Gavin Culmsee

Franchises one way to weather the retail storm

Gavin Culmsee THE latest Westpac Melbourne Institute index of consumer sentiment showed a drop in confidence from the previous period and found Australians are less optimistic about their financial position over...

You do what?! Australia's quirkiest franchises

Ever considered going into the lice business – becoming a professional nitpicker? What about chick-hatching for schools? By name or by trade, Marcella Bidinost highlights some of the more innovative...

FRANCHISING

Franchise whiz hit by arsonists for second time

Julie Power For the second time, one of Domino's most successful young franchisees has been attacked by arsonists.

Franchising a sweet addition to slushie mix

Marcella Bidinost Shortly after iconic ice drink makers Slush Puppie announced plans to sell 90 franchises across Australia, a prompt reality check swayed management to put its grand plans for fast expansion on ice.

ENTREPRENEURS

From $100 in his pocket to a sprawling bun empire

Peter Cai When Simon Ip arrived in Australia 20 years ago as a pastry chef, he had just $100 and a French certificate in patisserie. Last year he and his brother sold $50 million worth of buns.

Franchising

Ten franchise traps to avoid at all costs

David Wilson Thinking of buying a franchise? The good news is that franchises usually work, says three-time franchise owner Jane Lombard, now a franchise consultant.

GROWING

Here comes the bridesmaid

Marcella Bidinost Australia's bridal industry is largely focused on just that: the bride. But what about the women behind 'the woman'? Enter this mother and daughter team.

Darrell Lea franchisees at risk, as company goes under

Philip Wen Australia's famous chocolate retailer Darrell Lea is up for sale after being placed into voluntary administration.

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FRANCHISING

Coffee Club on the boil with fresh grounds

Jonathan Swan Less than a year after selling a licence to an Egyptian franchisee, The Coffee Club opened its first cafe on Egypt's north coast.

Brumby's let off hook after carbon misfire

Larissa Ham Brumby's has escaped a hefty fine over its carbon tax misfire, agreeing to a court enforceable undertaking with the consumer watchdog.

FRANCHISING

Size up a franchise in seven easy steps

David Wilson Here's some expert intel on how to spot a legitimate franchise opportunity.

FAST GROWTH

Fast track to a fitness empire

Larissa Ham A 31-year-old personal trainer raised in public housing has come in second on this year's BRW Fast 100.

Domino's defies 'Scandinavian labour costs'

Despite complaining about ‘‘Scandinavian labour costs’’, pizza chain Domino’s profit rose 20 per cent, sparking a rally in its shares.

FRANCHISING

Double-shot espresso for coffee shop group

Vince Chadwick Australia's largest coffee chain aims to open a new store every fortnight for the next five years.

TECH

Domino's has its digitals in the pie

Eli Greenblat Domino's Pizza wants to harness greater productivity and fatter margins gained from customers' growing use of mobile devices.

Red Rooster joins franchise pay scheme

Fast food chain Red Rooster has signed up to a national audit to ensure its franchise store workers are not being underpaid.

Retail Food to buy Pizza Capers

Retail Food Group, the company behind brands such as Brumby's Bakeries, Donut King, and Michel's, is to add the Pizza Capers chain to its stable.

Grill'd not grand: healthy burger plan

Vince Chadwick No celebrity endorsements. No meal deals. No upsizing. Grill'd wants a brand without the trimmings.

Giving the burger market a good grilling

Entrepreneur Secrets No ads. No celebrity endorsements. No meal deals. No upsizing. Grill'd Burgers wants a brand without the trimmings.