According to Queensland cafe business, Shingle Inn, there has been considerable interest from potential franchisees about its expansion plans into the southern states, with the first cafes expected to open next year.

The brand, which has existed for almost 75 years, has franchised five stores in the past six months, with locations varying from Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast to Mount Ommaney in Brisbane’s west and down south in Robina.

It is also preparing to open another five stores in the second half of 2010, in areas including Toowoomba, Cleveland and another CBD location.

Director, Andrew Bellchambers, said the southern states are keen to embrace the ‘old world’ atmosphere of the Shingle Inn brand. We are responding to demand from cafe goers and the industry down south who are looking for an exciting and dependable brand with quality as its core focus.

We are looking forward to replicating our proven and successful model in NSW and Victoria, and key shopping centre management and street front property owners in these areas have been very enthusiastic about welcoming a highly respected Queensland brand into their local market, Bellchambers said.