Ferguson Plarre's Bakehouse Franchise

Bakery/Cafe

Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses is an Aussie story 120 years in the making. Starting in Melbourne in 1901, the Ferguson & Plarre families rose to bakery fame thanks to their enduring commitment to quality, quality that has seen them serving cakes to Queen of England and even the President of the United States. Today, Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses is still a family owned and operated business and has become one of Australia’s most successful bakery franchise stories. One of their secrets is that they remain passionate foodies at heart. The Plarre family freshly bake all of their own products and maintain 100% control of ingredient and recipe quality, something that is increasingly rare in multi-site bakery-cafes.  In addition to award winning products, Ferguson Plarre work tirelessly to ensure its coffee offering is one of the best in the market. Ultimately, the business is based on the same simple principles on which it was founded: amazing products, service and experience that leaves you feeling like you've just had a warm hug.  Remember, great food touches the soul.

topfranchise Award Highlights

#8 franchise Overall on topfranchise.com.au
#7 franchise in Support on topfranchise.com.au
#3 franchise in Marketing on topfranchise.com.au
#4 franchise in Brand on topfranchise.com.au
#6 franchise in Innovation on topfranchise.com.au
Area
Bakery/Cafe
Business Established
1901
Units / Locations
74
FCA Member
Yes
Multi-Unit Ownership Allowed
Yes
Agreement Terms
2 x 5 years to match lease
Royalty Fee
Nil
Average Set up Time
12 weeks
Ratio of Support Staff per Franchisee
1:10
Last Surveyed
2023
Participation Rate
80%

Initial Investment

$250-$350k

Training

4 weeks initial training, 1 week training support and ongoing business coaching.

Marketing Support

No levy, all group marketing covered by franchisor

Awards

Hundreds of product and business awards won. See Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses website for exhaustive list; www.fergusonplarre.com.au/awards

Business Model

With over 85 stores across Australia, we have a lot of experience and we've found that keeping simplicity at the forefront of process makes it easier for our franchisees to achieve the success they are looking for. The franchisees we look for love spending time with people, they get to know their customers and develop relationships with their local communities. To facilitate this, we make sure we look after everything else. The way it works couldn't be easier: ~ We make the cakes and savouries fresh daily ~ We deliver them directly to your store ~ You sell them with a big smile and an amazing cup of coffee (after we've helped to train you into an amazing barista) That's it!

Main Cost

Cost of product, labour and rent

Main Products or Services

Full range of cakes & savouries, celebration cakes, coffee

Future Plans

We are a 120 year old family owned and operated brand that has survived two World Wars, two depressions and now two pandemics.  With that kind of experience behind us, we've got a fine appreciation for what it means to be in business for the long haul and we know that innovation is key.  We are constantly evolving, seeking out new ways to develop our brand, service our customers, make our products and support our franchisees.


Our network continues to grow with over 85 stores across Victoria and our future plans are big and bold with new store formats and locations.  We have made a significant commitment to ecommerce which brings our bakery to people’s homes and opens up new markets to our franchisees and continue to invest in systems and technology to ensure franchising with us is easy.


With a household name and thousands of loyal customers it’s important that our products keep up with the times.  While some of our products are still made to 100 year old recipes we’re constantly innovating to make sure the next generation of Ferguson Plarre fans are getting their food fix.  Recent successes include our plant-based pies and cakes and gluten-free savouries endorsed by Coeliac Australia and we can’t wait to see what’s next.  We understand that no business is any fun if you don't enjoy working with the people inside it, so Ferguson Plarre is committed to remaining a family business with a family atmosphere and a passion for food that you won't find anywhere but in your closest Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse.


We’re committed to planet-friendly practices through our award-winning sustainable bakery and the Ferguson Plarre Forest which now has over 40,000 trees but we can and will do more with future generations front of mind.

Testimonials

Good systems and processes. No cooking, consistent product quality, good support network.

Sweety - Sunshine, VIC

Family values, great training and support by the head office staff.

Amish - Cranbourne, VIC

Very good training, and excellent support. Friendly support staff. 

