Dave Burness, Domino’s multi-unit franchisee from the Sunshine Coast talks about why he wanted a slice of the action.

What spurred you to invest in your franchise?

I started working for Domino’s Pizza while I was at university. I never really planned a career in pizza – who does? But it just happened. I first became a manager and then was promoted into several operations roles in head office, until we were visited by a US franchisee who owned nine stores in Dallas, Texas.

He presented his business to a few Australian franchisees and operations people and I was blown away by the income and lifestyle that he was achieving. There was no way anybody would pay me that much money for doing that much work. I had to be in my own business.

I made the decision then that I wanted to be a Domino’s franchisee. I now own and operate three franchises on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

What part of the daily business do you enjoy the most?

What I enjoy most about the Domino’s business is the immediate results and feedback we receive. Every night we fill in a sales report and we know exactly how we have performed. We measure everything from sales versus last year to food costs, labour control, service standards and so on.

We are in no doubt how we have performed and I love that we have such measurable results. I’m a real sports fan and each night it is like reading the statistics from a good football match – after all, being in business is the ultimate sport.

What has been the most rewarding part of running this franchise?

The most rewarding part of my franchising life has unquestionably been the development of my people. There are many people I have hired in my time in Domino’s who are now successful managers, regional managers or franchisees with their own business. It’s hugely rewarding to see their success.

Sell us this franchise…

Why would I buy a Domino’s franchise? We sell good value and delicious food. No matter what happens to the economy or community, people will always eat and while pizza is such an affordable food, we are recession proof. Our brand and product is not as fickle as others.