Cartridge World Founder Now In The Chocolat Dessert Business

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Date: Thursday August 7, 2014 10:47:05 am
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    Cartridge World Founder Now In The Chocolat Dessert Business 
    Cartridge World founder moves on Cocolat dessert stores
    By Belinda Willis

    CARTRIDGE World founder Paul Wheeler has moved onto desserts as he drives growth in the Adelaide-made Cocolat cafes group, opening four new stores in South Australia in the past year.

    Josh Lawson and Benn Waller bought. Pic: Tait Schmaal.

    An ownership shake up in what is now the G7 Cocolat Franchising company in March last year has also led to new expansion plans.

    Franchise rights had been sold in New South Wales and the first store was set to open there in St Ives next month.

    Fellow director and chief financial officer Josh Lawson said the group had created a new corporate brand with Adelaide’s Anthony Cirocco Design along with new product packaging and was ready to move on its long-term growth plan.

    Mr Lawson said there were now eight stores and the group had introduced new ranges, including savoury foods and shared plates, to attract a broader clientele in readiness for its state and national expansion.

    “We’re now set for expansion across Australia targeting New South Wales first then Victoria and Queensland, there’s also a lot of international interest, we’re talking to people in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Malaysia and India,” Mr Lawson said.

    Mr Lawson and Benn Waller, both 27, were made directors last year, joining one of the state’s highest profile names in franchising.

    Adelaide-based Mr Wheeler was co-founder of Cartridge World with Bryan Stokes – and the two sold down their share of the successful global business for a reported $70 million to Wolseley Private Equity in 2007.

    Mr Lawson and Mr Waller had links with Mr Wheeler through growing up on Yorke Peninsula, and the two said they were keen to “learn from Paul’s experience”.

    The first Cocolat store was opened in Hyde Park in 2004 by Terena Blanton-Downs, who still operates a franchise at Adelaide Airport.

    It was in 2011 that Mr Wheeler gained equity in the business after working on a franchise plan through his company Group Seven, and, in 2012, he took over the reins with Melbourne-based Mr Powell.

    Mr Lawson said G7 Cocolat Franchising was poised to also open more stores in South Australia, having identified several key spots for expansion.

    Three of its stores were currently corporate owned – Rundle Place kiosk, Henley Beach and Prospect, but the plan was to grow mainly through franchise.

    The group’s food products were sourced through its own kitchen in Balhannah staffed by 10 and the group now employed 35.

    Mr Waller, who also owns Eclipse Opening Shade Systems in Hendon, said the business was working on picking up more day trade to add to its more traditional night time clients.

    “We have the new packaging, branding and a loyalty system in place now, we’re looking to press go to expand,” he said.

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