Mason, 2020 - Wendouree, VIC

Over many years, I have come to understand and learn that this system is more sustainable, rewarding and engaging than any other. There is a family orientation to this brand and they have maintained that for the duration of my existence as a franchisee. Second to none.

Todd Agius - Craigieburn Central, VIC

I feel very supported within this franchise system. They allow you to voice your ideas and back you. Their values are strongly held 100% of the time.

Amy-Lea Hovey, 2019 - Hoppers Crossing VIC

Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses has such a simple yet effective system that's easy to follow and gives you tons of support along the way. Their values as a company are what keeps the brand succeeding and allows you to have the best chance at successfully & independently running your own business.

Sharnie Robinson - Whittlesea, VIC

Ferguson Plarre has a great system in place to give you the independence of ruining your own small business while also giving you the support of a Franchise network. They are committed to the growth of the brand in a sustainable way, which promotes a successful business as a Franchisee.

Sharnie Robinson - Whittlesea, VIC

We are very well supported by our head office. I have always felt like I am an extended part of the Ferguson family.

Dee Singla - Keilor Park, VIC

Good products and supplies. Easy supply chain and great support.

Chin - Waverley Gardens, VIC

Being a Franchisee for Ferguson Plarre is great. The brand has such a strong set of values and doesn't only just talk about them, but puts them into action with the support you receive. There's real opportunity to create success while feeling like someone has your back.

Sharnie Robinson, 2019 - Whittlesea VIC

Their training program and support is second to none.

Greg Maher - Seymour, VIC

The Ferguson Plarre brand has some amazing systems and support networks to help guide you through running your own business. Their family values shine through in everything they do and makes you feel so welcome. Their innovation is a key factor to the success of my business.

Sharnie, 2020 - Whittlesea, VIC 

The Franchise system has a great product offering coupled with fantastic support and training team.

Sweety Sharma, 2019 - Sunshine VIC

The Franchise system makes it great to be able to bring happiness to our guests. It is rewarding in learning business skills, management skills and customer relations. The system includes a BSM who recommends we upskill our practises and teaches better ways to do things. Help is always available.

Tricia Challons - Somerville, Karingal and Rosebud, VIC

The Ferguson Plarre family are a pleasure to work with as they really care about their Franchisees - I get full support with any problems I encounter & they are always willing to provide a solution.

Susan Miller - Rosebud, VIC

Company provides a great support  system and settled platform for new comers. Good training systems and welcoming environment for daily operations, providing high strandard food and holds a good reputation in the market. 

Kuljit Kaur - Northland, VIC

It's a family. I always feel supported in my endeavours regardless of how big or small they are. It is a good business model that you can make work for you. Work hard, play hard and always have heaps of fun doing so!! That is what this franchise provides for me.

Amy-Lea Hovey - Sanctuary Lakes, VIC

I would recommend the franchise system because we are provided with exceptional support, service, processes and procedures second to none, all from supportive support staff and this culture starts from the top. Well done to the whole Plarre organisation.

John Papageorgiou, 2019 - Burwood VIC

Terrific product model and consistent result allows us to build on a reputation that grows the business results. Have enjoyed much success in my time being able to focus on customer service and coffee while relying on the product to be fresh and consistent.

Todd Agius - Merrifield, VIC

Ferguson Plarre Franchising system is a great way to start a business when you want to work for yourself, but have only a little idea on how to start it.  Also, my favorite thing about being a franchisee with Ferguson Plarre is being able to work alongside my friends and team inside store or with the head office team. You have access to proper training and a great support system. 

Akarm Ghatas, 2020 - Greensborough, VIC

A very supportive  franchise system which is always keen to help and support the franchisees. The Franchise system has stood by the franchisees especially in very difficult times over the last couple of years.

Yogesh Babbar - Sunshine, VIC

Trustworthy family business with great quality products and great support systems.

Tarn Evans - Victoria Market, VIC

Throughout my entire process of becoming a franchisee and now actually being in the role the support has been outstanding. They are always there to help and give guidance whenever I need it.

Kimberley Falone - Highpoint, VIC

I love everything about this job. We are made to feel like family with a lot of support.

Mara Pantalleresco, 2020 - Sydenham, VIC

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