The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on all of us. The sense of uncertainty and risk has been especially heightened for essential workers on the frontline – in supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals and healthcare facilities. Knowing that we’re stronger together, Muffin Break has made community support a priority over the last few months.
Throughout the lockdown period, Most Muffin Break Café’s have been open across the country for takeaway and delivery. Our franchisees have been living up to our ethos of putting “a little bit of good into everyone’s day”, through outstanding customer service and hygiene controls, plus free initiatives to keep essential workers smiling.
Our national team has also supported the whole franchise network during the crisis with open communication, marketing , HR and employee support and advice, advocating on behalf of franchisees to commercial landlords.
As restrictions begin to ease around Australia, we’d like to thank all of our franchisees for their commitment to putting a little bit of good into the community during this time…
Fuelling Frontline Workers
The team at Muffin Break Pinjarra in Western Australia has been working with their local Member of Parliament, Robyn Clarke MLA, to support essential workers. Every Friday the team has shouted free coffee for all the staff at the local Coles, as a thank you for their hard work during an extremely pressurised period for supermarket staff.
Muffin Break in Woodgrove, Victoria has been crafty – selling $20 cookie decorating kits for people to keep busy during lockdown! $5 from each sale has gone to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
Meanwhile, over at Muffin Break Box Hill, franchisees Amit and Tina cooked up 100 muffins and cookies on Friday 17th April and delivered them to Centrelink, Box Hill Police station, Carrington Health and Salvo Care.
Supporting Our Franchise Community
One of the advantages of being part of a strong national franchise like Muffin Break is access to support. COVID-19 restrictions have been particularly tough on the food retail sector, with many small businesses closing or suspending services.
A major reason Muffin Break cafes have been able to stay open and service the community is the ability of the concept to adapt to the restrictions. The support of Foodco translating these restrictions into operational changes and providing information about grants and funding available to each Muffin Break Café has been a key part in the helping franchisees continue to trade.
Bronwyn from Muffin Break Willows in Townsville says one of the great things about owning a Muffin Break is that “you are not on your own – they actually care about us and our business.”
Our experienced national team swung into action in the early stages of the crisis, ensuring regular updates, operational changes and support in accessing funding and wage payments.
“We receive a newsletter as soon as a change occurs, which has all the information required to adhere to the rules.”
Working Together for Success
Being part of a national franchise also means you have a dedicated marketing team at your disposal. Says Bronwyn:
“Muffin Break has been sending us regular POS and marketing ideas. Literally every couple of days I receive new ideas and ways to rethink business during this time. They’ve also given us alternate methods of service and inclusion into programs at little or no cost to us. For example, the ability for some stores to use deliveroo and trade beyond the shop front.”
Muffin Break’s leasing team have also been assisting franchisees through negotiation and determining rent obligations in line with the retail leasing code of conduct.
“The best thing for me is that I feel constantly supported and know that if I make a mistake I will have the safety net of the team behind me. Also, if I have success, that’s shared with the greater network. We all benefit!”
Connected, Wherever You Are
At Muffin Break Alice Springs, the team has been donating 50 muffins and 50 meals every Thursday morning for senior citizens who are facing hardships, as well as frontline community members. It has been very well received and appreciated by the local community, and part of their ongoing, long-term commitment as a responsible corporate citizen. A focus on community is nothing new for the Alice Springs crew:
“For 16 years we have been deeply involved with our local community and generously donating and sponsoring local sports clubs and events. It’s great to see that our community is now supporting our small business when times are so tough.”
“For the first time I’ve realised that we really are in middle of nowhere and our town has had to survive with a 25k local population and no tourists.”
Down at Muffin Break Traralgon, it’s been up and down. Like many, the team has been experiencing positives and negatives during this time.
“l think knowing you are in a large group gives you a little peace of mind as you know you aren’t in this alone and we are all working to help each other get through these difficult times.”
“The one-on-one communication with our area managers was helpful and once again makes you feel you are not alone, along with sharing some ideas and addressing concerns you may have. We know Muffin Break has been battling on our behalf.”
Being part of a strong national brand like Muffin Break means we’re able to support you through challenging times. Check out some of the current new store opportunities available today!
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