13
franchise.co.nz – PUTTING PEOPLE IN BUSINESS
Inspired by the simplicity of a quality German bratwurst-in-a-bun, Bryan
Stenning saw an opportunity and partnered with a mate to turn an
instinct into an international franchise.
Bryan credits his friend for the initial knowledge needed to get Fritz’s
Wieners flying. “I didn’t have any experience running a food business, so
I asked my mate Todd Heller to give me a hand. He was very familiar with
German bratwursts that sell on every street corner in Germany.
“No-one was doing such a thing in New Zealand at the time, so I wanted
to develop the means of getting them into Kiwi hands with a simple and
easily duplicated system.
“Now, 20 years on, the thriving franchise business is ready for further
expansion.”
Starting with a first mobile food hut 20 years ago at Christchurch’s
Addington Cup Day, in November 2004, Fritz’s Wieners has progressed
to operate at the majority of large events around the country. The
successful business has 23 mobile food huts and is now expanding into
fixed site outlets.
Journey of discovery
Bryan describes the past two decades as ‘a genuine journey of
discovery’. “I was quite determined that our European-type sausages
should be absolutely top quality – we didn’t want to compromise quality.
This is something we continue today with all our New Zealand free-
farmed meats now supplied by Harris Farms in Cheviot.
“We also felt the quality of design of the food huts must match the food,
so the design needed to be top-notch and standout from what was
currently around. I had our mobile food huts designed so our customers
could see their food being cooked at eye level in front of them. We also
designed and developed our exclusive rollers on which to cook the
bratwursts.
“They’ve been very successful; we sold our first franchise in 2009 and,
today, we have a modest network of 23 units, with a few gaps around the
country that are ready to be filled.”
Determined to take Fritz’s Wieners further, Bryan looked for ideas for
greater permanence and developed Fritz’s Wieners Kitchen, as a fixed
site outlet.
“It’s working very well,” he says. “We opened the first in the Riverside
Market in Christchurch in November 2019 and I’m currently identifying
other high foot traffic sites around the country suitable for a Fritz’s Kitchen.
“Despite the setback we experienced at Riverside with the Covid
outbreak four months after opening, we have hit on a winning formula
and have plenty of daily repeat customers.”
Meating demand overseas
Fritz’s Wieners has also gone international, thanks to Bryan’s son,
Cameron. He bought one of the mobile food huts in 2009 and operated
it in Auckland for eight years before selling his business and taking the
concept to Australia, where there are now mobile outlets in Sydney and
the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.
“There is a lot of strength in the product and brand today – we’re are
in every major stadium and large event in New Zealand. And, although
many know the Fritz brand with our mobile outlets, there is plenty of
growth yet to be had with the Fritz’s Kitchens.
“Our award-winning succulent Spicy and Mild bratwursts in a baguette
bun are our staple product. However, we also do a Fritz-Stik for kids,
currywurst, bacon/egg rolls, fries and more. I’m very excited about the
latest addition - our new Frikadellen. Similar to a beef ‘slider’, these are
very popular in Europe and will be a great addition to our kitchen menu.”
Appetite for expansion
As Bryan explains, the experiences of the first Fritz’s Wieners mobile
outlets, and the Fritz’s Kitchen in Christchurch, have given him huge
knowledge of what works, to benefit the next franchisees. “Energetic,
driven, passionate people who want to succeed, have the opportunity to
join the team,” he says.
“We envisage a strictly limited number of Fritz’s Wieners Kitchens
throughout major points of high foot traffic in New Zealand cities. With
our unique, exclusive products and proven systems there is definite
opportunity for the right people to have a very successful and profitable
business.”
Fritz’s Wieners is ready to expand and has great opportunities for anyone
with the right qualities. “We will hold hands all the way through the
process; assisting with the all-important location acquisition, operation,
fit-out recommendations and anything else the franchisee requires help
with,” says Bryan.
Total costs may vary, depending
on fit-out and location costs etc,
but are estimated to be
$250,000 - $300,000+gst.
“We are a people-focused business
so, in the first instance, please feel
free to give me a no obligation,
confidential phone call so we can
discuss options.”
Opportunity: Food and Beverage
Every Kiwi knows about bratwursts,
thanks to Fritz’s Wieners.
HUNGRY FOR
SUCCESS? A
FRITZ’S KITCHEN
COULD BE THE
ANSWER….
Fritz’s Wieners Kitchen
www.fritzswieners.co.nz
Contact
Bryan Stenning
021 427 926
bryan@fritzswieners.co.nz
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