Ali Baba
This Sydney based franchise system has spread its popular kebabs along the eastern seaboard and is looking to grow substantially before heading overseas. A recent introduction was a restaurant-style outlet in Sydney. Robert Marjan, managing director, believes in investing in infrastructure; so far a food manufacturing plant has been established with IT in the pipeline.
The brand began franchising back in 1979; Ali Baba celebrated last year with its 30th birthday promotion.
Its 60 franchises are typically found in food court locations in major and secondary shopping centres, appealing to the core customer, women aged 16 to 45 years old, who spend between $5 and $20. But the takeaway and dine-in franchise offers opportunities to upsell too.
Opening hours vary: shopping centre trading hours obviously set the timing for food court outlets; outside of shopping centre locations an evening trade usually means opening daily until 10pm.
Both franchisees and managers can run the business, but Marjan prefers franchises that are owner-operated.
Franchise detail:
How many staff are required to run a franchise? Franchises require between one and 20 staff members.
What has been the sales growth store-on-store for the financial year 2008-2009? Growth has been seven per cent.
What is the brand’s USP? Mediterranean Taste Sensation!
What is the signature dish? Classic K’Babs since 1979, freshly grilled Rapps and grilled platters.
Sunshine Kebabs
“We have a unique way of making our kebabs,” explains Sunshine Kebab’s Murat Coskun, referring to method as well as the unique meat and bread recipes. “Our cooking, storage and processing methods are all tailor-designed to ensure health, practicality, taste and absolute quality in the product we serve. We are the only kebab franchise that implements what is known as Ôgrill killÕ which effectively is a second cooking process of the product on a grill plate which not only ensures the absolute safety of the product but a distinct taste.
“Overall itÕs the perfection of so many small things and details that makes the product superior. ThatÕs our strength. We pay attention to detail.
“What makes us distinct as a brand is our culture. We are like family. We have empathy for all our franchisees, our customers and our suppliers.
“We focus on the human element and when we make a mistake we know how to apologise and learn from that. We are sincere in this philosophy.
“The international store numbers are increasing rapidly and although the first store was only opened this year we will possibly have over 20 stores by the end of the year and well over 100 by the end of next.”