-
Habitual Fix - Source: ONE News -
Watch Video
Its first store opened less than three years ago, but the founders of salad and sandwich bar Habitual Fix already have plans to take the business global.
The company's stated aim is to create "fresh food addicts" and co-founder James Tucker says his years of experience in the food industry gave him the initial idea.
"I noticed a real gap in the market for a high-quality, healthy fresh food option for an international chain," he said.
The first Habitual Fix store in Auckland was popular from day one Tucker says and he and his partner have deliberately used a franchising model to expand to five stores.
"A franchisee that's got their livelihood on the line and is working in their business day-to-day at the coalface has got a lot more invested in the business as opposed to a corporate manager of a store who just collects a pay cheque," he told AMP Business.
The company plans to have over 10 stores open by Christmas - including its first outside of Auckland - but the end goal is much bigger.
"Ultimately we would like to be 50 plus stores within three years in New Zealand and be in international markets," Tucker said.
He says rising food prices are putting the squeeze on its margins but the company has managed to negotiate good discounts as it grows.
Habitual Fix is looking for an experienced partner for its first overseas expansion and has had interest from the UK, South America and Asia.
Tucker says everyone tells him Australia "is a no-brainer" to expand into but he knows its a very competitive market and believes the Middle East or Asia are more likely options.
