Buddies Burger to expand nationwide via franchising

CEBU, Philippines - Bullish with the vibrant food business industry, GOBACHI Inc. plans to expand its Buddies Burger business nationwide through franchising.

Home of the Ultimate Burger Challenge, Buddies Burger is popularly known in Cebu for its burgers, tacos, hotdogs and burritos.

The business was named after the owners of the GOBACHI Inc. who have been good friends for years. They are Blake Go who is the finance director, Nino Bascon who works as the operations director and John Paul Chiongbian who serves as the director for marketing.

Bascon revealed that the initial concept of their expansion strategy for Buddies was to open one company-owned branch every year.

He, however, said they have observed that franchising is the current practice especially among aspiring entrepreneurs and is believed to be the best way to expand nowadays for companies like Buddies who are always eyeing for new business opportunities.

Although they have received inquiries, he said that they are hoping to introduce the first franchise by January 2014.

Chiongbian echoed Bascon’s statements saying franchising Buddies Burger outlets is an effective way of growing its share of the local market into the nationwide scene.

GOBACHI Inc. has signed a partnership deal with RK Franchise Consultancy, the franchise consultancy in the Philippines with nationwide network, a regional office in Cebu and satellite offices across the country.

Chiongbian said that the franchise package inclusive of the construction of the branch is worth around P2 to P3 million that is considered affordable for the franchise market. The franchise package will be comprised of the same model of the existing branches of  Buddies.

He said that they are targeting three to five franchisees next year possibly in Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro.

He cited that they are eyeing a new breed of investors for Buddies Burger franchises. These include young working professionals and overseas Filipino workers.

He further revealed that they are going to open another company-owned outlet next year.

“This time, it will be mall-based. Possibly in Ayala,” he said.

At present, Buddies has existing branches in Piazza Elezio, Talamban and Green Orchid Complex, Escario Street in Capitol Site.

Chiongbian recalled that  GOBACHI Inc. poured an initial capital of P2 million when they opened the Talamban branch on August of last year. The Escario outlet, on the other hand, was opened last November 25 of 2012. — (FREEMAN)