Ribs & Burgers eyes domestic growth spur with franchising
The fast casual boutique restaurant is eyeing to acquire those with previous experience in F&B and hospitality.
Looking to ramp up its domestic growth, Ribs & Burgers has officially announced that the brand is now open for franchising opportunities.
A first for the fast casual boutique restaurant since its inception in 2011, it has since teamed up with franchising group Blue Coral Concepts to search for experienced partners with strong backgrounds in operation capability, hospitality, and food and beverage retail.
“For Ribs & Burgers we want to connect with people who have existing industry knowledge. Maybe they've run their own cafe or family restaurant and want to move to a branded multi-unit or multi-site restaurant business,” Blue Coral Concepts’ executive general manager David Ovens told QSR Media, adding that the offer is also open for franchisees of another non-competitive food franchise who wish to add to their existing portfolio.
Ribs & Burgers’ decision to start franchising was primarily driven by demand, with Blue Coral Concepts receiving weekly inquiries about the brand. Recognising this, they took their time to prepare for “all aspects” of the brand’s proposition.
“[We have] upgraded all the [standard operating procedures] to an online platform to elevate and simplify content, made adjustments to the menu structure, store design, online presence and training platform so we can offer the right support from day one,” Ovens explained.
Blue Coral Concepts’ executive general manager David Ovens. Photo: Supplied
On expanding, Ovens says they are open to explore all locations across the country that has not been entered by Ribs & Burgers’ existing company-owned stores. Whilst their plan will match the capabilities of the partners chosen during their selection process, they put great importance on commitment.
“Franchising only works when both the franchisor and franchisee are winning in the market place [and] as well as valuing the working relationship with each other. The hospitality industry or restaurant industry isn't always an easy business but it can be a very good and rewarding business,” he said.
Ovens is also confident that Ribs & Burgers will be an attractive franchise due to the brand’s hospitality pedigree. The boutique restaurant originated from the Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group that is also responsible for full-service brands such as The Meat & Wine Co. and Hunter and Barrel.
“The cooking methods themselves and the 35-year-old family recipes form a key part of what is proprietary about Ribs & Burgers and part of its incredible appeal.”
Ribs & Burgers currently has 18 stores located in Australia, one in the United Kingdom, and two in South Africa.
Ovens, along with Business Development Director for International Ernesto Ferreira make up the management of Blue Coral Concepts. Between the two is over 30 years of hospitality experience across Australia, South Africa, USA, Middle East and Southeast Asia covering KFC, Pizza Hut, Nando's and Taco Bell.
