Australia
Trampoline Gelato reveals a gourmet twist in its menu
Trampoline Gelato reveals a gourmet twist in its menu
In this Q&A their CEO Amanda Walton tells QSR Media about some of the plans for the brand.
Red Rooster launches "Value's Back"
The campaign features $2 burgers.
Zambrero opens in South Yarra
This is Zambrero’s second Melbourne venue.
Tasti D-Lite serves Aussie treats for Australia Day weekend
They celebrated with three distinct Australian flavours.
Chart of the Week: Who eats Fish?
According to BIS Shrapnel, across the total population of Fast Food/Snack consumers, 40% consumed Fish – fried/grilled. Significant differences are noted in age and work status. Those aged 50-60+ are significantly more likely to consume Fish – fried/grilled than those aged between 18-24 and 30-49. This translates to work status as retirees are significantly more likely to consume Fish – fried/grilled than people who are full time students or who work full time.
McDonald’s launches TrackMyMacca’s
The app allows users to track the origins of ingredients.
Salsa’s launches its pop-up outlet
It’s a Salsa’s right in a shipping container.
Promotion of the Month - Eagle Boys great Australia pizza party
QSR Media gets the low down on why Eagle Boys is launching this latest promotion.
Pie Face founder, franchisees defend chain against lawsuit claims
Pie Face founder and chief executive Wayne Homschek says there is no basis for allegations that Pie Face has in any way misled 3 franchisees who are threatening to sue Pie Face.
Grill’d launches Coat of Arms burger
This is in celebration of Australia Day.
Issue of the Month - Success in 2013 will require commitment to innovation, great customer service and tight cost control
The Australian QSR industry faces a challenging 2013. While the major branded operators, particularly those in the Burger, Pizza, Chicken and Coffee/Beverage sectors will see modest growth, both organic and via new unit openings as consumers adjust to the new economic realities and continued need for convenience, independent and smaller chain operators will see competitive and cost pressures negatively impacting their unit economics resulting in stagnate to declining levels of profitability and some subsequent unit closures. Increased cost structure pressures, driven by high rental, wages (from unsustainable levels of penalty rates) and escalating utility costs combined with the continued reluctance for financial institutions to fund independent operators will see curtailed unit growth. Branded QSR operators will strive for growth via new unit openings with a focus on regional towns and growth corridors in the major cities. While franchising will continue to be the business model of choice for many QSR brands, the ability to attract and retain quality franchisees will present challenges which will require creative strategies including funding, financial and marketing incentives. Brands pursuing new unit growth will need to carefully balance the need to create an attractive dinning environment consistent with their desired brand positioning with the resulting capital investment to ensure acceptable returns. Successful brands in 2013 will be those who demonstrate an ability to innovate. Introducing new products and flavours that will attract new customers while building the frequency of their existing customer base without adding operational complexity and cost will be critical. Recent trends in buttressing traditional media with online social media will accelerate. Successful brands will increasingly strive to build customer loyalty and increased customer frequency through value incentives via Facebook and group buying sites. Despite increasing cost pressures, with the ever increasing alternative customer choices available ensuring appropriate levels of customer service with well trained and motived team members will be more critical than ever. The days of providing franchisees/managers with a couple of week’s initial training and hard copy operating manuals and expecting them to recruit and train team members are over. Brand owners will continue to invest in on-line training platforms to ensure consistent delivery of quality training programs for all team members, not just franchisees/managers, from food safety to customer service to local store marketing. In summary, while consumer sentiment will continue to be subdued and cost pressures will increase, QSR operators focused on product innovation and delivering great customer service with well trained and motived team members will succeed and build solid foundations for future profitable growth.
Eagle Boys owner swoops down on Degani Bakery Café stake
This spells growth for the café chain.
Subway addresses Footlong issue
This is in response to a complaint about a ‘short’ Footlong.
Eagle Boys Pizza launches The Great Australia Day Pizza Party
Competition ends on January 22.
Boost Juice Hobart supports radiothon
Funds go to bushfires victims.
Cause of the Week : Boost Juice raises funds for the Tassie bushfire appeal
We find out more about this recent charitable activity.
The Cheesecake Shop customer wins trip to New York
The lucky shopper will travel on January 25.
Commentary
The Customer Retention Revolution: The predictive approach to preventing churn