Big changes for Sumo Salad with new concept store
Redesigned café style part of grand growth plans this year.
SumoSalad has launched a brand new concept store in Brisbane's central business district on Adelaide Street, which Co-founder and Managing Director, Luke Baylis, said is just the first of many refurbishments and store launches this year.
Baylis said the 10-year-old fresh fast food franchise, which already operates more than 100 stores mostly in the central business districts (CBDs) and suburban shopping centres, is looking to launch “at least 15 new stores each year in Australian high street and CBD locations.”
The aggressive expansion strategy has been spurred by the recent investment by Maloney-run private equity firm Tulla Group, which acquired a 60% stake last December 2012.
Baylis said the backing by one of Australia’s most reputable investment groups, which specializes in growing small- to middle-sized companies, has opened up an “incredible opportunity for SumoSalad to expand across Australia.”
New café style
With the café style redesign, SumoSalad plans to increase the convenience, variety and appeal of the “healthier lunchtime choices” that fill its menu.
This can be seen in the store’s new street-facing coffee and panini bar meant for a fast ‘grab ‘n’ go’ dining experience, a new fresh juice and smoothie bar to complement meals, and a large “design your own” salad station. The refurbished store has also increased its seating capacity to 30 people at a time.
Visually, the refurbished store also evokes a naturally fresh and earthy vibe.
“The design features many natural finishes and fixtures. Moroccan tiles, galvanised metal and timber finishes dominate. Interest is created at every level, with hanging visual merchandising units and lots of greenery. We continue to deliver on our commitment to serving only the freshest, highest quality lunchtime options,” said Baylis.
SumoSalad hopes that the store revamp will give the franchise a fresh and contemporary image that resonates with the modern Australian diner market. “While it’s still early days the response we have received so far has been very positive,” reports Baylis, and hopes are high that the initial Brisbane concept store will help reinforce the brand’s market position in Queensland.
Photos will be featured in next week's issue of the newsletter.
