FEMALES IN FRANCHISING

A former sports and psychology student is blazing a trail for Papa Johns.

Solid Grounding

Sarah Menzies is manager at Papa Johns in St Andrews. When we spoke to her, it was four years to the day that the store rst opened on St Andrews Holiday Park at Kinkell Braes, one of the most soughtafter holiday locations on the east coast of Scotland.

In 2019, the award-winning resort owned by Abbeyford Leisure invested in a Papa Johns franchised store on site, to enhance their o ering to guests at the holiday park. As well as enabling visitors to enjoy their favourite pizza with family and friends while on holiday, it also delivers to the local community –including students at the University of St Andrews – throughout the year.

Menzies explained: “I was excited to join as store manager from day one. Initially, we just delivered to the holiday park and a mile outside. Since then, our team and reach has grown. We go up to 10 miles away, from the coastal path area to the army base of Leuchars, and also to St Monans, a village which includes another small Abbeyford holiday park.

“During the Open Golf in July, the town of St Andrews welcomes around 500,000 people, so is extremely busy. We have a team of 23 fully trained and working, but found that the Easter holidays last year were even busier than that!

Changing Times

Menzies has a sports and psychology degree from Abertay University in Dundee. “The degree has been helpful when it comes to managing a team – particularly around treating and motivating people,” she said. “As a woman in a male-dominated industry, it’s been interesting to see how the food sector has changed over the past decade. I previously managed a branded sandwich store, and worked as a manager for a rival pizza rm for more than three years. It could be tough to get your voice heard.

“As a woman in a male-dominated industry, it’s been interesting to see how the food sector has changed over the past decade.”

“Over time, there were noticeable and positive changes, and there are never any issues at Abbeyford. The team doesn’t discriminate and values every team member – it’s the same culture at Papa Johns.

“I’d like to be able to encourage more women into the industry. There are many opportunities for growth,” Menzies continued.

“For example, a female team member started out as a delivery driver and we trained her to become a team leader, which put her in great shape to progress her career in the industry. Another trained with us since she left school – at the age of 18, she is now a team leader and will have a great path ahead of her with Papa Johns, or anywhere in the QSR industry, if she chooses. It’s great to see, and I try and encourage women to progress however I can.

“If I had to give any advice to other women looking to progress a career in the QSR sector, I would say let your skills, enthusiasm and passion shine through. Don’t let anything hold you back and just think about what you can do for the business.

“For me, it’s a great job which I really enjoy – the teamwork is so important. We back each other up and it’s a friendly place to work. I also love seeing people get a really good pizza and return the following week! It means we’ve exceeded their expectations. Pizza also brings people together. Families often celebrate with it, and you help them make memories.

“There is nothing our visitors like more than to have their favourite dish on the balcony on a summer evening, overlooking the bay. The whole family can get together and have fun and that’s what holidays are all about. To be part of that… well it can’t get much better!”

For further information, visit: papajohns.co.uk/franchise.