Shingle Inn: family business turned into franchise success story

For 35 years it was a traditional family business, but Shingle Inn has become a franchise success in just six years.

In its 40th year the Brisbane cafe chain has chalked up a significant milestone with a new store in Perth on Tuesday, making it the 50th store nationally.

Directors Andrew and Peter Bellchambers started expanding the business nationally in the aftermath of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis.

Since then, the Brisbane based company has opened 42 new stores in three different states and Canberra. Andrew Bellchambers credits the rapid expansion and success to the hard work of his employees. "Despite a quite methodical approach towards this milestone, it has arrived remarkably quickly thanks to our very dedicated team, all of which should be proud of their individual efforts toward this collective achievement" said Andrew.

The success has taken Peter by surprise, as 50 stores was the long-term goal for the cafe.

"We've always had the initial goal of 50 stores in our plans but, despite all the effort to get here, it's still hard to believe we've arrived," The milestone comes during the 40th year anniversary since Andrew and Peter's parents bought the company in 1975.

"You would think we orchestrated that, it's good timing," said Andrew. Andrew says his family has tried to maintain the family business atmosphere in all of their stores across the country. "Part of the success of it is that family culture and its passed on to us," he said. "That kind of culture was instilled before we franchised and we have continued it since then.

"We have one lady who was employed by my parents 35 years ago, and watched us kids grow up. That is the family aspect we pride ourselves on." While the cafe has become a national chain, Andrew claims the heritage has maintained its customers for generations. "I'll walk into a store interstate and customers will tell me stories about Shingle Inn when they were growing up in Brisbane," he said. "It's a really nice connection we have with our customers."

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