Name: Graham Rodwell
Location: Pietermaritzburg
Franchisee: HUNGRE Restaurant Deliveries

Why I chose franchising and Hungre Delivery

I was looking around for a business concept that would satisfy my career and lifestyle aspirations and HUNGRE DELIVERY offers me that and more!

Being a no debtor business, with no stockholding and low overheads, it’s a very attractive franchise option. Having previously worked in one of their franchises, I saw for myself that HUNGRE DELIVERY is a winning model. As a franchisee, I receive all the help and support I need; HUNGRE DELIVERY truly wants its franchisees to succeed.

What I did before taking up my Hungre Delivery franchise

I owned and managed a small graphic design business before I received an offer to manage a HUNGRE DELIVERY franchise in Morningside, Durban. This allowed me to experience first-hand the high levels of organisation which ensure the smooth and efficient running of the business and high service levels to its customer base.

How I raised the finance

I qualified for a bank loan, which I am paying off over the next few years.

The training and support I receive from Hungre Delivery

I receive only the best training and support from my franchisor. Not only did they help me to set up the business by contacting the relevant suppliers, but they accompanied me to meetings to ensure that any deals I secured were profitable ones. I can rest assured knowing that, should I have any issues, I can give them a call and they will do all they can to sort them out or point me in the right direction.

Owning a franchise means that one must have a variety of sound business skills. I have access to in-house training courses, covering industry-specific knowledge, IT skills, administration and financial procedures, industrial relations and staff management and training, as well as customer and sales training. HUNGRE DELIVERY really does cover all aspects of running a successful business.

The challenges I have faced

We are operating in tough times, so building up the business to become a profitable entity has been my most pressing challenge. The current economy does present us with challenges but, with the help of my HUNGRY DELIVERY franchisor, we have ensured that we roll out well-conceived marketing plans to help us secure good deals. With this strategy in place, we have not only met, but exceeded our original targets.

My advice to someone thinking of buying their first franchise

Being a franchisee is not for the faint-hearted – one needs to be an entrepreneurial type, enthusiastic, passionate and, of course, self-motivated. Hard work is the order of the day, but if you’re willing to do it, the return on investment is excellent and you will be handsomely rewarded. If you are thinking of going into franchising, make sure you do your research – choose a franchise that is suited to your interests, budget and management style.

My plans for the future

My number one goal is to ensure that the service levels at my HUNGRE DELIVERY franchise in Pietermaritzburg remain at the absolute top level. This way, I will ensure that my customer base will grow. Happy HUNGRE DELIVERY customers means more happy HUNGRE DELIVERY customers – good for me and good for the franchise.

HUNGRE DELIVERY is South Africa’s hottest new franchise concept. At last, HUNGRE DELIVERY satisfies the need for a fast and efficient restaurant take-out delivery service. The online ordering facility allows customers to order anytime, anywhere (see www.hungre.co.za).