SA Franchise Brands welcomes Bronwyn Oliveira, Brand Manager of Maxi’s.
What has been paramount to Maxi’s success by being part of Taste Holdings?
There is strength in numbers, so being part of a listed company which includes other food brands like Scooters Pizza, The Fish & Chip Co and St Elmos definitely helps with buying and negotiating decisions and influences
What challenges do you face at present?
As we are a smaller brand we have limited budgets, so getting your brand into the face of your consumers and possible consumers is not always easy but it is definitely much more fun to think differently and work “outside the box”
With more than 60 franchises nationwide, how has your franchise model worked in favour of the group?
We have benefited from increased buying power and negotiation skills as well as having a wealth of knowledge within the group to tap into and use.
What effect has the recent upgrade of your outlets had on Maxi’s?
Revamped stores always trade well, as consumers are constantly on the lookout for “something new” even if it’s the same brand with a facelift!
What are some of the attributes required from franchisees?
Hard work and dedication. I always equate opening a restaurant to having a new child, at first you just can’t leave it alone, its long nights, early mornings, and life as you know it (like weekends and time off on holidays) changes completely, as it grows and matures you are able to let go a bit.
How would you describe the overall relationship between the group and its franchisees?
I can only speak for the Maxi’s group of franchisees but know that as a management team, we are tireless in our efforts, and always do the very best with what we have available to us. That could range from anything from knowledge to funding… we do want the very best for all our stores and all our franchisees.
What kind of training and support can franchisees expect?
There is a 5 week training period, 1 week management, 2 weeks theory and 2 weeks practical. Once the store is open we support the store in an ongoing basis with consultations by franchise managers, marketing and management support
Which factors are paramount for sustained future growth within the group with specific reference to its present and future franchisees?
Organic growth is vitally important as well as external growth from acquisitions and new projects
Where to from here and into the future?
To word franchising domination… :) to being the first choice for our customers, by being the very best at what we do.