Carving Out Your Own Future With Franchising

Muffin Break New Zealand entrepreneur Jeff Gardner joined the hospitality fast track when he left high school. He worked as a chef after graduating and then, at quite a young age, seized the opportunity to manage, and eventually own, an ice cream retail franchise.

As a successful business owner, he decided to climb the ladder further to take on a bigger scale business in the form of a Muffin Break. Needing a change, a fortuitous break came when the Muffin Break in Upper Hutt came on the market.

Jeff was attracted by the Muffin Break franchise because he felt that being part of something larger simplified business structures and concentrated support in one place. This was Jeff’s opportunity to not only have a change but to run a larger business and build bespoke relationships with local businesses.

One of the most attractive facets of being a franchise owner is the flexibility it gives you in terms of planning your own routine. Jeff’s day begins at 9am after he drops his daughter off at kindergarten. He likes to be hands-on and is a crucial part of the in-store team, taking care of everything from dishes to making coffee to food prep. Being so involved is really a form of ongoing staff training; it allows Jeff to encourage his staff to work quickly and train them in the art of excellent customer service. Jeff is continually looking at how the business can evolve. He also receives support from Muffin Break in the form of award-winning training and support programs.

Jeff typically ends his day between 2pm and 5pm when he feels he is on top of everything. Presently working five days a week, he will likely go to seven days a week for a time as he takes over as the new operator of the Muffin Break in Bayfair, Mt Maunganui.

Jeff clearly has a flair for the franchise business but he says there are a number of key lessons he has learned along the way:

“Systems, routines, staff training and creating staff expectations are the foundations of a good business. The business is not just about you. It’s about creating a dynamic team environment.”

It’s joyous hard work and while he may be looking down the barrel of seven days a week for a time as he takes over his second Muffin Break store, Jeff wouldn’t give it up for anything. As he says, owning your own business with Muffin Break really gives you “the confidence to create your own future.”

There are currently Muffin Break café business opportunities available across New Zealand. Create your own future with the franchise – find out more today.