Michel's Patisserie Sets 900-Store Target Michel's Patisserie has unveiled ambitious expansion plans to open more than 900 stores across Australia and abroad over the next five years. Over 100 stores will be opened in 2005 taking Michel's Patisserie close to 400 stores by the end of 2005. 40 stores will open in Michel's home market of NSW, 30 each in Queensland and Victoria, and 12 split between SA and WA. Michel's already has stores in China, and is now open in New Zealand. It's central bakery in Auckland will began operating in the early part of 2005, with the potential for up to 100 stores in NZ. Canada and the UK are also targeted with stores expected in those countries towards the end of 2005. "We're just looking for someone at the moment to take us into those markets. We think we'll go well over there because there's nothing like what we do there already," said  Noel Carroll, former joint MD and owner of Michel's Patisserie. Michel's Patisserie is now owned a renowned Food Services group "RETAIL FOOD GROUP" with its corporate head quarters in Brisbane QLD, Australia.

The Michel's Patisserie product range boasts over 300 items consisting of small and large cakes, flans, pastries, pies, quiche and other savouries with the added value of hot and cold beverages and party items. Whether it be a coffee and danish for breakfast; a cake and coffee for morning or afternoon tea; a pie and cold drink for lunch; or a family pie and tart for a convenient dinner, Michel's Patisserie is able to cater for all occasions. In addition Michel's Patisserie provides the solution for celebrations such as office and home parties; birthdays; BBQ's and any other special events - it's little wonder Michel's Patisserie is known as the 'Place to Party'!

Keep it Simple (K.I.S.) From the outset the plan was for simplicity, achieved by separating the food preparation (baking) from the retailing. No early starts for preparation as the order is placed to the central bakery each afternoon and delivered fresh each day. Retailing doesn't get any simpler! A royalty-free Franchise One of our 'unique' Franchise differences is that, unlike almost all other retail Franchisors in Australia, Michel's Patisserie is not a royalty-based system. A 2% marketing levy is charged and this is used for advertising and marketing the Michel's Patisserie brand. An affordable Franchise A Michel's Patisserie outlet requires minimal set-up costs. There is no need for a large rental area because you do not need baking equipment such as ovens and mixers. An average set-up cost for a new Michel's Patisserie is around $220,000 to $280,000* - it is considerably lower than a retail Franchise requiring food preparation on site. * Price includes fit-out, training, manuals, initial Franchise fee but excludes G.S.T. which is later returned to the Franchisee. Comprehensive training People from all working backgrounds are successfully operating Michel's Patisserie Franchises. From former teachers to trades people to young couples. No prior baking knowledge is required. A comprehensive training programme is provided for all new owners including theory, practical, coffee making, and on-site assistance at opening or takeover stage.