DESTINATION: OPPORTUNITY

Australian franchise buyers are spoilt for choice, especially as established overseas brands are lining up to bring their businesses to these shores.

Three new brands are settlling into the retail scene.

The business scene is brimming with opportunities in Australia with fresh names joining the familiar faces in franchising on a monthly basis. Some of the newest businesses are homegrown fledgling firms, some are successful overseas brands bringing established business to these shores.

Here are three to consider...

AUSTRALIA: THE CUPCAKE DESIRE

A new franchise for Australia, The Cupcake Desire was founded by a couple who previously ran a bakery chain franchise.

“We love the industry as so much art and creativity is involved,” says owner Rupal Mahajan. “Assembling a team of like-minded people with a passion to empower customers and who are hungry for success is our goal.”

Before going national, the franchise aims to first open outlets in Victoria, featuring cupcakes baked fresh everyday using the finest ingredients. Gluten-free and vegan cupcakes and cakes will be available, Mahajan says.

“We empower our customers to tailor their cupcakes and cakes to suit their occasion."

An expert has been hired who will negotiate lease deals for franchisees.

The franchisor plans not to charge any marketing levy, and franchisees will market the brand locally to boost sales to build the customer relationship.

CROATIA: SURF ‘N’ FRIES

Croatian chain Surf ‘n’ Fries has signed a franchisee to launch the business in Australia with plans for at least 22 outlets in the next 10 years.

“We researched the consumption of french fries in Australia and figured out that this is definitely the place where we want to be,” says franchisor Denis Polic. In 2015, Australia was the world number-one in french fries consumption per capita.

The menu offers a twist on chicken and chips, with the fries being cooked in steam and hot air.

Initial franchisee Valentin Perkovic will start offering the distinctively packaged Surf 'n' Fries takeaway menu from a branded trailer before opening a store at Sydney’s Bondi Beach this year.

“I am confident Surf’n’Fries will work in Australia because the branding looks like it was made for the market, the packaging and the signature fries shape are new to the country, and the type of food we will have on offer is historically popular here.

“We will have our signature fries, five types of loaded fries, chicken nuggets, chicken strips, battered fish and prawn pieces along with all-natural milkshakes and thickshakes.

“The shops are fitted out in a modern, fun and quirky theme with swings as seats and surfboard-shaped tables.”

Surf 'n 'Fries started trading in 2009 and now has nearly 50 restaurants in 16 countries.

SOUTH AFRICA: ROCOMAMAS

RocoMamas is a South African burger brand that delivers ribs and wings made to order.

Its launch venue, a flagship outlet on Chapel Street, was opened mid-June with a design of high polished concrete walls with edgy neon lighting and commissioned artwork. This urban brand has its kitchen and bar area in a shipping container to create a street-food dining experience.

Social media is playing a big part in building expectation for the launch store.

Franchises will follow once the restaurant is established in Melbourne.

Victoria Mastellone, master franchisee, plans to open five outlets in the next 18 months.”

“The RocoMamas brand can work anywhere from main roads to shopping centres. It can also work really well in regional cities lacking fast, convenient and tasty food,” she says.