I wanted to share my journey as a multi-unit franchise owner for those considering the next step but perhaps aren’t too sure about taking the leap. For me, it has many benefits and owning four units across the city of Bath continues to be a great experience.
I started my Subway journey in 2016 when I bought my first store in Bath. The franchise business model seemed great and I love the city of Bath so it was a perfect combination. The great customer base and supportive local business owners have been a particular bonus over the past four years. When I was approached to build a second store, I didn’t hesitate and jumped at the opportunity. This second store was a brand-new ‘fresh forward’ (new décor) store and I was one of the first few franchise owners in the UK to adopt this new Subway design, so it was particularly exciting. The store opened in 2018 and is right in the heart of the student area so I knew it would be popular and complement my first store.
I then had the opportunity to buy the additional two stores in Bath, which meant I had full scope of the city and got to own all of the sites in one area. This is great because I can travel easily between all stores and split staff easier between the sites when managing resources.
I found the first store opening the most challenging. It was my first Subway and there was a lot to learn with the brand, but fortunately the franchise business model offers ongoing training and support so I was never on my own. The last two stores were a really great addition to my first two; they were existing Subway stores so set up already. I did make some minor improvements to the store cosmetics and I’m also looking to add new signage but it didn’t take long to get up and running.
While owning multiple units might seem daunting to some franchise owners thinking about taking the next step, I’m so glad I grasped the opportunity and I haven’t looked back. There are so many benefits, such as sharing stock and staff and gaining from economies of scale.
You never know, there might even be a fifth store on the horizon for me!
