Paleo Café kicks off aggressive expansion this year
Expands locally and overseas.
Paleo Café claims to be the only Paleo food franchise business in the world. The first branch was opened in Cairns on 3 October 2012, growing to 11 stores throughout Australia in just under two years.
The chain is now gearing up for a global expansion and is targeting to establish a master franchise and expand to New Zealand by the end of this year, and expand to the United States and Canada by the end of 2015.
Locally, it aims to open 20 franchises by next year.
"Our attention to detail and passion for Paleo combined with our exceptional customer service standards, has seen the Paleo Café brand become a trusted name in only a short time," said Marlies Hobbs, one of the founders of Paleo Café.
"As the Paleo diet and lifestyle continues to grow in popularity, we are excited to see the brand prosper and expand internationally, benefiting the health of customers worldwide. With our world class Paleo recipes and well researched unique health food products not readily available elsewhere, Paleo Café is a unique business model serving a rapidly growing market of health conscious customers. "
The former Global Franchise Development Manager of Gloria Jeans has been appointed to assist with the international expansion of the Paleo Café brand in to New Zealand, USA and Canada.
Hobbs explained that in cultural terms, the Paleo philosophy is more popular in Western countries than Asian countries. "It is for this reason that initial expansion plans are focused towards those Western countries where there is already a significant Paleo following. Other countries, including Asia, are certainly not out of the question and will be revisited in due course."
The chain is seeking an investor to aid in its expansion, hoping to raise between $500,000 and $2 million to support national and international expansion over the next 3 years. According to the founder, funds will be used in the following areas:
- New Zealand Expansion and Master Franchise
- Company Owned Stores in Australia
- National Branding and Marketing in Australia and New Zealand
- Further International Expansion in USA, Canada & Europe
- Additional working capital, for the capital
- New cookbook and booklet releases
- Mutually beneficial high profile sponsorship arrangements
- Hosting Paleo and health and fitness focused educational events
- New product research and development
- New Paleo Café model research (eg. airport express models etc)
Presently, the chain is in talks with a couple of potential investors, one in Australia and one overseas.
"With work already well underway for international expansion, the partnership arrangement with an investor will ideally be finalised by July 2014. The equity share on offer to the investor will be negotiated according to the investment amount and terms agreed upon between the parties," she noted.
Meanwhile, the degree of involvement by the investor in the Paleo Café business will be subject to negotiation between the parties.
Paleo Café's long term estimated franchise store potential and target by country are:
- Australia - 200
- NZ - 50
- USA - up to 2000
- Canada - 200
- EU - up to 2000
- UAE - 100
Hobbs emphasised that they are keen to work with equally passionate and experienced franchisees to ensure the ongoing success and development of the revolutionary concept. “We look for candidates who share our vision and have a strong desire to see the Paleo Café brand grow, improving the health of customers worldwide.”
