Get a taste for success (Daily Mail franchise story - UK Franchise opportunities)

Get a taste for success

By: Linda Whitney

YOU could turn your love of good food into a business — franchisors are looking for food lovers to set up cafes, restaurants and food outlets.

'The main quality we look for in a franchisee is a love of fine food,' says Richard Mosconi, of the Vom Fass franchise, which involves running a retail outlet selling oils, vinegars, spirits and wines from casks.

The range includes the rare flaxseed oil, plus pumpkin and pistachio oils, and spirits such as single malt whiskies, 35-yearold Calvados and 20-year-old cognac. All the products can be bought in small quantities.

'Franchisees are expected to work in the shop, know the background of the products, suggest recipes and organise tastings and cookery lessons,' says Mr Mosconi.

The shops also provide personalised gift boxes. Outlets are in High Streets and market towns and the total investment is £70,000 to £100,000.

Its sister franchise, Bouquet de Chocolat, is new to the UK, but has 40 outlets in France. It involves running a gourmet chocolate shop where items such as chocolate bouquets are made on the premises.

The investment of £25,000 to £30,000 includes full training and equipment.

Location is vital to the success of food-based businesses, so ensure franchisors help you find the best premises.

'We help you find the property, negotiate the lease, manage the shop fit and provide training, says Gerry Carey of The Streat, whose franchisees run cafes in High Streets, shopping centres and market towns.

'Catering is rewarding, but be prepared for hard work,' says Mr Carey. 'It can involve long hours to make the most of your location — some outlets are open until late evening.' The Streat is established in Ireland and is looking for franchisees for new outlets, initially in Scotland. You can start with £40,000.

Max Burton of Auntie Anne's, whose franchisees sell freshlymade pretzels, says: 'The baking is on-site and in public view, so you have to be happy to perform in front of an audience.' Auntie Anne's kiosks offer cinnamon sugar, sesame seed, chocolate and even chilli flavoured pretzels, plus hot dogs and home-made lemonade.

'Experience of dealing with customers in retail or the food industry is helpful, because you must appreciate the need for top-quality customer service,' says Mr Burton.

You need management experience because you have staff from day one. Investment starts at around £50,000.

If you prefer something larger, consider one of the major food franchises. Burger King outlets range from £200,000 for a food court kiosk to more than £550,000 for a drive-through. McDonald's outlets are from £150,000.

VOM FASS and Bouquet de Chocolat 08707 500 962; The Streat 0141 270 9724; Auntie Anne's 01844 273 226; Burger King 0870 042 9469; McDonald's 020 8271 4424..

'WE SAW A GAP IN THE MARKET'

BROTHERS Pete and Mike Bell and friend Andrew Davidson run The Streat, a coffee, sandwich and delibar franchise, in Downpatrick, near Belfast.

'We knew there was a gap in the market because when we were schoolfriends, there was nowhere for us to have a coffee and snack, and that had not changed,' says Pete, 24 (pictured).

The men had no background in the food business and chose The Streat partly because of the awardwinning training it provided.

Pete, who previously had a career in sport, says: 'I spent five weeks working in The Streat's biggest outlet in Northern Ireland, the last week as acting manager, so it was good preparation.' Mike says: 'The food business can be very tough. As well as the day-to-day running of the café, you have to deal with suppliers, keep your staff motivated and watch your costs.' Ongoing help from the franchisor includes regular monitoring of costs to ensure the necessary profits are being achieved.

Despite the hard work, there are rewards.

'There is no better feeling than standing in the outlet and listening to the clink of cutlery and the chat of happy customers, and seeing our staff working well as a team,' says Pete..