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Sandwich enterprise fits in withfamily life
IT was lunchtime, I was in the heart of Peterborough Business Park and was taken to O'Briens sandwich bar. The place was buzzing.
IT was lunchtime, I was in the heart of Peterborough Business Park and was taken to O'Briens sandwich bar. The place was buzzing.No surprise, really, given the high quality presentation and food. That is, for example, whether it is a sandwich, hot wraps or salad, it is made freshly to order right in front of you.
People from small businesses or those from the bigger corporate concerns on the business park who "want a change" ensured there was plenty of footfall. Seating for 60 inside and out, plus ample parking, guaranteed plenty of custom.
And the "unique" friendly, personal service by staff meant an enjoyable dining experience.
Business owner, and franchisee, mum-of-two Anju Tugnet seemed pleased with the high level of activity, both in the sandwich bar and the catering vans.
"This is our peak time, though we do open for breakfast," she said. O'Briens is open weekdays from 7am to 4pm.
The franchise has, to date, proved a success for Anju and, crucially, allows her to make the balance of business life from Monday to Friday and home life with her young family on weekends.
Anju set up the Cambridgeshire franchise of O'Briens in January this year.
"I took the franchise route as it allowed me to be in business for myself, but not by myself," she said.
"There was the potential for reward within a given structure and support by the franchisor."
Born in London, she was a primary school teacher for about four years before changing career tack and shifting into pharmaceutical sales, for seven years.
She moved with her husband to Newcastle before going to Cambridge to be nearer to her family.
Within six months of settling in Cambridge, Anju decided to go it alone. She considered a number of franchise options before opting for O'Briens, a brand and concept she was familiar with during her time in Newcastle.
"I loved the store concept, it's upmarket and caters for all tastes – ranging from a wide selection of healthy eating foods to delectable desserts for afternoon tea," she said.
"I opted to operate out of a business park – which O'Briens was happy with – and which was big enough to sustain a good level of retail trade. The Lynchwood unit proved ideal."
In addition, Anju saw considerable potential in the catering side of the business, which she is developing.
"We have built up an excellent reputation, much of it by word of mouth," she said.
"This has enabled us to secure a number of exclusive contracts in the corporate market. She is confident of the future, and has two more refrigerated vans on the way and is branching out into private functions, children's parties and other events.
O'Briens is also involved with local charities. Earlier this year, some 1,000 women did a midnight walk for Sue Ryder care, returning to the sandwich bar at about 2am for breakfast.
Whatever the size of party, Anju is confident that the excellence of food coupled with the high standard of customer service will win through at O'Briens. It’s a sentiment confirmed at head office.
“O’Briens’ continued growth in key cities has gone from strength to strength,” said CEO of O’Briens sandwich bars Fiacra Nagel.
“The Peterborough opening will ensure us a greater presence in East England, and with Anju’s ambition, business nouse, passion for food and unwavering belief in our brand, I’m confident that O’Briens’ delicious, freshly made offerings will prove very popular.
“Likewise, we’re confident that her unbounded enthusiasm will inspire budding franchisees in the area to jump on board and become part of our family.”
n For more details, call O’Briens Sandwich Bar, Peterborough Business Park, Lynchwood, Peterborough on 01733 233352 or go online at www.obriensonline.com
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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