PROSPECTUS 2018 Winner of the 2016 Franchisor of the Year award in the newcomer category Prepared by The Practice Business Consultancy
PROSPECTUS
2018
Winner of the
2016 Franchisor of the Year award
in the newcomer category
Prepared by The Practice Business Consultancy
Burger Bistro – Prospectus
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From the Founders
My name is Corné Read, and together with my partner Jan-Hendrik van Staden, we
own and manage a hamburger restaurant called Burger Bistro.
Realising that there are no truly decent hamburgers to be found in Pretoria, or for that
matter, elsewhere in South Africa; and prompted by childhood memories of a burger
joint in my part of town, I decided to open my own hamburger restaurant. I contacted
my friend Jan-Hendrik, a successful and experienced restauranteur, and we decided to
make a go of it.
We soon secured premises which we thought to be ideal, and opened our bistro in mid-
2012. At the time we dreamed big, but our achievements have far outstripped our goals.
We ascribe our success to hard work, the inspiration of excellence and a vision which
arose from our passion for great burgers made with prime-quality patties, specially
baked buns and ingredients of the highest quality.
If you are keen to become part of the success which is Burger Bistro, put half an hour
aside, make yourself comfortable, read through the document with care and envisage a
brand new and fabulously exciting future! We are ready to share our knowledge and
skills with a limited number of prospective franchisees and will guide them along an
enjoyable and fruitful journey with Burger Bistro.
Corné Read & Jan-Hendrik van Staden
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The Prospectus
This document is meant to impart sufficient information regarding the Burger Bistro
franchise opportunity in order for you, the prospective franchisee, to take an informed
decision on whether you wish to become an important part of this exciting business and
to make the journey with us!
Read and be inspired!
The Concept
Burger Bistro is a cosy little burger restaurant, fully licenced, and jointly owned by Corné
Read and Jan-Hendrik van Staden – two guys who love good food, especially burgers,
and who, six years ago, had a dream and a vision! They would create hamburgers, the
likes of which could not be found anywhere else. Their burgers would be the most
delicious and mouth-watering
conceivable, and be prepared
with the love and passion of true
connoisseurs.
They would provide a wide
variety of choices to suit all
tastes, and which would vary from the good old bacon and cheese burger to the
“Marilyn Monroe” – a burger topped with melted brie, strawberry-balsamic vinaigrette
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and black pepper compote – not to mention the fabulously decadent “Godfather” – a
carnival of Emmentaler, salami, and basil pesto flavours!
The patties would be made on-site of only the highest quality meat, and the buns
specially baked for the bistro every morning. The unique chips recipe would ensure a
delightful culinary trip down memory lane, while all products and ingredients would be of
only the freshest and highest quality available. They would specialise in burgers, but
also have a limited number of other gourmet dishes available. Yet, they would be
forever true to their pledge to provide the best value for money – in short, their menu
would be affordable!
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Their patrons would describe their décor and the image as modern-eclectic, with a
touch of nostalgia having borrowed ideas from their childhood – from Ninja Turtle
posters to old VW bonnets, reminding people of the good old days!
The Beginning
In March 2012 the founders commenced with the setting up of the bistro. Due to budget
restraints, most of the work was performed by Corné and Jan-Hendrik themselves. It
was a labour of love and after many a night of toil the work was finally completed. With
their restaurant shipshape, their recipes tried and tested, their staff trained and their
systems in place, trading started in earnest in June of that year. Burger Bistro was an
immediate and resounding success! Profits continued to soar and diners needed to
start booking in advance. The business exceeded the principals’ wildest expectations
and continued to grow from strength to strength.
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Realising the potential of Burger Bistro as a national chain of burger restaurants, and
having streamlined its operations and procedures, the founders decided to expand the
business by inviting like-minded and deserving candidates to join the organisation as
franchisees, and to share in the success of the concept. In September 2013, they
employed the services of a specialist, FASA-accredited franchise consultancy to direct
their franchise roll-out programme. By January 2018, six new Burger Bistro
restaurants had been sold, four of which have since opened and which are
performing superbly and very profitably. The outlets in George and Struben’s
Valley will be opening shortly.
Burger Bistro - Hazelwood
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Franchising
For any franchise network, in this instance, Burger Bistro, to be successful, both the
franchisor and its franchisees must derive solid and enduring benefits from the
arrangement. Although the parties’ expectations converge, their perceptions of the
advantages of franchising will differ.
A very distinct advantage for the franchisor is that rapid expansion of the concept is
possible and that this would require relatively little capital. Burger Bistro should be able
to realise its franchising plans, thereby expanding its footprint and brand, based on
investments made by the franchisees. Perhaps more importantly, franchisees, having
made a substantial investment in their own businesses can be relied upon to maximise
market penetration and operational efficiencies on an ongoing basis.
Burger Bistro - Montana
Burger Bistro – Prospectus
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Franchisees on the other hand, will have the ready use of the brand, immediate access
to the franchisor’s intellectual property and know-how, benefit from a proven, tried and
tested system, receive comprehensive initial and ongoing training and support, gain
from bulk discounts which the franchisor may negotiate on behalf of the group, and
benefit from the future network’s joint advertising.
