Behind the Bun: Leicester's Brgr Lab Success Story

• Name: Zahid Mahmood
• Location: Leicester
• Franchise: Brgr Lab
• Date launched the franchise: 1st October 2024

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying a franchise business?

Prior to purchasing my Brgr Lab franchise, I was in a 9-5 office job dealing with queries and general admin work which involved being on the phone for most of the day.  Wanting to do something totally different that also allowed me to be my own boss, I started to look at franchising and the options available.

After going through a number of options, I choose Brgr Lab. I recognised this to be a fantastic concept with a very innovative and intriguing menu. They have introduced scientific elements within the design work playing on the ‘Lab’ theme, which I thought was very fresh and new.

Why did you go down the franchise route? What made you choose the QSR industry? And why choose Brgr Lab?

Coming from an office job to QSR needs a lot of planning and patience. I chose the franchise route as I didn’t want to be one of those ‘learn from your mistakes’ kind of guy. When buying a franchise you would expect all the mistakes to have happened and rectified and that’s exactly what I got with Brgr Lab.

I chose the Burger industry as there is still a lot of growth within this industry. I realise there are many burger brands out there but I haven’t seen any brand that has put some quirky innovation within their brand expect that brand that I chose, Brgr Lab.

I love the Brgr Lab story, the owner was a ex chemist and he has brought the chemistry lab to the fast food industry. We need more franchises like this!

How did you raise the finance?

I had some savings and borrowed from family and friends.

What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?

The support offered by the team was exceptional from start to finish. We visited their running operation in Coventry and spent some good time there talking to the staff and seeing their day to day operations. Members of their operations team held training sessions before launch and they were also present at launch. We have monthly on-going training sessions to ensure everything is on par.

How would you describe your day-to-day role as a franchisee?

Every day is different. Dealing with staff, orders, customers is something I needed to get used to but it is interesting and the guys at Brgr Lab are always there to support whenever needed.

What challenges have you overcome?

Opening a new branch in any location has its challenges. I think the biggest challenge is gaining customer trust and loyalty and this is done by the service we provide….and the food of course.

Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?

Yes, definitely. I have become busier and I think much more sharper in my thinking. Your business acumen automatically increases when you have a franchise business and there are 101 things on your mind that you have to find a way to manage.

How do you achieve a work-life balance?

I have a great team and I think this is the key to achieving a work-life balance. Build a great team, one that is trustworthy and hard working.

How do you keep staff morale high and productive?

I treat my staff like my business partners, show respect and let them know the importance of being employed. I also incentivise the staff with vouchers and gifts.

Can you tell us about any community involvement? 

As we are fairly knew, we aren’t as yet involved in any local community work though it is on our agenda for going forward. Our franchisor is also launching the Brgr Lab Foundation which will be carrying out charity and local community work, and it is definitely something we will be looking to be involved in.

What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise? 

Get to know the owner and the brand. Trust the brand and believe it will succeed.

What are your plans for the future?

I would like to own another 2/3 Brgr Lab Franchises. I believe the brand is expanding into Qatar so I wouldn’t mind looking after an international store also.

If you had to do it all again, what would you do differently?

I would maybe have gone for a bigger store, maybe a flagship.

Interested and want to know more about BRGR LAB ?

The BRGR LAB profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.

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