ABOUT BENDIGO
Bendigo, located in the heart of the Goldfields region, is a progressive and contemporary city that serves as the principal service center for the Loddon Mallee, Loddon Campaspe region in regional Victoria. With key industries such as mining and financial services, it plays a vital role in the central Victorian economy. As the third-most populous city in regional Victoria, Bendigo is a significant tourist destination, known for its gold rush era architecture and cultural festivals, including the annual Chinese New Year celebrations that honor its large Chinese community.
The city is comprised of suburban communities along major transport corridors and has established itself as a manufacturing base for primary industries in the region. In recent years, Bendigo has also become a hub for finance and insurance services, healthcare, and education. Bendigo’s vibrant arts and culture scene is showcased by the renowned Bendigo Art Gallery, home to an exceptional collection of 19th Century European and Australian art, and the Capital Theatre, a historic venue hosting local and international performances. The Ulumbarra Theatre, situated within the walls of the historic Sandhurst Gaol, further enriches the city’s cultural facilities.
Bendigo is also celebrated for its wine and food culture, with two award-winning wine regions, Heathcote and Bendigo, that contribute to its reputation for excellent local produce. The city’s restaurants, bars, and cafes proudly support the region’s farmers, suppliers, and wineries, offering a delightful culinary experience.
With a strong business community consisting of approximately 8,255 businesses and a workforce of around 53,533 people, Bendigo is poised for growth compared to other parts of the region and regional Victoria as a whole. Its thriving economy, rich cultural heritage, and convenient infrastructure make Bendigo a vibrant and promising city in regional Australia.
LOCATION Bendigo
STORE FORMAT San Churro Chocolateria
INVESTMENT TBC
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AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
The Franchise Council of Australia named us 2019 Winner of the Australian Established Franchisor of the Year.
“It (winning this award) means more for our franchise partners and all the hard work and millions of hours that’s gone into the concept over the last 13 years, and we stand on the shoulders of that” – Founder, Giro Maurici.
5-stars for Franchise Performance 2024
FRANdata - Australian Franchising Rating Scale2019 Australian Established Franchise of the Year!
Franchise Council of AustraliaBest Innovation Food & Beverage
QSR Media 2021 Awards2020 Top Franchise Rating
FRANdata's Australian Franchise Rating ScaleBest Vegan Menu
PETA Australia’s 2019 Vegan Food AwardsFinalist in the Field Manager of the Year Award
MYOB FCA Excellence in Franchising AwardsBest Innovation Food & Beverage
QSR Media 2019 AwardsFAQs
1. What is the initial investment when opening a traditional San Churro store?
The cost of opening a brand new San Churro store varies depending on the size, location and format of the site, however the average initial investment ranges from approximately $350,000 to $550,000. This cost includes start-up fees, training fees, and store design and build costs.
Occasionally there will be an opportunity to invest in an existing San Churro store.
2. How can I finance my business?
There are many ways you can fund a San Churro:
- From savings
- Borrowing against existing personal assets
- Borrowing a portion against the plant equipment purchased by the business
- Using ready cash from the sale of an existing business or property
- Borrow against the new San Churro business
San Churro currently has a preferred lending status with ANZ and CFI. Both specialise in franchise lending and have all the details of our franchise system.
3. How long has San Churro been in business?
San Churro commenced business in September 2004. The first store opened its doors in March 2006 in Fitzroy, Victoria.
4. Does San Churro help with location selection and the lease?
The San Churro Franchise Development team locates new potential San Churro store sites, however we are open to suggestions from prospective Franchise Partners who have a location of interest. The final decision on all new sites will be at San Churro’s discretion.
We then work closely with new Franchise Partners in negotiating with landlords to secure the best possible lease arrangement. The Franchise Partner will ultimately enter into the lease in their entity.
5. What is the average size of a San Churro store?
The ideal size of a San Churro store is approximately 60 – 175sqm, preferably with prominent frontage, highly visible signage opportunities and outdoor seating.
6. How long will it take to open a San Churro store?
It takes time to find the perfect San Churro site and work through the negotiation process. Once the site has been selected, designing and building a San Churro store takes approximately 12 – 18 weeks.
7. Am I required to work in the store?
Yes, we believe that it is vital that our Franchise Partners work in their stores. The best stores are those that the Franchise Partner operates as this ensures that they remain familiar with the store’s day-to-day operations and that their valued customers are experiencing the exceptional standards of service that they expect from a San Churro store.
8. What kind of training support is provided?
San Churro Chocolateria conducts a comprehensive 6-week Induction course for all Franchise Partners. Throughout this training, you will learn everything from how to make the perfect churros to how to manage a successful business.
In addition to the 6 weeks of Induction Training, the San Churro Support Office team will work with you to recruit your new team and provide initial training for your staff. The team will also be there to help set up your new store and work with you during your first week of trade.
9. What happens once my store opens?
Our dedicated San Churro Support Office team is always on call to provide ongoing support in all areas of your business including training, operations, marketing, finance, IT and more. There are also many opportunities to connect with the San Churro network with regional and national meetings. Our committed Business Development Managers will also conduct regular store visits to help your business be the best it can be.
10. What kind of return can I expect from the operation of a San Churro franchise?
When you submit an application and pay your application fee, we will provide you with a copy of our current Disclosure Document, which will give some historical financial information based on the performance of our actual stores. We recommend that you enlist the assistance of professional business, accounting and legal advisers to assess the viability of the business.
Due to the significant variables affecting the profitable performance of each franchise, it is inappropriate for us to make any representation to you on the potential level of sales and profitability of any existing or new store.