Carmen Tobin and Rene Johnson Marshalltown is an endless hub of activity. Located in the Johannesburg CBD, it boasts a variety of big business, an abundance of residential developments as well as foot traffic from commuters who travel to other nodes of work, home and play. It is for this reason that Sandwich Baron has made a strategic decision to move into the city centre, to offer the hundreds and thousands of movers and shakers who interact with the CDB on a daily basis, healthy and convenient food alternatives. Situated at 11 Maclaren Street, corner Fox Street, the new store is owned by two business partners, and sisters, Carmen Tobin and Rene Johnson, who draw on their experience in the food industry from their background in catering. Their company was contracted to a nursery school for six years and they have also specialised in catering for events such as conferences, weddings and birthdays. Johnson says that they are excited about the new venture, ”Having done extensive...

A guide to beating the odds and starting your own franchise business Sally J’Arlette-Joy According to financial services giant, First National Bank , franchising in South Africa has grown steadily at a rate of between 5% and 7% annually, especially in the fast-food industry. It is also estimated that the industry contributes more than 10% of retail sales. However, first time franchisors still face challenges when starting a franchise with capital restrictions. Founder and head of the Sandwich Baron franchise, Sally J’Arlette-Joy, explains how she grew her franchise from a capital investment of only R5, 000. The idea of selling sandwiches was inspired by my time spent working in London; where sandwich shops are common place. After I made South Africa my home, I realised the gap in the food retail market and decided to pursue my lifelong dream. In 1996, I established and ran a small sandwich shop from home, which quickly caught the attention of the Alberton community, just ea...

Sandwich Baron unveils new Banting-friendly menu choices Always reflecting the latest food trends in the local market, Sandwich Baron has now unveiled its new banting-friendly meals, prepared especially for the increasing number of customers who are following this low-carb, gluten free, high fat lifestyle. South Africa’s well-loved sandwich store is now offering its customers a range of healthy meals that will help them stick to their meal plan.  The five new meal choices have been introduced at all 50 Sandwich Baron stores nationwide. Now on offer, is a banting breakfast box comprising two boiled eggs, two rashers of bacon, two cocktail pork sausages and two tomato slices with garlic and herbs at R30; a banting lunch box made up of a roasted quarter chicken served with avocado and sliced boiled eggs at R37; 500 ml of leak and sweet potato soup at R27; a banting omelette filled with cheese, avocado and bacon, with a side salad dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil at ...

Free-rides in business don’t secure success Scott Mitchley While many believe that franchising is the golden ticket to success, it is important to always bear in mind that everything comes at a price. Even in the case of Scott Mitchley, who won a Sandwich Baron franchise in March 2014, success never came for free. He shares more below on how hands-on management and constant involvement has attributed to the establishment of a successful business. Believing that a franchised business will guarantee you instant victory is a serious misconception. While a great deal of support is given in exchange for an investment, with the credibility of an established brand being the most beneficial, it is by no means a free ride. After winning Sandwich Baron’s ‘Win a Franchise’ competition and opening the doors to our new store in Beyerspark in Boksburg, the hard work commenced immediately. With great support from the franchisor, Sally J’Arlette-Joy and the rest of the head office team, tra...

Sandwich Baron success story: from kitchen helper to franchise owner Zoleka Msomi Many people who start out in a business know that opportunities for growth simply don’t fall out of the sky. They don’t magically appear, ready to transform someone’s career. For most working people who are growing their career, success is achieved one step at a time. Zoleka Msomi, new owner of the Sandwich Baron Tuck Shop at Reddford House School, The Hills, knows full well what it takes to start from the bottom and work her way up. Starting off as a member of the kitchen staff in 2003 certainly taught her a few important lessons. She relates the path she travelled to now owning her own successful franchise and shares some tips below. Being successful starts with the dream to be successful. While it might sound funny that one should actually dream of it, sadly, there are many people out there who are content to stay where they are at. For some, reaching the top just means additional work. Althou...

Trevor Mashabane New business owners know their bread is buttered in the townships There is no denying that for many entrepreneurs, business is all about the money. It’s what makes the corporate world go round, after all. Yes, while no one is in business to be unsuccessful, many people look at a much bigger picture that seeks to improve the lives of others just as much as their own. New owners of the Sandwich Baron Braamfontein store, Trevor and Katlego Mashabane, have a dream of realising bigger things than just securing success for their store. This father and son duo have successfully negotiated a master franchise licence within the Sandwich Baron stable, which affords them the rights to establish more stores as part of this acclaimed franchise business in township areas across the country. The Mashabanes were originally attracted to the uniqueness of the products that Sandwich Baron offers, which then inspired them to open their first store.  “From the online orderi...

A business plan means business W hen starting a business there are many factors that come into play that need to be analysed to ensure its success. Price, place, promotion and product are but some of the important aspects in the business mix that need to be planned and executed meticulously. In the flurry of dynamics to consider, many entrepreneurs tend to forget that having a business plan to drive the business processes is actually the most crucial, regardless of the sector type. This is especially true in franchising. Even though the franchising model affords owners the benefit of added support that is rooted in an established foundation, the business plan is just as important as in any other industry. Sally J’Arlette – Joy, the franchisor of Sandwich Baron , shares more on the importance of a business plan for the franchisee and the franchisor. A business plan is basically a document that summarises the operational and financial objectives of a business. Additionally, this...

The business of managing expectations in franchising Sally J’Arlette-Joy Within the franchising model, the premise goes that the business concept is one that offers entrepreneurs a sure-fire way of being successful. With its foundation firmly established on a legacy that has stood the test of time, a franchised business offers any entrepreneur the tried and tested plans and practices to make a business excel.   While the expected success rate of a franchise proves to be its strongest point, it can also be one of the most misleading points, which has blinded many owners once they are in the business, as the expectations that many franchisees have upon entering into this industry are often too high. Founder of Sandwich Baron, Sally J’Arlette-Joy , who is both a franchisor and franchisee, knows first-hand how unmet expectations within a franchise can often lead to frustration and even conflict within a group and shares more insights below. When the negotiations between...