Here’s What Our Franchise Partners Have To Say…
Monday, February 6
We spoke to some of our multi-site Franchise Partners about their journey with San Churro and here’s what they said:
Us: How long have you been a Franchise Partner with San Churro?
Karan: Since 2017
Jay: 8 years!
Katie: Over 8 years
Lidia: Almost 8 years
Us: Why did you decide to become a Franchise Partner with San Churro?
Karan: I visited a San Churro store in Queensland and it was love at first sight.
Jay: After having dinner on Lygon street, myself and my partner went to treat ourselves at San Churro Carlton, it was truly an amazing experience.
Katie: When we were looking at a number of different Franchise brands, we chose San Churro because we loved the culture and it was clear that the Support Office team was extremely supportive and have genuine care for their Franchise Partners.
Lidia: We believed in the product, saw a great opportunity and chose to take it. We had faith that we could uphold the San Churro standard and values. My husband and I work very well together, we’re a great team so we knew we could take on the challenge.
Us: Before becoming a franchise partner for the first time, did you have a business background?
Karan: Yes, I ran a successful restaurant for 10 years prior to opening my first San Churro.
Jay: Prior to San Churro, I was a multi-site Franchise Partner with Nandos for 8 years.
Katie: Both my partner Cosimo and I had significant business experience as we both had owned and operated businesses prior to joining San Churro.
Lidia: I didn’t, however I had a lot of hospitality experience after working in Melbourne Airport for Qantas and American Airlines. I brought a lot of customer service experience and I learned so much more when we opened our first San Churro. My partner did have a business background. He ran his own company specialising in tyres and wheels for over 10 years. He brought a lot of sales experience to our partnership.
Us: How many hours do you work each week and how many San Churro stores do you own?
Karan: Each week is different. Sometimes it’s only 10 to 15 hours each week and sometimes 40. I currently have two stores and I’m ready to open a third!
Jay: Initially I worked 6 days, approx 50 – 60 hours per week. Now that our teams are trained and self-sufficient, I spend 4 days at work and 1-2 days at home for admin work. I own 2 San Churro stores and now I work around 30 – 35 hours total each week.
Katie: We currently own 3 San Churro stores in Western Australia. I spend on average about 20 hours per week across the 3 stores, whilst Cosimo works full time as a University Lecturer and engages with the management team a couple of hours a fortnight to provide leadership training and mentoring.
Lidia: I am proud to say we now own 3 San Churro stores: QV, Carlton and Watergardens. I work about 10 hours per week including rostering, ordering stock and I also work in-store when needed. I enjoy working in-store because it keeps me fit and I enjoy working with my staff.
Us: How has the San Churro Support Office and Management team supported you and helped you achieve goals with your business?
Karan: San Churro is like an extended family, and help is always provided with every aspect of my business, from marketing to operations, menu to the design of our store. Everything is taken care of. This means I can focus on running my business and making it profitable.
Jay: The San Churro Support Office and Management team are highly motivated and have long-term commitment and strategies to expand the brand. They are also very transparent with business goals and communicate them to Franchise Partners on a regular basis. They encourage Franchise Partners to grow within the brand and they take the lead on marketing campaigns and initiatives.
Katie: The support from the San Churro Support Office has been substantial and enabled us to achieve our goals whilst growing our businesses.
Lidia: We have always had great support from everyone at the Support Office. They always listen and make things happen for us, and for that we are very thankful.The Support Office always listens and makes things happen for us, whether it’s renovating our stores, creating delicious products or getting warehouse orders to our stores efficiently. Big shoutout to Terese and Romee, also a big thank you to Murray from the warehouse who is so accommodating and helpful!
Us: What is the most important piece of advice you would give anyone purchasing any franchise or a franchise in San Churro?
Karan: Do your research, and be prepared for lifestyle change!
Jay: Be ready to work hard! The initial journey won’t be easy. Stay positive and don’t rush. Work hard and success won’t be far away!
Katie: Have a clear vision and goals on what you want to achieve, and ensure that you conduct detailed due diligence. Speak to existing Franchise Partners and seek legal and accounting advice.
Lidia: Running a San Churro is hard work but it’s very rewarding and there are so many learning opportunities. You can always ask your BDM for any help and the other San Churro Franchise Partners are always there to help too.