Lenard Poulter is back in charge of the chicken business that he founded more than 33 years ago and has given the model a shakeup.
Poulter built a chain of more than 200 stores across Australia but in 2010, personal circumstances forced him to sell part of his shareholding and move away from the day-to-day operation of the business.
In 2018, he bought back 100 per cent ownership and now with the backing of new investors he is ready to take the business that bears his name to new heights.
Poulter’s vision for the future of Lenard’s includes a grab and go model for consumers and hub and spoke stores for franchisees.
Instead of buying an outlet, franchisees can invest in a particular territory and set up a Hub store. These ‘Hubs’ can be a small manufacturing facility or a Lenard’s serve over area that has a production area. These hubs produce and supply the grab and go stores located within that territory.
The ready to go (grab and go) stores include self service fridges and a modern design and offer he Lenard’s traditional range as well as new ready to heat frozen meals.
Four of these concept stores have already been set up in Brisbane, located in Capalaba, Fairfield, Lutwyche and Mitchelton. There is also one site operating outside of Brisbane at Fairfield Central.
Elements of the concept were trialed at Lenard’s Rotisserie store at Fortitude Valley in Brisbane, which was launched in late 2019 and provided rotisserie chicken, hot meals and salads as well as a small selection of products from the ready to go range that customers could cook for themselves at home. COVID-19 put a hold on this concept, but the systems and processes are now ready to launch into other territories.
“We’re currently seeking leasing opportunities this year for the ready to go concept,” says Poulter.
“We’re also aiming to replicate the Rotisserie concept in different locations throughout the country and seeking expressions of interest from potential franchisees who wish to consider the ‘Hub’ territory model.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our 30 current franchisees and anyone wanting to avail themselves of our proven track record and the well-established, much-loved Lenard’s Chicken brand.
“We’re committed to providing our customers with convenience and high-quality products at affordable prices, so this is a great opportunity for potential franchisees to get in on the ground floor.”