The newest addition to the Chargrill Charlie’s is franchisee Avalon McRae who is actively in partnering training and absolutely loving it!

“Charlie’s has got about 150 recipes, even though it’s a quick service restaurant, so there’s a lot to learn,” Avalon says.

The former HR executive and her professional footballer husband are both passionate about the Sydney-born chicken brand – and with good reason. Chargrill Charlie’s was the location of their very first date!

“In Sydney we lived in Rose Bay, and loved the brand, and I always thought I would love to own a Chargrill Charlie’s,” Avalon says.

When the couple and their young son relocated to Queensland to support her husband’s career they found themselves in New Farm, a suburb with similar attributes to Sydney’s Rose Bay.

“There was no chicken shop there, and I thought it would be a brilliant addition,” Avalon says.

She jumped on the brand website, found out that Chargrill Charlie’s was now franchising as part of the multi-brand chicken business Craveable Brands, and scheduled an interview.

“I didn’t even ask my husband, but he was excited when I told him. He has about two years left in his football career so we’re already thinking about what’s next. We could see that a Chargrill Charlie’s franchise would give us security and a new future,” she says.

Brand commitment, training and support

In the initial 30-minute discovery phone call the couple discovered there was an opportunity to open a store in their neighbourhood, just as they had hoped, and they were the only applicants living locally. 

Application process

Their excitement ramped up as they followed the application process, which included a visit to head office, squeezing a one-day trip to Sydney into her husband’s hectic footy season. After meeting the CEO Nathan Kelk the pair were even more committed to the brand.

They were offered their dream store in December, and Avalon began training two months later.

Substantial training

“All the training is instore, and from week five we’re doing an online class as well with other Craveable franchisees. It’s layered training, so what you learn online you can take instore the next day,” she says.

While Avalon’s husband is looking forward to the day he can be more involved in the family business, and is doing a business management course through his football club, for now Avalon is taking charge as lead franchise partner.

“It’s week five now, and I’m doing it solo. It was tough being away from the family but I went back to Brisbane for a break after a few weeks. My mum is up there looking after our son. He knows I am on a special mission for the family!”

Franchise support

At times like this, Avalon is grateful she can rely on the support from the Craveable Brands team.

“There is a lot of support and excitement from the team, and an engaged, amazing CEO,” she says. 

The project team started on the restaurant fitout once it had been converted into a hospitality-ready site.  

Prepping for the opening

And as the reality of opening the restaurant edges closer, Avalon is focused on creating her own team.

“I’ve hired my chef already, and he does two days a week training at the store, then will be full time a month ahead of opening,” she explains. “And I’ve advertised for senior positions so key team members can be in Sydney for training prior to opening.

“You can cut back labour after a few weeks of opening but you can’t make up for lost time,” she says.

Craveable’s marketing team is working with Avalon to create a media plan for the next eight weeks with ad teasers to build up excitement and local press coverage.

Avalon says the training has already been invaluable and gives her a head start on elements of the business she was unsure of.

“I trust my ability to motivate and drive a team to success, but not come up with the right inventory and cost of goods, so a franchise is the perfect balance. I can work with the brand’s framework and utilise the support so I can lean into my strengths,” Avalon says.

Craveable provides foundations to turn a dream into success

“When you’re opening a business, there is so much to focus on. With Craveable Brands I know the foundations are already there and I can put effort into building my team for success.”

Avalon admits a quick service restaurant hadn’t been a part of the original plan- it’s the brand itself that she and her husband are so passionate about.

“I’m a foodie, and Chargrill Charlie’s talks to my values, the way I like to eat.

“It’s the freshness of the food; as a mum, if I don’t feel like cooking dinner, I would go to Chargrill Charlie’s,” Avalon says. “I believe in the brand.”

“What excites me the most, is the opportunity to own my own business and have all the foundations and support of a franchise.

“A franchise is a great introduction for anyone who has not owned a business before and wants an understanding of how to run a business,” she says. “Chargrill Charlie’s has given me the opportunity to pursue my dreams.”