Food specialists Eat17 believe their unique business model is the ideal remedy for post Covid-19 blues.
Upmarket food store Eat17 is hoping to increase its portfolio of stores by collaborating with existing retail outlets whose businesses may have been adversely affected by the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Eat17 believe their own proven business model, which combines retail and dining, will appeal to companies interested in finding new profitable revenue streams during these difficult times. Eat17, which began trading in Walthamstow in 2006, have since opened outlets in Hackney, Hammersmith and Bishop’s Stortford, and now enjoy an annual turnover of around £11m.
The company’s four outlets combine a convenience store with in-house dining, and they are now on the lookout to open more as franchises. Their current stores offer a dining experience with menus focused on locally sourced produce, as well as tastes from across the globe, while also working closely with street food vendors. They believe this particular model is ideal for the modern retail world and are keen to speak to owners of existing shops, pubs, restaurants, sandwich bars and coffee shops, who might consider turning some of their floor space over to retailing.
Eat17 are confident owners will be interested in exploring how they can increase profitability by branching out within their own current premises. Founders James Brundle and Chris O’Connor are step-brothers who grew up close to the first Eat17 store in Walthamstow. After pursuing different careers, the pair joined forces by converting a run-down off-licence into their first outlet.
Chris explains: “We took over a shabby store in Walthamstow and devoted all of our time and energy into making a success of it. We sometimes slept outside in a van, so we were always close by. We introduced local suppliers and it began to perform very well, which spurred us into buying the building next door which is now a restaurant. As the store and restaurant flourished, we opened sister stores in Hackney, Hammersmith and Bishop’s Stortford. Each store has a different look, which is unusual for a growing brand but it’s important to us to tailor each offering to its local area. It’s nice to offer a point of difference in each place and it seems to be very popular with customers.”
After 14 successful years, the step-brothers believe the time is right to expand and they hope to work with other local businesses. James Brundle added: “We’re now keen to share what we’ve learnt, and we hope other businesses may want to diversify and perhaps introduce new revenue streams. Our offering isn’t a one size fits all. Instead, it is about working closely with outlets to give them another stream of revenue as they adapt their businesses in these post Covid-19 times. Our concept is working well in our four stores and it’s a model that can easily be applied to businesses that have struggled in recent months. We can get into businesses and give them the advice they need to get the retail side off the ground. We can also offer a large selection of foods we create ourselves from scratch. These include butchery items, wraps, sandwiches, sourdough bread and top-quality ready meals.”
The company’s website reads: “Eat17 are offering franchise solutions to progressive retailers and restaurateurs who are truly looking to stand out from the crowd, with a proven successful business model merging retail and food service. We’re dedicated to doing things the right way, thinking local, offering great value for money, taking great pride in our work and, most important of all, putting proper food on your plate.”
Anyone interested in exploring a franchise opportunity with Eat17 should visit their website: https:/www.eat17.co.uk/franchising Or email: [email protected].
