A classic Aussie takeaway menu, a customer-friendly approach, and a mission to provide franchisees and employees with a good work and lifestyle balance: BK’s Takeaway is gearing up for great things.

About 70 per cent of Aussie businesses are family firms, according to consulting firm PwC. Many family-owned businesses have been trading between one and three decades; BK’s Takeaway has notched up 25 years. It is now primed to build on its local reputation.

Its Victorian stores are a welcome sight for hungry travellers. BK’s Takeaway provides quick food on busy highway stops, where drivers can take a break and grab a bite to eat. 

“The business model works well in those locations because we rely on passing traffic,” says Brendan Kingwill, who heads up the business.

He is proud of the service these busy takeaways provide for regular and passing customers.

The classic road-trip stop

“Our classic customer ranges from our loyal tradies who pop in several times a day and truckies on road freight routes, to tourists and the late-night hamburger and chips trade.”

BK’s serves up classic Aussie road trip favourites: burgers, potato cakes, chicken,  sandwiches, ice creams, coffee, and drinks. The signature dish is the renowned Brendan’s Burger, a giant feast of a meat patty, bun, and salad big enough to feed two.

The business serves both ready-to-eat and cooked-to-order meals for takeaway and dine-in. In a busy hospitality space, BK’s has stuck firmly to its formula – simple, fast food, served with a smile.

Brendan bought the Trafalgar store 25 years ago and turned around the business, doubling the revenue in just six months. So he leapt into growth mode and added BK’s Takeaway stores in Heathcote, Warragul, Korrumburra and Geelong. However, he learned the hard way that multiple store ownership requires structure and processes. 

The business model is resilient

Today’s BK’s store footprint and business model have been refined and honed to provide a robust structure backed up with support to ensure franchisees can easily operate their own store.

“Our model works. We have been through Covid, and the GFC; we survived them. During the pandemic I was monitoring store sales at 15-minute intervals to ensure staff rostering was right for the next day,” Brendan reveals. “Running a food business is all about being on top of costs, staff holidays, food trends, and local events. You must have a finger on the pulse,” he says.

Family-focused

“We have a very high level of initial and ongoing support for franchisees, we are not a faceless corporation, this is personal for us,” he says. 

And it remains a cross-generational family business with Brendan, his wife and two daughters all contributing to building the franchise.

“We all work together, and we enjoy it, this is not a regimented organisation,” says Brendan.

Efficient business model

The model’s efficiency means it has minimal staffing requirements and is an ideal family operation. One partner works full-time in-store, the other does part-time hours. It provides the opportunity for older kids to do a few shifts.

“I raised my kids in small business; it’s the best start you can give your children,” says Brendan.

BK’s Takeaway primed for growth

As a local business figure, a consultant, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce, he is a keen advocate for small business and the regions and understands the importance of community engagement to business building.

“As a business owner in the regional areas, you must be involved in the local community. Everyone has a sense of ownership; people know you; they know your brand.”

So he is insistent that franchisees also appreciate and demonstrate the value in community engagement, whether that is through sporting club events and sponsorships or fundraising for local charities.

Brendan enhances brand awareness with advertising and marketing campaigns across TV, radio, and social media.

Now fired up for further growth, Brendan has plans to extend further into Victoria’s regions, and then beyond. 

“Our goal is to have about five stores, preferably in regional Victoria and outer Melbourne suburbs,” he says.

While Brendan’s initial expansion plans are modest, BK’s Takeaway is primed for growth.