When Coolabah started business in 2001 the companyÍs mission was to provide the kind of wholesome food that many Australians grew up with — good breakfasts, big burgers, steak sandwiches, roasts and pies. To this they added excellent coffee.

Positioned somewhere between a fast food outlet and a restaurant, Coolabah can currently be found at most major travel centres and service stations in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, and in some shopping centre food courts. Two new outlets east of Melbourne will soon take the brand into Victoria.

Over the past nine years we have predominantly been a company-owned operation — at one point we had over 300 staff, says CEO Andrew Grant. Going forward we plan to grow the franchised arm of the business. We have a goal of opening 30 new franchised outlets over the next two years.

Grant is aware that, despite serving over 40,000 customers each week, Coolabah could still be considered a lesser-known brand. This is something he is determined to change; he recently instigated a long-term brand building campaign.

We believe it’s about time more people knew about an Australian-owned and operated company that’s out there providing good, healthy, tasty and wholesome product in competition with all the overseas-owned, major fast-food joints, he says.

The franchisees that will help take the brand forward will have a passion to succeed, some business acumen and a healthy attitude.

They need to be hands-on in the business and willing to learn the systems, Grant continues.

He also acknowledges that a close relationship between management and franchisees is crucial.

If we are to grow as a company we need to ensure the success and well-being of our existing and new franchisees, he says.

Investment required: $300,000 to $400,000.