HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS? A FRITZ’S KITCHEN COULD BE THE ANSWER….

Every Kiwi knows about bratwursts, thanks to Fritz’s Wieners.

Inspired by the simplicity of a quality German bratwurst-in-a-bun, Bryan Stenning saw an opportunity and partnered with a mate to turn an instinct into an international franchise.

Bryan credits his friend for the initial knowledge needed to get Fritz’s Wieners flying. “I didn’t have any experience running a food business, so I asked my mate Todd Heller to give me a hand. He was very familiar with German bratwursts that sell on every street corner in Germany.

“No-one was doing such a thing in New Zealand at the time, so I wanted to develop the means of getting them into Kiwi hands with a simple and easily duplicated system.

“Now, 20 years on, the thriving franchise business is ready for further expansion.”

Starting with a first mobile food hut 20 years ago at Christchurch’s Addington Cup Day, in November 2004, Fritz’s Wieners has progressed to operate at the majority of large events around the country. The successful business has 23 mobile food huts and is now expanding into fixed site outlets.

Journey of discovery

Bryan describes the past two decades as ‘a genuine journey of discovery’. “I was quite determined that our European-type sausages should be absolutely top quality – we didn’t want to compromise quality. This is something we continue today with all our New Zealand free-farmed meats now supplied by Harris Farms in Cheviot.

“We also felt the quality of design of the food huts must match the food, so the design needed to be top-notch and standout from what was currently around. I had our mobile food huts designed so our customers could see their food being cooked at eye level in front of them. We also designed and developed our exclusive rollers on which to cook the bratwursts.

“They’ve been very successful; we sold our first franchise in 2009 and, today, we have a modest network of 23 units, with a few gaps around the country that are ready to be filled.”

Determined to take Fritz’s Wieners further, Bryan looked for ideas for greater permanence and developed Fritz’s Wieners Kitchen, as a fixed site outlet.

“It’s working very well,” he says. “We opened the first in the Riverside Market in Christchurch in November 2019 and I’m currently identifying other high foot traffic sites around the country suitable for a Fritz’s Kitchen.

“Despite the setback we experienced at Riverside with the Covid outbreak four months after opening, we have hit on a winning formula and have plenty of daily repeat customers.”

Meating demand overseas

Fritz’s Wieners has also gone international, thanks to Bryan’s son, Cameron. He bought one of the mobile food huts in 2009 and operated it in Auckland for eight years before selling his business and taking the concept to Australia, where there are now mobile outlets in Sydney and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

“There is a lot of strength in the product and brand today – we’re are in every major stadium and large event in New Zealand. And, although many know the Fritz brand with our mobile outlets, there is plenty of growth yet to be had with the Fritz’s Kitchens.

“Our award-winning succulent Spicy and Mild bratwursts in a baguette bun are our staple product. However, we also do a Fritz-Stik for kids, currywurst, bacon/egg rolls, fries and more. I’m very excited about the latest addition - our new Frikadellen. Similar to a beef ‘slider’, these are very popular in Europe and will be a great addition to our kitchen menu.”

Appetite for expansion

As Bryan explains, the experiences of the first Fritz’s Wieners mobile outlets, and the Fritz’s Kitchen in Christchurch, have given him huge knowledge of what works, to benefit the next franchisees. “Energetic, driven, passionate people who want to succeed, have the opportunity to join the team,” he says.

“We envisage a strictly limited number of Fritz’s Wieners Kitchens throughout major points of high foot traffic in New Zealand cities. With our unique, exclusive products and proven systems there is definite opportunity for the right people to have a very successful and profitable business.”

Fritz’s Wieners is ready to expand and has great opportunities for anyone with the right qualities. “We will hold hands all the way through the process; assisting with the all-important location acquisition, operation, fit-out recommendations and anything else the franchisee requires help with,” says Bryan.

Total costs may vary, depending on fit-out and location costs etc, but are estimated to be $250,000 - $300,000+gst.

“We are a people-focused business so, in the first instance, please feel free to give me a no obligation, confidential phone call so we can discuss options.”

Advertiser Info

Fritz’s Wieners Kitchen

www.fritzswieners.co.nz

Contact Bryan Stenning

021 427 926

bryan@fritzswieners.co.nz