasing firm Business Development Company (BDC).

The move signals intent to boost the levels of support available for franchisees across the company’s eight franchise brands. The company’s portfolio includes Michel’s Patisserie, Gloria Jean’s Coffees, Donut King, Brumby’s, and Crust Gourmet Pizza.

RFG boosts support for franchisees

The tie-up with BDC aims to turbo charge results for site renewals in what is a highly contested leasing market. It is the latest step in RFG chief Peter George’s turnaround process.

RFG chief communications officer Belinda Hamilton told Inside Franchise Business, extra support on leasing will suit franchisees.

“This is part of a series of improvements being made to offer additional support in the important area of lease renewals. Our franchisees have identified that they would like additional support with dealing with their landlords as this can be a tricky area for them to navigate.

“It will provide more hands on deck and allow more proactive assistance to our franchisees,” said Hamilton.

BDC will be assisting the internal RFG property and leasing team with lease renewal matters. The cost of the service will be borne by the franchisor.

Hamilton said BDC is widely regarded as the number one retail property services group in Australia.

The consultancy specialises in retail property services, business advisory strategies and facilities management and holds key partnerships with Australia’s major landlords.

Vaughan McGuinness, director at BDC, announced the RFG sign-up on LinkedIn.

“BDC are very excited to be partnered with RFG and entrusted with their lease renewals and look forward to engaging with their franchise partners to achieve required outcomes,” he said.

Franchisee success across the brands is a priority for the troubled franchisor which most recently in the spotlight over ASIC interest in a proposed recapitalisation.