Soul Origin is currently offering a $50,000 regional relocation package for new franchise partners, and it was the perfect solution for Sunil Manyam.

The Melbourne-based former store manager with Aldi and Dick Smith was ready to be his own boss and looking to enjoy a regional lifestyle with his young family.

Sunil was keen to join the dynamic retail food sector and had spent five years researching the sector. As a result, he knew the importance of industry expertise to ensure a compliant business.

“I knew without a franchise, I won’t know the ins and outs. A lot of people I know have opened their own businesses with no brand names, and they struggle without support. I’m in my 40s, I have family, mortgages – I can’t take risks,” Sunil explains.

He’s also a healthy lifestyle advocate, so when he came across Soul Origin he loved the focus on nutritious food.

“I called six Soul Origin franchise partners as part of my due diligence, and everyone gave the brand good reviews; everyone felt well supported by the team. So that ticked my first box,” Sunil says.

Soul Origin quickly scored a second tick for its rapid response to his enquiry.

“A lot of franchisors don’t respond straight away but Soul Origin was quick off the mark. That was another box ticked,” he says.

Sunil was impressed when he heard about the new regional relocation package that Soul Origin offers, and that was the third big tick for the brand.

“I want to grow my own food, I want a big backyard. This package was an excellent choice for me, and it’s helped me get established.”

Relocation package helps families move to regional areas

Karla Shand, Soul Origin’s national franchise sales manager, says Sunil was the first to take up this exciting new regional offer.

“We decided to launch this regional relocation package to further support new franchise partners in their first month in business. Moving cities isn’t cheap and the package provides some financial relief while they settle in and establish their new business,” Karla explains.

Soul Origin’s relocation package gives franchise partners the chance to focus on their customers and cashflow in the early stages of business building. 

“The support package includes a reduction in the initial franchise fee and Soul Origin pay the first months rent plus provide a food and beverage credit to be used within 30 days of opening. It suits someone like Sunil who has the drive to be a passionate partner, who wants to be part of a community, get involved in sports sponsorships and catering opportunities from the get-go.

“The relocation package is great for families,” Karla says. “A lot of people have moved out to regional cities wanting affordable properties. So many regional areas are booming, and they don’t have access to nutritious food and great coffee,” she says.

While a lot of other quick service restaurant brands are going regional, Soul Origin has an edge. 

“We are providing nutritional, healthy grab-and-go food that’s an affordable option to these regional communities,” she explains.

A community focus and a relaxed lifestyle

Bendigo is one of the fastest growing regions in Victoria, along with Mildura and Ballarat. Sunil selected the Bendigo Marketplace store.

“It is a really good location, there is a food court here and not much competition,” he says.

Sunil is driving business through community activities, on social media, and by asking for feedback. He believes in resolving any customer issues on the spot and already has a reputation for delivering great service.

The store has 15 team members, half of them students, many taking advantage of government incentives for students to move to regional areas.

“I’m a good manager, everyone is happy, and I can train team members to look after the evening shifts so I’m home with my son,” he explains.

“My wife Pallavi has been amazing, she’s supported me immensely, she’s taking care of our son and has her own physio business.”

He is already enjoying the more relaxed community vibe and has a long term goal to open another Soul Origin store in Ballarat.

Soul Origin is expanding in regional Australia

“It’s been a good move for us. We’re from India, so we have sacrificed family support and back-up, but our Soul Origin business is worth it – we’re making money for ourselves and our future.

“Soul Origin has been so understanding, the trainers are outstanding, and we’re happy to be taking this nutritious brand into a regional area.

“Regional customers take a laid back and relaxed approach; in the cities everyone is in a rush. That’s why I wanted to move to the regions, I like it that way,” Sunil says.

Soul Origin is also eyeing up locations in Far North Queensland in cities such as Rockhampton and Mackay following the success of new stores in Cairns and Townsville.

It’s the perfect time for potential franchise partners to consider a regional move. The Soul Origin relocation package is available for approved candidates this year who are looking to open their store before November 2025, Karla explains (T&Cs apply).

Regional locations available now

QLD: Rockhampton, Mackay, Bundaberg  

NSW: Port Macquarie , Tamworth, Forster, Dubbo  

VIC: Mildura 

So, why wait? enquire at franchising@soulorigin.com.au.