Australia now has 200 Lenards outlets, as the chicken retail franchise celebrates the opening of LenardÕs Hibiscus in Leanyer, Darwin.

Len Poulter, founder and director, said the latest outlet represents a significant milestone for the franchise. “The 200 store target is one that we have been looking forward to for a while now. And we are so pleased for LenardÕs in Leanyer to draw the lucky number. Darwin is both a strong and growing area for LenardÕs, and the franchise owners Fernando and Melissa Lay are experienced and fantastic business operators.

“The next major challenge is to expand the franchise into lucrative overseas markets and to constantly look at any avenues that may better distribute the LenardÕs product and brand to a wider audience of consumers,” Poulter added.

Since the first store opening in 1987, LenardÕs has served more than 160 million customers. In 2008, Blue Sky Private Equity bought a minority stake in LenardÕs Group Holdings Pty Ltd to help fuel its expansion plans. LenardÕs also recently formalised an alliance with grocery and liquor wholesaler Metcash Limited to expand the concept through the IGA Fresh network.