Business Franchise Australia 17#6 Sep/Oct 2023

Towards a $50 million casual Dining Business

Since 2006, Gami Chicken has served more than 55.2 million pieces of delicious chicken, and they’re just getting started Time-poor Australians are increasingly turning to casual dining options. Gami Chicken, a Melbourne-born casual dining restaurant, is advancing towards $50

million in brand revenue through its franchise-based business on the back of the increasing popularity of affordable casual dining.

Launching its first restaurant in 2006, Gami Chicken didn’t immediately set its sights on capturing a share of the casual

dining market. Yet almost two decades later and with 37 stores across Australia, Gami Chicken’s high-quality food that fuses traditional Korean family recipes with colourful Melbourne Laneway culture has captured a growing number of Australians’ attention. The company is targeting 15% YOY in-store revenue growth and is on track to grow to 42 locations by the end of 2023.

Gami Chicken has navigated consumer changes towards hospitality which has been impacted by recent higher interest rates, inflation, and global supply chain issues, but have also enjoyed the benefits of the casual dining sector’s success which is also buoyed by consumer sentiment, lifestyle trends and tourism, which is resulting in an increased demand for casual dining restaurants despite budget restrictions.

Gami Chicken, with it’s casual in-restaurant dining option, variety of tiered menu options affording consumers from all walks of life an opportunity to eat out, and warm hospitality and service in a friendly and informal setting, offers a social dining experience many Australians are seeking. For more information visit www.innoveilgami.com.au

Quest Celebrating 35 years of Corporate Travel Success

2023 marks 35 years of making corporate stay effortless for Quest Apartment Hotels, a member of the Ascott Limited, and there are more milestones on the horizon this year as Australasia’s largest serviced apartment brand continues to evolve its offering.

With 159 hotels and 13 additional properties in development, Quest will open 6 more properties by June 2025, representing an additional 469 rooms and bringing Quest’s room tally to over 9,400 spacious serviced apartments nationally.

Quest’s success in adapting to changing market conditions remains a key driver of the brand’s success. With a focus on incorporating ESG into day-to-day operations at properties across the country, to strategically locating new properties in emerging suburbs with strong growth prospects, Quest continues setting franchise business owners up for future success.

Design elements have evolved to incorporate local architecture and mixed-use developments. The first Quest was a 55 key red brick property that opened in 1988 in the inner-city Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy. The 83 key Quest Collingwood, the first of 4 properties to open in 2023, marked a full circle moment in terms of geography and architecture, with the new aparthotel just 15 minutes from the original site and incorporating red brick into the façade.

“Our people and culture are key to Quest’s success. The local knowledge and inherent intuition of Quest local business owners means they continue to provide the safe pair of hands and elevated service our guests expect. That hasn’t changed in 35 years.” says Managing Director at Ascott Australia, David Mansfield.