franchising feature
EXPERT ADVICE: Brian Keen | Founder | Franchise Simply
What’s happening with food service in 2023 Brian Keen Brian Keen has been involved in the franchise industry for more than 30 years and, today, is the Founder of Franchise Simply, Systems2Grow and Microloan Foundation Australia. His on-the-ground business experience as a multi-unit franchisee, franchisor and consultant helping many of the big names create their own franchise systems and growth over the years has been fed into Franchise Simply, helping today’s SMEs grow their business by franchising. www.franchisesimply.com.au
Well, we all know the restaurant/ takeaway/food industry has undergone a transformation with the arrival of COVID. Lockdowns, staff shortages, supply problems, customers changing the way they want to eat – it’s been a minefield out there. But not all is lost – there is in fact, much to crow about. But the same old just doesn’t work most of the time these days. Here are the significant changes we note for the future of food in franchising.
1
Yes, we are back to eating out
Most of us are happy to dine out these days (89% going out once a month vs 59% in October 2021 - OpenTable). A recent guest on my Franchise Simply Radio Show, Wes Lambert, a hospitality industry expert, told me our monthly spend on the restaurant industry has increased from $4bn per month pre-COVID to $5bn per month today. The hospitality industry is booming. Not everywhere mind you. The CBD is probably not performing so well but with staff choosing to work from home, purchasing up to 5 meals a day (breakfast, mid-morning coffee, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner) the suburbs and regions are definitely flying.
“
Focus on the main game –looking after your customers, preparing great food and making you profitable.
”
38 business 38 franchise BusinessMAGAZINE Franchise
Australia and New Zealand
