CRUST GOURMET PIZZAS

Jon Paul Partyka, general manager, Crust and Pizza Capers

WHAT HAS BEEN THE TREND IN PREMIUM PIZZA SALES OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS AND HOW IS THIS INFORMING CURRENT AND FUTURE BUSINESS STRATEGY?

We’ve noticed a trend towards customers asking for more premium menu options and delivery is still in high demand due to Covid-19 restrictions. Our customers are also looking for more options at a lower price point to add to their favourite pizza orders. We’re structuring our menus to cater to both customer segments.

WITH THE SIGNIFICANT RATIONALISATION AND RESTRUCTURE AT RFG, HOW IS THE BUSINESS BEST SUPPORTING FRANCHISEES NOW?

Our franchise partners are very well supported; they have a direct line of contact with me at any time. Not only does this provide our franchise partners support as and when they need it, it gives me a better understanding at a store level. I’m in the proverbial trenches with them, which allows us to make a meaningful impact at the support office.

HOW IS CRUST DISTINCT FROM ITS COMPETITORS?

We’re known for our gourmet pizzas. The quality of our product is our main point of difference. When we do something, we take great pride in it, and ensure we offer our customers a truly exceptional product.

A good example of this is in our Crust stores where we season, cook and slice our chicken breast all in-house – we don’t use anything bagged, it’s all prepared and cooked instore.

We’re also known for our value proposition. While you can go get a cheaper option elsewhere, our customers understand that ultimately you get what you pay for. We pride ourselves on the value we bring our customers through our price versus gourmet ratio.

We’re an open book. If you go into any Crust store, you’ll see your food being prepared before your eyes. We’ve designed our stores this way in an effort to open up our kitchens to our customers – we want our customers to see their food being prepared and share the busy kitchen atmosphere with them.

WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT BUYING INTO THE CRUST BRAND?

Business is booming and now has never been a better time to buy into QSR at Retail Food Group. Our innovative menu options, the perfect mix of premium quality product at competitive prices and high-level support for franchise partners is translating into fantastic results.

We are also set to launch an exciting plant-based menu at Crust that will not only entice a new customer segment but increase the transactions of our existing customer space – it’s a launch that will position Crust as the leader in the category.