Why QSRs Should Explore Virtual Brands

In today's fast-paced world, QSRs are looking for ways to keep up with their customers' demands. As technology advances and consumer preferences shift, it has become more important than ever for brands to be flexible and adaptable. Virtual brands offer a great way for quick service restaurants (QSR) to do just that, without sacrificing the quality of their brand or product offerings.

Benefits of Virtual Brands

With so many competitors out there and so much competition for customers' attention, it's important for QSR companies to be able to understand what their target audience wants from them and to explore different ways of attracting new customers while retaining existing ones. One way they can do this is by creating virtual brands that appeal to specific groups of people without sacrificing the quality or authenticity of the brand itself.

Minimal investment

The biggest advantage of a virtual brand is that it allows QSRs to expand their businesses without having to invest in real estate. There are no additional costs associated with leasing or building a brick-and-mortar location, so QSRs can start making money from day one.

Virtual restaurants don't require any space other than the restaurant's existing kitchen, equipment, and staff so there is very little risk involved in launching one.

Rapid scalability

Virtual brands are also more scalable than conventional brands. The ability to launch multiple brands without additional infrastructure is a key advantage of virtual brands. This makes them especially appealing for brands that are just starting out, as well as, for established brands who want to expand their brand quickly. It allows them to test the market and see if their product is well received by consumers before investing a lot of money into opening more locations.

Brand appeal

Virtual brands are a great way to reach new audiences and current customers in new ways. For example, a QSR that specialises in burgers and fries but wants to introduce more healthy options can leverage virtual brands as an alternative option for people who want something different from the existing menu but without alienating those who prefer familiar favourites.

QSRs can also use virtual brands to target specific groups within their customer base through different products: there are some customers who are willing to pay more for plant-based ingredients, so why not offer a virtual brand that emphasises this aspect? Or maybe another group of customers would prefer Asian flavours; again, use a new type of virtual brand with these preferences in mind!

Diversified portfolio

Virtual brands are a great way for QSRs to expand their revenue streams and product offerings without having to devote additional resources in research and development (R&D). By leveraging an existing brand name, they can offer new products that can help them expand into new markets without starting from scratch.

Similarly, virtual brands can help QSRs reach customers outside of traditional channels or geographic regions; this helps increase sales volume while also increasing customer loyalty rates by allowing people to buy something without the need to go to a physical location.

Business growth and ROI

Virtual brands help QSRs increase sales, customer loyalty and brand awareness. But what's more important is that they can also increase profitability, which ultimately results in a higher ROI for the business.

By using virtual brands, QSRs can reduce overhead costs, such as marketing and advertising campaigns. They also eliminate the need to hire full-time employees or consultants to create new products and services. This means that they'll have more money in their budgets for other projects that will help them grow their business even further.

Choose a trusted virtual brand for QSR

Concept Eight (C8) is a trusted and well-established franchisor with over 27+ years’ experience in food retailing. The company has invested significantly in the development of its virtual brands (C8 Virtual Brands) to ensure they not only meet but exceed both customer and franchise partner expectations. It works closely with the key delivery aggregators to ensure that they are aware of and responsive to customers' changing tastes, latest trends, and food style demands.

The simple, plug-and-play business model can transform existing restaurants into virtual brands in less than two weeks (depending on the current kitchen and equipment) —and help add those extra sales and profits for the business.

The Power of the Right Virtual Brand

Burger Edge is an example of a QSR business that grew by leveraging C8 Virtual Brands. Through simply adding Supreme Leader Korean Krispy Chicken to their business strategy, Burger Edge in Wollert, Victoria is on track to increase their yearly sales with 6-figures.

One of C8 Virtual Brands, Supreme Leader Korean Krispy Chicken boasts a unique combination of flavours and textures for over 50+ restaurants and growing across Australia. The brand is famously known for the golden batter, which retains its superior crunch, as well as juicy chicken to savour.

“Since we launched Supreme Leader last year in November, we have been the busiest store with the highest rating on UberEATS in our area. The brand has helped us to reach customers who hadn’t had a chance to try Korean crispy chicken,” said Sanket Kamdar, Burger Edge, Wollert VIC.

Experience C8 Virtual Brands

Whether a QSR is looking to expand its brand footprint or just looking for more flexibility, C8 Virtual Brands provides the support of coordinated digital marketing campaigns focused in the local area—and much more.

The team at C8 Virtual Brands deliver comprehensive training and a dedicated business development manager who will provide continuous business coaching and analysis to help QSR businesses and their employees grow professionally.

Concept Eight’s group purchasing power gives QSRs better deals on supplies and services than ever before, along with exclusive national commission rates.

In addition, Concept Eight creates new value for business owners. Not only do the company's frequent new product development and promotional opportunities help attract customers, but it also offers establishment and set up of digital technology through its Australian-first ordering and loyalty app, Concept Ate Rewards. 

To learn more about C8 Virtual Brands and how we can help your business, contact Adam Howatt at [email protected]