Name: Paula Gregory
Company Name: RFTS Ltd
Location: Bloomfields Shopping Centre, Bangor
Length of time in operation: took over the store in Feb ‘07

Professional background before becoming a franchisee:
Store Manager with BBs Coffee & Muffins

Why did you become involved in franchising:
Having been a manager with BBs and operating the unit in Bloomfields, I could see how successful the company & brand was going to be. Once David O' Connor, The General Manager, advised me of the company's plans to franchise new and existing stores I could not resist the temptation to run my own business.

Why did you choose this franchise business:
My previous experience as the store manager gave me the confidence to take on the franchise. The support from the team at BBs was excellent while I was the manager and the skills I learned could help me successfully run a BBs Coffee & Muffins Franchise.

How did you research the company before setting up:
I had started my career with BBs as a shift supervisor in a smaller store and worked my way to management level of what is now my own store. I had met many of other managers during my time as a BBs manager and I helped open many of the new stores. By doing this I was able to understand and see first hand the plans and ambitions of BBs coffee & Muffins

How did the master franchise help you starting a business in Ireland:
In my case it was rather easy as I just bought the business, however recently I have opened a second store in the Shopping centre that sells Juice & Smoothies, New Zealand Natural Ice cream and the delicious BBs Coffee & Muffins. This has allowed me to target more customers in the centre and increase my sales. BBs Mangement helped me through all the stages of opening this new unit, the legals, the fit out, the equipment and they helped me train all the new staff that I had hired.

Does the master franchise continue to help you on an ongoing basis:
There is a continuing support network from the management of BBs. This is either face to face in the store or over the phone. There are marketing, operations and training  managers available to assist me and guide me through any difficulties I may come across. At any moment any member of the BBs team, from the Chairman to  office receptionist, could walk through my door or be at the end of the phone, and to know that I have that support is comforting

What difficulties did you face starting off:
When I opened my second unit getting suitable staff was the biggest challenge.

How did you overcome these difficulties:
We eventually got the staff and through intensive training from myself and the BBs training team we helped them learn the new skills required to work in a BBs environment.

What advice would you give to others who have just started franchising or are looking for a franchise business in Ireland: 
The obvious point would be to research thoroughly the company that you will be working with - and ask yourself is the support there? Do they have an obvious management structure? Are they passionate about what they do? They should invite and allow speak with existing franchisees so they can tell you their story. Running your own business is hard work but very rewarding & enjoyable. Operating a BBs is not any different but the personal pleasure I get from seeing our customers enjoying our product is immeasurable.

For further information, please see our listing on this site.