Meat lovers and fans of Asian cuisine will love the Chop n’ Chill concept, which is a clever interpretation of the passions of its founders, enthusiastic travellers Paul and Jacqueline Cudmore. Inspired by the two distinct palettes, the south-east Asian-based couple dreamed of a restaurant where family and friends could come together to share great food and good times.

Cue a return to their home town of Port Macquarie where the idea took root in 2016 for an easy-going casual dining venue with a creative menu.

The Chop ’n Chill restaurant overlooking the Hastings River caught the imagination of the locals. They relished feasting alfresco or dining indoors while taking in the river view through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Of course they loved the innovations in the menu. Where else can you eat sharing platters of crab ‘n bao steamed buns, crispy chicken wings with a spicy buffalo sauce, mixed quesadilla or hickory-smoked beef, pork and sausage?

Whether diners want to share or not to share (Wagyu steak for one, please) the menu caters for all tastes, offering the delicate, spicy flavours of Asian cuisine alongside the hearty flavours from the Americas.

Breakfast, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and takeaway options all reflect the diversity of cuisines that today’s diners enjoy but can rarely embrace in one single restaurant.

That’s the brilliance of this concept – bringing together a broad menu offering that can tempt everyone, in a relaxed, lively atmosphere. There’s no compromise needed when friends and family gather together to enjoy great food and company, whether it’s in a large group or for an intimate dinner.

Food, family and friends is the dream mix for Paul and Jacqueline. And they have brought it to life in Chop ’n Chill.

Sharing the Chop ’n Chill dream

Now four years on and the pair are ready to share the dream. The flourishing business concept is ripe for expansion with like-minded individuals at the helm of their own Chop n’ Chill outlets.

Thanks to the personal approach that Paul and Jacqueline take with their own business, franchising made perfect sense as a method of expansion.

Jacqueline says “We see our franchisees becoming part of our Chop ’n Chill family with close personal business interaction and support.”

In return franchisees need to bring passion, self-motivation and the willingness and capability to run the business as hands-on operators.

There is an intensive eight weeks training program to ensure franchisees are best-placed to succeed from the first opening of the doors throughout the 10-year-term.

Regular in-store visits, ongoing training and marketing support for digital, print and community messaging will be an integral part of the franchisor’s support.

For savvy franchise buyers who understand the potential that can be unlocked in a Chop ’n Chill outlet, there is the prospect of developing more than one restaurant.

Jacqueline says “our franchise pathway involves franchisees taking control of a designated region, allowing future expansion of their Chop ’n Chill footprint”.

Emerging brand to expand

It’s an ideal opportunity for the right dynamic individuals to get in at the start of an exciting journey for a new brand. The franchisors have profitability top of mind and will take a collaborative approach to switching up the menu to suit a local demographic.

That flexible attitude means the business will always be evolving and responding to the needs of customers and franchisees.

It will be crucial for the franchisors to appoint the right people to join them on their journey to take the Chop ’n Chill restaurant to a broader Australian market. For anyone with aspirations to be their own boss in the hospitality world and develop a valuable personal asset, the future could lie with this innovative franchise.

Finding the right location is also a crucial part of successful business expansion. Luckily Paul and Jacqueline have already identified some regional destinations with potential along the eastern seaboard and are open to discuss other locations with potential franchisees.

The right franchisee will be taking a high-profile role in the community, connecting with customers and leading a team of high quality staff to deliver the good food, good service and great ambience that will turn every Chop ’n Chill into the popular local haunt.

Tempted to learn more about this exciting opportunity? Find out more here.