Name: Andi Cooke

Company Name: D & A Franchises Ltd

 Location: 2 O'Briens Sandwich Bars franchise in Finglas

 Length of time in operation: 7 Months

Professional background before becoming a franchisee: I was Operations Manager for O'Briens sandwich bar for 6 years.

Why did you become involved in franchising: Because I have been involved in Franchising from the Franchisor side I knew franchising from the inside out. I knew that all the information and systems that I needed would be there!

Why did you choose this franchise business: Catering has always been my background so I wanted to start up a business within the catering sector. This can be one of the toughest businesses to be in if you don't know what you are doing. I feel O'Briens have proven to be the leading franchise in this sector in Ireland and have some really great success stories.

How did you research the company before setting up: I worked with O'Briens Support Office for 6 years and really just felt it was time to do it for myself

How did the master franchise help you starting a business in Ireland: They helped with all the legal issues, business planning and helped find the location. O'Briens also designed the stores and helped me choose shop fitters. All equipment need for the store O'Briens already had it sourced. They also come out for the first week of opening to train staff.

Does the master franchise continue to help you on an ongoing basis: Yes they call or visit quite regularly.

What difficulties did you face starting off: There can be a lot of pressures starting off as you need to be there 24 - 7 because staff are new and you are trying to find your feet as well. Trying to get staff to understand that customer service and cleanliness are vital in our business, you only get one chance at it and are only as good as the last person you served!!!
 

How did you overcome these difficulties: Training, Training and more training.

What advice would you give to others who have just started franchising or are looking for a franchise business in Ireland:  Franchising is a fantastic way to start your own business as all the tools are there and have already been proven to work. Even though you are your own boss there is still a network of support there from the franchisor and other franchisees. But people need to understand that even though all the tools are given it still needs your full time attention to make it work. Just like any business if you do not put the work in it will not be successful.

For further information, please see our listing on this site.