A passion for coffee made Esquires the perfect fit…
When Tony Tynan took on the Esquires, Airside, Swords, Dublin franchise in 2013, it was an ideal continuation of his experience in the food and drink sector, with a franchise that matched his ambitions.
As someone who has long had a passion for quality coffee and fresh food, Tony Tynan sought a franchise that would match his own in this regard.
He explains: “Esquires isn’t a huge chain that you would in a way become lost in so it suits me down to the ground. It’s a very well respected and award-winning franchise, and it’s growing. What really appealed is that we have products sold freshly baked in all the stores: muffins, scones and the breads are cooked on site and the sandwiches are also made fresh to order. Also, I love coffee, and the organic variety that we are now doing is a fantastic aspect of the business.”
It was not just the quality of the products offered by the brand that appealed however, but the freedom given by Esquires to its franchise owners to put their own mark on their individual Store.
Tony continues: “The flexibility of the franchise, the variation possible from store to store that allows you to put your own stamp on the design and fit-out was another positive. What I loved was that we had a blank canvass that myself, Tony McVerry, Master Franchise and the Esquires design team could sit down together and find something that works both for myself and for them.”
Support
Another aspect of Esquires’ franchise model that impressed was the commitment to giving its franchise owners continued guidance long-term. Regular meetings between the franchise team and store owners keep the latter informed as to the latest developments, helping them drive the business forward. Similarly, any issues or queries that arise are quickly dealt with.
Tony comments: “I see the Franchisors all the time. I receive regular visits from the Tony the Master Franchisee and the Esquires Operations team and I receive great support.”
Naturally, ownership of an Esquires store requires hard work and attention to detail, and a manager that relishes working with his or her team to ensure an excellent customer experience. “In this respect, I am lucky to have a wonderful complement of staff and an excellent Manager, Kiva Murphy, who helps me drive the business and ensure that our customers have a first class experience each time they visit our store” Having always been in the food and drink business, this latest venture is something of a continuation, but at this stage of his career, Tony felt the time was right for him to realise his ambitions to do all these things as his own boss, within the lower-risk framework of a proven franchise model.
He explains: “I have wanted to own my own business for many years, so franchising seemed a safe way to do so, and then to pick the franchise that I thought would suit me and my background.
“I really like interacting with the customers and spend a lot of time on the shop floor. The staff are extremely friendly and they greet everybody who comes in. It’s great when staff have that attitude, as it creates a nice atmosphere.”
Future
Hard work has paid off for Tony, who’s enhancements to a store purchased from a previous franchise owner have seen it perform financially beyond expectations, with figures rising month-on-month from last year.
From this strong position, he intends to expand, and has discussed taking on an additional one or two stores with the franchisor. With this in mind, he would have no hesitation in recommending an Esquires franchise to others, they a great product and are really good people to deal with.
“It’s a great business to get into. If you enjoy dealing with people and staff, I highly recommend it,” Tony concludes.