Bayside Hospitality Group (BHG) is set to franchise its 43-year old Melbourne-based Pinocchio restaurant business. 

Pinocchio specialises in the delivery of rustic Italian fare in a family-friendly environment, and it currently operates within two Melbourne suburbs – South Yarra and Hampton.

In an effort to keep up with customer demand and maintain quality and consistency, BHG has opted to franchise new Pinocchio restaurants moving forward.

“After numerous approaches from within the food industry, we’ve decided to expand the brand further, and believe that franchising is the best way to grow whilst ensuring the Pinocchio quality our customers have come to enjoy, remains unchanged,” said owner, John Gdanski.

BHG is seeking franchisees that are enthusiastic and energetic, and while they need to have a passion for hospitality, prior experience in the industry isn’t necessarily required.

Those who invest can expect a full operational turn-key business, which includes:

• The restaurant design fit-out
• Equipment
• Menu design
• Hospitality management training
• Access to central buying
• The restaurant location

Franchisees will also have access to a centralised food production facility, operating systems, rostering schedules, bulk buying discounts and bookkeeping services if required.

Colin Crawford of Wollermann Business Brokers, who BHG worked with to prepare the business for franchising, said: “Every aspect of the franchise relationship has been thought through to ensure the franchisee is fully supported and given genuine opportunities to maximise the potential of their business.”

Key responsibilities of the franchisee will include:

• Recruiting staff
• Overseeing business operations
• Overseeing front of house operations, including service and the overall customer dining experience