Business Franchise Australia

New Operations Manager Signals Turning Point For Raw Energy

One of Queensland’s first healthy food franchises, Raw Energy, has received a significant confidence boost with the appointment of Jay Giles as the company’s new Operations Manager.

Hailing from the Sunshine Coast, Jay has recently returned from London where he successfully opened, then operated, two cafes in the notoriously tough and competitive market.

Since his return to Australia last year Jay, a qualified chef by trade, has been managing openings of Raw Energy franchises in Queensland and New South Wales until his new appointment announced in December.

Managing Director of Raw Energy, Matthew Hope, said Jay’s new position signalled an exciting period of growth for the brand.

“Jay has all the right experience and know-how to really drive expansion of the company,” he said, “He has some great ideas and we’re looking forward to working with Jay and seeing what new energy he brings to the company.

“2016 is set to be a big year and our goal is to open eight stores by the end of the year.”

Jay said his focus for 2016 would be on developing existing stores, propagating new stores and providing high quality training for new franchisees.

“The thing I love about Raw Energy is the philosophy that fast food doesn’t have to be junk food,” he said. “The emphasis is on freshness and making as much as possible in house. Things like sauces and condiments, not just the obvious menu items. I like that pursuit of quality and plan to push it further as the market is really wanting for offerings like ours.”

Jay said he was looking forward to the challenges of the year ahead, and in particular to a number of upcoming store openings.

“In March, we’re opening a new store at the University of the Sunshine Coast and down the track we’ll be launching our first corporate store at Kawana Hospital.

“These new locations, positioned within large institutions, signals a new direction for the company, and one which we’re sure will produce dividends.”