Australian pizza maker Eagle Boys Pizza is on the hunt for new franchisees to support the national expansion of its small footprint Express Store model . This model can operate in a space as small as six square metres making it ideal for locations such as petrol stations, convenience stores, theme parks, sports stadiums, cinemas, universities and airports.

Eagle Boys CEO Todd Clayton said the model would eventually represent 30 percent of the companyÕs business. “A lot of entrepreneurs are seizing the opportunity to invest in Eagle Boys’ Express Store model and open their business in a high-traffic area. The possibilities really are endless, from service stations and convenience stores to universities and cinemas.”

New technology allows pizzas to be prepared in-store in a third of the time as traditional pizzas. “The Express Store works because the costs associated with a traditional pizza store do not apply. Pizza bases are prepared off-site and therefore no equipment or labour is involved in the dough production,” Clayton said. He added that operating in such small spaces significantly reduces rent and labour costs.

“Most importantly, the Express Stores leverage off the trusted and well-known Eagle Boys brand, along with associated marketing and operational support.”

The start-up cost to operate an Express Store is between $35,000 and $125,000, which includes all kitchen equipment, signage, construction and a one-off franchise fee. There are 36 Eagle Boys Express Stores in Australia, including stores located at BrisbaneÕs domestic airport, Sydney International Airport and the Queensland University of Technology – Kelvin Grove campus.

The company operates more than 240 franchised stores throughout Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, employing more than 4,000 staff and making more than 13 million pizzas a year.