With strong roots, BIG FIG branches out

Nourishing, nutritious, and not a moment to waste, Big Fig is a café business that doesn’t plan on playing small. The family-owned eatery has been successfully carving a niche for itself in picturesque Wānaka with its ‘slow food, served fast’ approach to cafe dining. Struck by its success, Big Fig owners - three actual sisters and an ‘honorary’ one - Shaz, Chrissie, Karen and Ash are seeking to increase its reach beyond the popular South Island holiday spot.

“Big Fig is about getting comforting, delicious home cooking-style food, with no waiting. Slow food for fast people with a lot on their plate,” explains Chrissie. And a lot on their plate is exactly what customers get. The Kiwi sisters have infused their menu with Middle Eastern treats of the savoury and sweet kind, a nod to their Lebanese heritage. They have been delighted to find their myriads of meat- and plant-based dishes gain great favour from loyal locals and visitors who also return for the cafe’s aesthetic concept, service and style.

The sisters grew up in a food-obsessed Kiwi family of ten kids. They named the café after the fig tree in their Taranaki backyard. “Our food is healthy, delicious and super-fast,” says Chrissie. “Our eatery stands out for its unique ‘slow food, served fast’ concept and distinctive style.”

Growing a Big Fig

Since opening in 2016, Big Fig has weathered the storms of the past few years, and its results show it is now ripe for replication. Compared to other hospitality franchises, the sisters have been mindful of minimising the royalties paid by franchisees, to enable buyers to make the most of their own Big Fig business.

On the back of the Wānaka hot-spot’s glowing reputation, the Lahoods have plenty to offer keen café-owners, says Karen. “The Big Fig package doesn’t just offer a great concept and delicious recipes, but all of the systems, tech and support needed to run and grow a successful food business.”

Karen explains how they brought in the award-winning team at Franchize Consultants to help develop the model. “Now, we’re looking for the right people to share Big Fig with passionate fans across the country. Depending on location, you can get started for anything from $150,000 to $450,000.”

With a visit to Wānaka last summer, Franchise New Zealand staff can vouch for the brilliance of Big Fig and recognised first-hand a franchise opportunity that is indeed ripe for the picking.

Advertiser Info

Big Fig

www.bigfig.co.nz/franchising

Contact Karen Lahood

027 902 6593

franchise@bigfig.co.nz