Big win for Hog’s Breath
Toowoomba restaurant earns award
SCOTT Easterman has dedicated much of his adult life to Hog’s Breath Cafe, and now he’s won the franchise’s most coveted award.
The Toowoomba man took out the Franchisee of the Year award at the annual Hog’s Conference late last year, putting him ahead of nearly 80 other franchisees across Australia.
The Toowoomba restaurant also won Best Back of House for the second consecutive year, and Best Restaurant in the Region for southeast Queensland.
Mr Easterman, who bought the franchise in 2015 and has worked with Hog’s Breath since he was a dishwasher in 2002, said it was a big endorsement of the restaurant’s service and food.
“As a Toowoomba local business owner, I can’t thank the Toowoomba people and the staff enough for their continued support,” he said.
“It makes me feel very humbled that we were given this recognition.
“We provide Toowoomba locals with good jobs.
“I’ve got about 35 staff, I’ve got 20 front of house and 10 back of house.”
Mr Easterman said the criteria for the awards at the conference were very strict, focusing on various aspects of the business.
“They were looking at how we follow systems, ticking all the boxes with benchmarking and so on,” he said.
“They take into account food audits and liquor licensing, guest feedback and overall store performance and profitability.”
Mr Easterman said Hog’s Breath had influenced his life greatly in his nearly 18 years with the company.
“The reason I am loyal is for the opportunities the brand has created for me,” he said.
“I started in 2002 as a dishwasher, and so I was offered a chef’s apprenticeship, and then they trained me to become a restaurant manager.
“When I was ready for the next step, they gave me the tools to become a franchisee, and that’s what I did in 2015.
“My plans are for my kids to grow up here, so I plan to renew my business lease and continue long into the future.”