From humble beginnings operating out of a food truck in the bustling food scene of Melbourne, Australia, to a global franchise phenomenon. Exarhos Sourligas, founder of Lukumades has taken his delicious Greek doughnut balls to the world!
This sweet revolution began with the vision of one man shaping a traditional Greek delicacy – Loukoumades – into a modern treat for a global audience to enjoy. Lukumades’ founder saw a significant gap in the market, and believed commencing his journey in Melbourne’s competitive food market would be the best start. Since its inception in 2016, Lukumades has expanded its reach across continents, from Australia to Singapore, Taiwan, the UAE, and the USA. With exciting new openings on the horizon in India, the Philippines, Spain, France, and the UK, the brand’s journey highlights the power of self-belief and supportive franchising.
The Origins of Lukumades
Lukumades began as a humble venture by Exarhos Sourligas in 2016. Inspired by Melbourne’s vibrant food scene, he envisioned creating a unique concept and offering, that fulfilled a gap in the global market. Whilst lukumades were commonly found at Greek church and in Greek restaurants or at festivals across Melbourne, there was no store in Australia that was dedicated to this delicious dessert. He set his sights on giving Melbournians a taste of his Greek doughnuts with a modern twist from a roaming food truck. The concept was simple but effective, where customers could enjoy Lukumades the traditional way, drizzled with honey and nuts, or go wild with an array of more modern toppings, snickers, matcha chocolate, lotus biscoff sauce, the list goes on.
Given the immense popularity, within 9 months he delivered Australia’s first store dedicated to Greek doughnuts – Lukumades.
Lukumades’ first store opened across the road from Melbourne’s iconic Queen Vic Market and quickly became a local hotspot. The combination of high-quality ingredients, a welcoming atmosphere, and an innovative approach to a classic dessert won over the hearts—and taste buds—of Melbournians. The initial success proved that there was a strong market for this type of indulgence, and Exarhos realised that his unique concept had the potential to scale beyond local borders.
Expansion Across Australia and Beyond
Encouraged by the warm reception, Exarhos decided to take his business to the next level. The decision to franchise Lukumades was a strategic one, aimed at capitalising on the brand’s growing popularity. The first step was expanding within Australia, where the franchise model allowed him to tap into new markets efficiently.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, and Lukumades soon found itself with a growing network of franchises across Sydney & Melbourne. Each location maintained the brand’s core values of quality, authenticity, and exceptional customer service. Exarhos supported his franchisees through COVID, where the business thrived despite the obvious challenges, and the success provided a solid foundation for international expansion.
In 2022, Lukumades began its global journey securing locations in Singapore, Taiwan and the UAE. The franchise’s commitment to preserving the essence of its original offering, while adapting to local tastes helped it win over customers in these competitive food market. This success led to rapid expansion in Florida USA, where the concept has been exceptionally received and holds universal appeal.
Lukumades’ franchise is built from a solid foundation, with a core that focuses on collaborative relationships, authenticity and high energy.
The Global Footprint
Lukumades’ expansion into diverse international markets has been marked by strategic planning and adaptability. In Singapore, the franchise embraced local flavours, incorporating regional ingredients into their offerings, which resonated with the local palate. The UAE market, with its cosmopolitan nature, welcomed the franchise’s unique twist on a familiar treat, making it a popular choice among both locals and expatriates.
The USA has proven to be a significant milestone for Lukumades, with its diverse food culture offering a vast canvas for the brand’s growth. Establishing a presence in Jacksonville Beach and soon Miami, it has allowed Lukumades to reach a wide audience, showcasing its sweet delicacies to a new demographic. The brand’s ability to blend Greek tradition with American tastes contributes to its success on that side of the Atlantic.
Upcoming Openings and Master Franchise Opportunities
Lukumades is not resting on its laurels. Exarhos’ ambitious plans include upcoming openings in India, the Philippines, Spain, France, and the UK. These new markets are expected to embrace Lukumades’ unique offerings, throughout 2024 and into 2025.
In India and the Philippines, where the food culture is rich and varied, Lukumades is poised to make a splash with its distinct dessert experience. The vibrant and diverse culinary scenes in these countries provide a promising landscape for the franchise’s expansion. Similarly, Spain and France, known for their own deep-rooted dessert traditions, present an exciting opportunity for Lukumades to introduce its Greek sweet treats to European palates.
The UK, is one area Exarhos is quite excited to enter! With its multicultural population and appreciation for unique food experiences, he feels it is another key market for Lukumades. The franchise plans to establish its presence in major cities, where the sweet taste of these delicious Greek doughnuts will surely capture the attention of both locals and tourists.
As Lukumades continues to grow, the franchise offers enticing master franchise opportunities both in Australia and internationally. Master franchisees have the chance to become pivotal players in the brand’s expansion, benefiting from Lukumades’ established business model, marketing strategies, and support systems.
Master franchise opportunities are available across Australia and in international markets where Lukumades is looking to establish a strong presence. These opportunities allow investors to own and operate multiple franchise units within a designated region, leveraging the brand’s reputation and resources to drive growth and profitability.
The Future of Lukumades
Lukumades’ journey from a food truck in Melbourne to a global franchise success story, exemplifies the potential of a well-executed franchise model and one mans vision and perseverance in today’s complex global market. The brand’s commitment to maintaining the authenticity of its product, while adapting to new markets has been key to its success. As it continues to expand into new territories, Lukumades remains focused on delivering an exceptional dessert experience that transcends borders.
For those interested in joining this sweet journey, whether as a franchisee or a master franchisee, Lukumades offers an opportunity to be part of a growing global phenomenon. With its blend of traditional charm and modern business acumen, Lukumades is well-positioned for continued success and expansion in the years to come.