Food franchising a viable option for new business owners

Top Quote William Gabbard, Senior Director of Edwards Global Services shares his insight on food franchising as an option for business owners. End Quote
  • (1888PressRelease) August 26, 2011 - Starting a new business often seems like a considerable undertaking and daunting prospect, especially in view of the effort, time, knowledge and resources required to successfully initiate an enterprise.

    Considering these factors, business owners should note that food franchising presents one of the most viable options for people looking to start their own business, notes Edwards Global Services (EGS) Senior Director, William Gabbard.

    "Food franchising offers new business owners a proven concept, and a network of support and training which includes advertising and ongoing promotional material, all of which ensures that franchisors, and subsequently their franchisees, are equipped with the necessary resources to make a success of the new business.

    "This assertion is backed up by the fact that research shows that in the first five years there is an 80% failure rate among those starting food businesses that aren't aligned to a recognised franchise, as opposed to 5% of those who choose to go with an existing brand."

    Gabbard adds that opening a thriving food franchise is an imminently achievable goal, "New food franchisees are provided all the necessary resources, training and support needed to help the business to get off the ground as quickly as possible. Further, new franchisees are not limited by their age, as some of the top performers are over the age of 50."

    Gabbard is well placed to comment on franchising, as he has extensive knowledge of franchising systems, and is considered an expert in the field. EGS is looking to introduce three successful US food brands into the South Africa food franchising market, namely fast food franchise Carl's Jr, fondue restaurant The Melting Pot, and frozen delicacy chain, Rita's Italian Ice.

    Gabbard will travel from the US to meet potential South African franchisors and investors next week, with the view of awarding area development licences for each of the three brands to three separate franchisors and/or investors.

    Gabbard says that EGS offers constant support and training for its new franchisees, in order to optimise their success.

    "two International Discovery Days (IDD), are required, one at the corporate offices in the US, and the second one at the new candidate's home offices in South Africa., This helps ensure that our potential franchisee is educated as to our brands' values and ethics . Communication is the key to success which allows us to get to know each other well before signing the franchise agreement."

    He notes that anyone who is interested in becoming an Area Development Franchisee should have a successful track record, including strong financial credentials, a proven business system, access to appropriate real estate and local or national supply chain resources, and an understanding of the value of branded concepts.

    Gabbard concludes that EGS is eager to partner with local franchisors or investors in introducing the new food franchises.

    "EGS has encountered considerable success in facilitating the establishment of food franchises in numerous countries, and we are confident that similar results will be achieved in South Africa. Locals understand the inherent potential of food franchising, and possess the necessary drive, resources and determination required to fully optimise these prospects."

    For further information on the three brands, please visit www.edwardsglobal.com/index.php/licensee-marketing-program/

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