Michael Straker In less than five years, Michael Straker has become Sandwich Baron ’s star franchisee. At 25 years old, this driven young businessman has turned three of the franchise group’s stores around and is intent on taking the Sandwich Baron concept global. Determined to become a Sandwich Baron franchisee, Straker started as a cashier at Alberton Sandwich Baron in 2010 where he learnt the basics of the business. “After two years at the store, I went to the United Kingdom to try and make it as a cricketer. I returned to South Africa a year and a half later to take up a position as a junior manager at the Sandwich Baron in Germiston.” Having not worked at Sandwich Baron for a while, Staker had to learn the basics again and acquire management skills. After a year, at only 20 years old, he was promoted to store manager at Germiston, a role he fulfilled for three years. During this time, he increased the store’s profitability and elevated it into the top five in the gr...

Sandwich Baron stores around the country will be given a fresh new look this year. The revamp is to mark the franchise group’s 21st birthday and ensure it keeps abreast of current trends, especially the renewed focus on eating healthy. Sandwich Baron CEO, Sally J’arlette Joy, says several new items have been introduction onto the Sandwich Baron menu to accommodate people with various dietary and health needs. “Recent introductions include the Banting Veggie Omelette, which is a variation on an existing popular item, as well as a vegetarian breakfast, amongst many others. “We wanted the new look to more aligned with the health theme, hence the trendier and more earthy and wholesome look of the wooden finishes we are using in our stores. At the same time, we will retain the distinctive red and green colours that Sandwich Baron is so well known for,” she says. The new look will not cost the franchisees an arm and a leg. “Franchisees will be updating their looks in the second part of th...

Sandwich Baron founder and CEO Sally J’Arlette-Joy says having a mix of women and men franchisees has been one of the most important ingredients in expanding her sandwich franchise business. Men and women have different characteristics and different attitudes to business, which means that a blend of the two delivers more consistent growth than would a majority of one gender over the other. Men are typically enthusiastic in the beginning but can easily lose that enthusiasm when things don’t pan out how they expect them to. On the other hand, women have a longer-term view of a business and consequently greater longevity. The experience of Sandwich Baron in this regard would tend to justify the current government strategy in South Africa to facilitate more women entering the business world. In fact, women are starting up small businesses in South Africa in record numbers. According to a White Paper on Female Entrepreneurship from the Centre for Entrepreneurship at the Wits Business Sch...

While franchising’s prevalence in the South African economy underlines that it is a successful formula, many franchisees continue to fail each year. Often, it’s the small stuff that separates winners from losers: reluctance to follow the formula, poor management and poor people skills. There’s a bit of the rebel in each of us, but the reason most people choose to become a franchisee is to follow a successful model. Those that don’t follow it, really only have themselves to blame. However, to be a top performing franchise takes a little more than following the beaten path, says Sandwich Baron founder and CEO Sally J’Arlette-Joy. Over the 20 years of Sandwich Baron’s existence she has noted the characteristics that separate her best franchisees from those who simply make a living, or even fail. “It often comes down to taking something which has been tried before and doing it better, or with a bit of a twist. The characteristics of successful franchisees are those who provide the b...

Success or failure of retail franchises primarily depends upon local marketing initiatives. In addition to the franchisor’s marketing efforts, success comes when a franchisee markets his or her business among the local community. Failure is usually a result of a franchisee believing he’s bought a business for which everything is laid on for him. Sally J’Arlette-Joy, founder of Sandwich Baron , says the key to success lies in a corporate marketing strategy dovetailing with a franchisee’s local marketing strategy. J’Arlette-Joy has a number of proven tips for franchisees. These are relevant to any franchisee, even though tailored for Sandwich Baron’s 49 outlets nationwide. “Much of our focus has been on maintaining a strong Internet presence, and we would similarly recommend this to franchisees. When you google ‘sandwich’, ‘Sandwich Baron’ is the first website that comes up. But to maintain that search engine presence requires constant updating. My advice is: first put aside a ...

by Sandwich Baron founder and CEO Sally J’Arlette-Joy Sandwich Baron franchisees can earn a comfortable living, and in some cases an exceptional living, if they adhere to 10 basic rules which have been gleaned from my 20 years’ experience running outlets. Abiding by these tips has seen many franchisees earn reliable livings through good economic times and bad, while not following them has resulted in some franchisees failing. 1.    Run the shop yourself There are not many, if any, instances of successful manager-run Sandwich Baron outlets. You are unlikely to make it unless you are personally running the business on the shop floor. There are examples where franchisees think the business is doing well, only to find once their bookkeeper completes the books that their stock is being stolen to fund somebody else’s business. 2.    Take personal responsibility for the performance of the store ‘Do you plan to run the shop yourself?’ This is always my f...

As the brand celebrates its 20th anniversary, Sandwich Baron founder and CEO Sally J’Arlette-Joy offers 20 reasons why potential franchisees should consider buying a Sandwich Baron franchise and join in the phenomenal growth of South Africa’s fastest growing sandwich business. Globally, and in South Africa, sandwich shops are a growing industry with a sustainable profit outlook. The sandwich shop industry has enjoyed steady global growth in each of the last five years, largely supported by robust demand for healthy meal options and fresh ingredients, according to a recent IBISWorld report, a global business intelligence leader specialising in industry market research. The sandwich shop industry world-wide is dominated by franchises. Sandwich Baron stores often sustain a higher gross revenue per store than competing independent sandwich stores, given higher brand recognition and prime locations. Research indicates that almost 80% of self-start business ventures fail. This is ty...

