Franchise Spotlight: Bars
Bar franchises are poised to rebound strongly in the wake of Covid-19 shutdowns.
A surge in sales of takeaway meals and liquor only partially offset a decline in bar sector revenues during the Covid-19 shutdowns.
However, amid global news of vaccines now being signed off and rating agency Moody’s forecasting a strong post-pandemic rebound for Australia’s economy, bar franchises could benefit from a resurgent industry growth rate as Australians enthusiastically resuscitate their social lives.
Most bar franchises cope with declining per capita alcohol consumption by doubling as food franchises, and selling premium liquor and low alcohol or alcohol-free beers and cocktails.
Franchise industry analysis
Franchisees must be physical fit to cope with working long, unsocial hours and handling customers and staff amiably and efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Thankfully, head office usually eases their burden by handling things like product development and menu updates, accounts payable, payroll and procurement.
Outback Jack’s Bar & Grill combines casual dining with bar facilities and “one of the largest range of steaks on any menu in the world”.
Twice voted the best sporting entertainment venue, the Sporting Globe is another bar and grill franchise, with a variety of beers on tap and sports events displayed on multiple screens.
There are more than 58 Boost Juice and smoothie bar franchises across 13 countries, with franchisees capitalizing on the increasingly lucrative health-conscious market segment.
Ettamogah Group , founded in honour of Ken Maynard’s Ettamogah Mob cartoons, has five franchise formats requiring various investment levels, including tavern, restaurant, pub and restaurant, grill house and bar, and entertainment centre concepts.
Kombi Keg franchisees dispense beer from a VW van, enjoying a rent and staffing-cost free business and, unusually in this category, choosing their own hours.
Franchising since 1991, Montezuma’s Mexican bar and restaurant provides franchisees with training and support in cooking, administration and cost control, and benchmarking tools and monthly financial reports.