Some of the most delicious sandwiches simply can’t be made at home – and, over the past 30 years, three friends have built that fact into the successful business we know as Sandwich Chefs. Today, there are almost 60 stores across Australia, and the founders are still committed to growth. Yet, even as they continue to rack up the numbers, they’re still a family at heart.

“From the start our plan was to be part of a network of inclusivity and support,” says director Sandy Bojczuk. “We envisaged a community of likeminded business owners with a common goal – a great workplace and financial freedom. We have always believed that strong relationships between franchisee and franchisor are critical to the success of each individual business, and the franchise system overall, and our success has shown we were right.”

When franchisee partner Ali Tajik opened his South Yarra store two years ago, he felt part of a family from the start.

“I had no franchising experience so I made sure I chose a franchise offering all the training and support I’d need,” he says. “But it was the relationship I had with Sandy, Tom (Theoharidis, Franchise Operations Consultant) and Michael (Haddad, Training Manager) that really made the difference. If I had an issue, or just a questions, I knew they’d be ready to help. They gave me the confidence to make the business a success.”

All new franchisee partners undergo six weeks of training that covers everything from food handling to customer service. When the store is launched they receive full operational and marketing support, and a dedicated Operations Consultant helps them manage the business. There’s also a marketing team working at both a national and local level to take care of promotional activity and provide training and support in local area marketing (LAM).

“We communicate with our franchisee partners weekly, if not daily,” Bojczuk says. “That relationship is at the heart of everything we do.”

Innovation and variety

Initially, Tajik was attracted to Sandwich Chefs by the design of the business and the variety of food and drinks his customers could enjoy.

“Building relationships with customers is a very important part of my business, and I think a range of different offerings really helps with that,” he says. “We serve breakfasts, lunches and, dinners, so we attract different kinds of customers all through the day. Now many are regulars.” 

The menu includes the sandwiches that launched the brands – freshly baked artisan bread with fresh fillings made from scratch, including the trademark slow roasted meats. There are also salads, sides, wraps, juices and smoothies. 

“All of our produce is of the highest quality and supplies are delivered fresh every day,” Bojczuk says. “We also make sure our franchisee partners and their staff have a really thorough understanding of the ingredients and all of the products they prepare. That not only enhances the quality of our food, it shines through in our customer service.” 

Tajik was also impressed by the brand’s readiness to innovate. For example, recent advances include a new NCR point of sale system, a partnership with secure online ordering platform Order Up and an aggressive digital marketing strategy. 

“We’re also continually testing and trialling new food and menu options,” Bojczuk says. 

Work life balance

Tajik has the support of his actual family within the business, working alongside his mother, father and sister.

“By sharing the load we can all enjoy the kind of work life balance that Sandwich Chefs encourages,” he says.

Indeed, it’s a fundamental aspect the founders’ philosophy.

“We believe that life’s about balance,” Bojczuk adds. “Owning one of our stores should bring financial freedom and a lifestyle you enjoy.”

Some of today’s franchise partners have been part of the network for over 10 years, and many own more than one store. Would Tajik consider branching out in future?

“I’ll certainly consider that down the track now I have the confidence to run business myself,” he says. “I really enjoy building relationships with customers, and also being able to create local jobs.” 

A chance to be part of the family

Sandwich Chefs work closely with retail property experts to ensure every store has a premium location. The Franchise Development team is constantly on the lookout for new sites to continue the network’s growth – and give new franchisee partners an opportunity to join the family.If Sandwich Chefs sounds like the right business for you, you can find out more by reading the online brand pack or contacting Kevin Bugeja on  0412 511 630 or kevin@franchise4u.com.au. It could be your first step to a very fulfilling and satisfying future.