Sandwich Baron , South Africa’s fastest growing sandwich franchise, is pleased to announce the finalists of its ‘Varsity Eat Off’ competition following round robin events at three Johannesburg universities in June. At each of the three university campuses five students battled it out to see who could eat the most foot-long sandwich subs within 20 minutes. Three very hungry under-graduates emerged as winners: Philani Mlatshwayo (University of Johannesburg, eating three chicken mayo foot longs); Nkuleleko Diji (Wits University, also eating three); and Maui Pardise (AFDA, eating almost four foot longs). The three finalists will next compete against one another in July when the varsities reopen - and by which time they will have built up an appetite after the extravagances of their foot-long feast - where the final winner will be crowned the ultimate Sandwich “BARON”. In recognition of this competitive spirit, the winner will receive a free sub every week for one year.  The ‘Varsity ...

Sandwich Baron , South Africa’s fastest growing sandwich franchise, celebrates its 20th year in business this year.  Founded by Sally J’Arlette-Joy, the franchise chain has grown from one to 51 stores in two decades, with stores in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.  Across the country, South Africa’s popular breakfast and lunch take-away for working folk has launched a birthday month social media promotion where it will give away 20 sandwiches every day. Each person who wins a free sandwich and goes into store, takes a selfie and posts it to social media with #Happy20thBirthdaySandwichBaron will be entered into a competition to win R20 000 in cash.  One lucky entrant will be drawn at the end of June. This successful franchise business had humble beginnings in Sally’s home.  “After selling my restaurant I wanted to rest, but when the money was running out I realised that I needed a new idea and no-one had yet tapped into t...

Franchising falls within one of the most significant sectors of the South Africa economy - the services sector. This industry contributes over 70% to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounts for over 72% of all employment. If we are to reach the World Banks’ estimate that our country's economic growth is to increase by 2% this year, then the services sector needs to continue to perform well. Naomi Brandt, franchisee of the Sandwich Baron Kensington store in Johannesburg, discusses how paving the way for female entrepreneurs through the franchise model can see the sector, and in turn the country, exceed current growth projections. A recent survey conducted by the Franchising Association of South Africa (FASA) found that there are over thirty thousand franchised outlets in the country. Off these, 26% are black owned, while 28% are owned by women. The industry also boasts employment numbers of over four hundred thousand jobs which are mostly representative of t...

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 ...

Training is key for prospective franchisees’ success  For franchisees to be successful, a strong and formative management approach is necessary, where emphasis is placed on elements such as stock control, organising, planning, staff management and understanding the rules of the franchise. Training Manager at Sandwich Baron, Sergio Martins, says without this kind of structure and management, franchisees could struggle to achieve the profit margins they require. Training is therefore imperative to help franchisees fully understand the franchise’s business system, resulting in exceptional service, quality, consistency and great profit margins. The key capability needed to run a successful franchise is the ability to follow the business system and the regulations of the franchise brand. At Sandwich Baron, we expect franchisees to be fully committed to delivering top service, and consistency in a quality product, which require them to be able to work on food costs and implement c...

Average vs Good in the world of franchising Tanya Spence For anyone wanting to escape the corporate world and the highly competitive job market in favour of running their own business, franchising is an exciting and feasible option. However, National Operations Manager for Sandwich Baron , Tanya Spence, cautions those considering this tried and tested business model to still do their homework well and make sure they are well informed about behaviours in the world of franchising that can make the difference between running a really good franchise or merely an average one.  Franchising opportunities are on the increase all over the world, primarily because this business model is widely believed to be one of the safest and most risk-free ways to start a business and make a long term success of it. But be careful not to expect to buy a “business in a box”, believing that all you have to do is open the doors and customers will come, and that the business will run itself. The d...

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...

The smart way to increase costs on a menu Tanya Spence To ensure a business is keeping up with the times, it is necessary to adapt and change. Whether it be a change in the management of the business, or in something that impacts the customer even more directly, change is essential for progress. Sandwich Baron recently undertook an update to their menu, to ensure profitability and sustainability of the business – while seeing to the changing needs of customers in the same instance. National Operations Manager for Sandwich Baron, Tanya Spence, knows that updating a menu is no easy feat. She shares some inside info on the process of implementing a national menu update and all the factors that can influence this change. To ensure ongoing profitability for franchisees so that their business can grow, it is important to not only monitor progress, but also to do forecasts of the things that could impact on it. We know that supplier costs and other expenses such as fuel and electrici...

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...

Sandwich Baron tucks into healthier lifestyles for children Selen Naidoo There is no denying that health and proper nutrition go hand in hand and with only one opportunity in this life to ensure a healthy lifestyle, nutrition should be a top priority.  While we are all equally responsible for making good choices for our own health, the onus rests on parents to teach children to develop a positive relationship with healthy food from an early age. While healthy eating habits most certainly start at home, it is even more important that these habits are exercised at school as well to ensure kids make the right choices for themselves. The reality is, however, that preparing and packing a healthy lunch for a school child is not always an effortless task for a busy parent. Having a full time job and being a 24/7 parent is challenging already – with remembering to opt for healthy lunch box snacks being even more so in most cases. Fortunately, Sandwich Baron have the ideal way fo...

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...