An Australian Franchisee Case Study
Franchisee name: Lorraine and Alan Beeby
Franchise: Donut King
Location: Glendale, NSW
Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose your franchise?
Alan and I went down the franchise route because we were very impressed with the systems. The systems were trusted and proven and this made us very confident in the brand. Before this Alan was a self-employed electrician and I was a bookkeeper. We knew that it was very different to anything we’ve ever done but that was why it attracted us.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing from Donut King?
We spent 6 weeks in the Retail Food Group academy learning everything we needed to know – from the most basic skills to the most advanced. This was so that we could successfully run our franchise and be confident in what we were doing. The good report with our BDM meant that we could always ask questions and have ongoing support whenever we needed. There has never been a problem when ringing head office too. All in all we’ve always had assistance and help for anything at all.
What is a typical day for you as a Donut King franchisee?
For me, I make sure that the store is organized by doing the book work and rosters. Alan focuses on the maintenance in the store and ensures that everything is working the way that it’s meant to. Our goal is to have everything completed so that we have the time to focus on customers and meet their needs.
What challenges have you faced?
Owning a Donut King store for 14 years, we’ll be the first to say that there are always challenges. However every challenge is able to be resolved and there is always a way around it. Our biggest challenge as franchisees would definitely be the economic downturn and making sure that customers return to our store. Competitors are another challenge that we have faced, but as I said before there is always a will and a way through any situation.
Has becoming a Donut King franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Our Donut King business has been really great for us as a family. Our daughter works with us and this has changed us as a family in a positive way. Family is what’s important and being able to share that in the business means a lot to us.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?
Our main advice is to not go into a franchise unless you are confident in the systems and management. Before we owned our Donut King store we were impressed with the systems and management so we knew that it was a good decision for us. It’s also a partnership, not only with people but even with other brands at Retail Food Group. Both Alan and I have never been disappointed in the decisions we’ve made and every opportunity has been a blessing.
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