Forging a successful franchise partnership

MANILA, Philippines - Potential entrepreneurs who wish to successfully venture into a restaurant business can benefit from investing in a popular franchise opportunity. But even as a great alternative for would-be business owners, achieving winning results do not automatically come with just a promising brand or huge initial capital. Congo Grille, the metro’s well-loved family grill restaurant, makes this transition a rewarding experience as it seals the overall success of the organization with its reliable franchise operations system support for its partners.

Since 1999, Congo Grille - which pioneered the “air-conditioned grillery” in the country — has leveled up to become one of the best food destinations in the metro. By continuously updating its standards and products to the latest market trends and customer demand, investors are offered with an established business concept that is strengthened by years of industry experience.

Via its unique take on family dining – an instrumental element that perpetuates the restaurant’s continued popularity among consumers of various age brackets – Congo Grille’s wholesome family dining appeal, spacious safari-themed location and more than 155 authentic cuisines were critical pieces that ultimately brought the all-Filipino restaurant to its commercial status now.

In addition to brand recognition, becoming part of a growing organization that is able to provide timely support and commitment in assisting franchisees in maximizing their success is another important element that binds Congo Grille to its partners. “By clearly communicating these to our partners, the company sets up a healthy foundation where mutual trust and principles of integrity, openness and genuine care for our franchisees and vice versa are cultivated,” noted Carla Villanueva, marketing manager of Congo Grille.

For instance, in its newly opened franchise outlet in Megacenter-The Mall, Cabanatuan, the management was quick to establish positive rapport by providing pre-opening and marketing support that includes marketing collaterals for display such as banners, flyers and tarpaulins and training of store officers, from restaurant managers, dining supervisors, store administrative officer and in-house chef.

As for its location, the franchise management also provided assistance in assessing the site and identifying its customer traffic, plus construction coordination with regards the specifications of the floor plan to ensure that the 150-sitter restaurant will showcase the same aesthetic standards of which all Congo Grille company-owned outlets are known for.

Once the application is approved and the franchise contract is awarded, the franchisees will undergo an intensive one-month classroom store training that will help harness their managerial skills. The franchising contract will entitle the franchisees to Congo Grille’s package of services consist of: opening support team, recruitment, pre-opening support, grand opening support, post opening support, marketing and promotional support, profit and loss analysis, ongoing operational support, continued research and development, and consultation.