Mad Mex plans 25% store growth as chain reverts to 100% Aussie ownership

Mad Mex founder Clovis Young has bought back the Mexican fast food business, buying out 50 per cent venture partner Singapore-based 4Fingers International.

Young is hesitant to give a timescale for this. “We still can’t travel till March. The challenge is no-one from Mad Mex has been in New Zealand in 29 months, it’s very hard for us to get a handle.”

“We’re certainly continuing to build capability and have an interest in expanding outside Australia and New Zealand; it’s horizon two, it’s medium term,” he said.

In New Zealand the short term plan is to keep trading, the medium term goal is to grow from 15 to 20+ stores.

For Australia, Young plans 25 per cent store growth annually.

“We see a lot of great opportunities. Mad Mex is the preferred retailer from a shopping centre perspective, Mexican is critical for appealing to a younger demographic.

“Our short term priorities are super regional shopping centres, and high density neighbourhoods. We have a positive view of CBDs but it will be a two year recovery.”

Most importantly for the Mad Mex founder, total ownership gives the company the ability to act swiftly to secure the best deals.

“We can act aggressively and quickly, take advantage of great lease deals and prioritise great franchisees.” he said.