Value Proposition – it is of great importance that the value proposition is attractive to,
and resonates with, prospective franchisees. Consequently, great circumspection and
much thought have gone into creating a workable franchise package. Successful
candidates will receive a complete turnkey operation which includes the licence fee,
project management, professional fees, set-up of the premises, fixtures, fittings,
furniture, equipment, décor, P.O.S. system and signage, as well as four weeks
comprehensive initial training, and stock in trade to the value of R50,000 excluding VAT.
All this for only R1,250,000 excluding VAT, and subject to the size and state of the
premises. Franchisees need at least 50% of this amount in unencumbered cash, the
balance of which can be financed through a
financial institution. The value proposition
offered by Burger Bistro is attractive. The
margins are high, the growth potential is
promising, and its membership of The
Franchise Association of South Africa
(FASA) lends credibility to the brand and
makes it easier to obtain finance.
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Franchisees can expect to receive a return on their investment in around 24 months. In
exchange for a monthly management service fee (royalty fee) of 5% of turnover, the
franchisee will receive top-notch support from the franchisor head office in all aspects of
the operation of the restaurant. This support will include regular visits and addressing
franchisees’ difficulties in all facets of their business. A further monthly contribution of
2% of turnover payable by the franchisees will be appropriated for national advertising
on behalf of the group.
Criteria – in order to qualify as a franchisee, a candidate needs to preferably have
experience in the restaurant and food industry. If not, a suitably qualified person should
be appointed as manager. Applicants need to also have access to the necessary funds
to buy the franchise, as well as operating capital in the amount of R150,000, excluding
VAT. Most importantly however, the prospective franchisee must be highly motivated
and passionate about owning and operating a Burger Bistro franchise, and must be
wholly committed to succeeding in the business.
Training – Franchisees and staff will undergo four weeks’ initial training in order to
properly prepare them to be true and
valuable ambassadors of the brand.
Trainees will be thoroughly
instructed in all aspects of the
business, receive both theoretical
and practical training, and will be
intensively tested on the preparation
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of all dishes and on their familiarity with the menu. Ongoing training will also be
provided from time to time. Training will primarily take place at the franchisor head office
in Pretoria, with some training taking place at the franchised outlet.
Location – Premises and sites are of paramount importance on Burger Bistro’s list of
priorities. An area of approximately 150m2 to 180m2, with 3 phase power supply, able to
comfortably seat 40 to 50 diners, located in relatively inexpensive convenient centres,
with ample, safe parking and great visibility. Burger Bistro’s décor and corporate
identity are the golden thread that runs through the franchise network and which
provides a warm, welcoming ambience suited to the discerning foodie, conjuring up
memories of days gone by.
Profit Projections – profit projections are based on results obtained by the franchisor’s
existing operation, those of the franchised outlets, on figures which the franchisor
believes could realistically be achieved by franchised outlets, as well as those of
comparable industry participants. It can however not be guaranteed that franchisees will
achieve the same results nor is it intended that franchisees rely on them as guarantee.
The projected income statement does not reflect depreciation, salary for the franchisee,
the cost of servicing the loan, or taxes. All figures exclude Value Added Tax.
Franchise Enquiries
For any enquiries regarding franchising or for more information contact Louis Mienie on
(012) 346-6147/8 or e-mail [email protected].
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Prospective franchisees shall be requested to complete the application form which will
be provided on request.
Can you spot the difference?
One is a “100% beef patty, cheese, onion,
juicy tomato, crisp lettuce and in a sesame
seed bun.” – the other is a 100%
Burger Bistro!
Praise for Burger Bistro
“A funky burger joint in an unusual part of town with 50s décor and a cool vibe. They’ve
perfected the patty, from simple and vegetarian to exotic and gourmet. Try the Marilyn
Monroe with melted brie, strawberry-balsamic and black pepper jam” - EatOut2014
(Burger Bistro is listed as one of South Africa’s 500 Top-Rated Restaurants)
“it was a delicious, huge meal, not overwhelming but generous.”
- Pretoria News - Diane de Beer
“Best burgers in S.A. I would say well done to both of you. Still think it was started with
a vision and became a reality with a lot of time and effort put into this – now you are
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becoming a hugely successful restaurant, packed with good people, memories and
great food!”
- Lesinda 12 May 2013
“Love this place... even us Capetonians can appreciate a good burger!”
- Janine Germishuys Facebook
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Projected Income Statement Year 1
These figures indicate gross margins and revenue expenses at stated turnover levels which have been experienced by franchisor or franchisees in their own operations. There is no guarantee that you will achieve the same results nor is it intended that you should rely on them as guarantee. The projected income statement does
not reflect depreciation, remuneration for the franchisee, the cost of servicing the loan or taxes. All figures exclude Value Added Tax.
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Projected Income Statement Year 2
These figures indicate gross margins and revenue expenses at stated turnover levels which have been experienced by franchisor or franchisees in their own operations. There is no guarantee that you will achieve the same results nor is it intended that you should rely on them as guarantee. The projected income statement does
not reflect depreciation, remuneration for the franchisee, the cost of servicing the loan or taxes. All figures exclude Value Added Tax.