Stefan Spiridonov: There is no other thematic brand like Hans & Gretel

Category: Franchisees Success Stories
Published: 02 December 2024
Stefan Spiridonov: There is no other thematic brand like Hans & Gretel

In the world of themed desserts, few franchises have captured the imagination and hearts of customers like Hans & Gretel. From enchanting storefronts to a wide variety of delectable products, the brand offers a unique business opportunity for entrepreneurs. Stefan Spiridonov, franchisee in Bulgaria, has not only embraced the concept but has also successfully expanded it across multiple locations in the country.

In this exclusive interview, Stefan shares his journey with Hans & Gretel, detailing the reasons behind his choice, the challenges he faced, and the strategies that have driven his success. With four stores already thriving and a fifth on the horizon, he offers invaluable insights for aspiring franchisees and a glimpse into the future of the brand in Bulgaria. Whether you’re considering investing in a franchise or simply curious about what it takes to create a magical customer experience, Stefan’s story is sure to inspire.

HANS & GRETEL

What made you choose Hans & Gretel over other franchises? What factors convinced you that it was the right investment for you?

The thing that made me choose Hans & Gretel over other franchises is that there is no other brand which is thematic like this. It is a complete idea and you have a big variety of products – plus great decors.

What would you say to someone considering investing in the Hans & Gretel franchise system? What are the key reasons? Why should they move forward with this opportunity?

I would say to them “go ahead and do it, it’s worth it, but keep in mind that it is not a simple business and you have to work hard and every day to be involved in the stores if you want to succeed”.

What growth opportunities do you see in the future, and how do you plan to capitalize on them with the brand?

After making 4 stores in Bulgaria and the 5th will be open before summer, now I see the opportunities of making smaller shops in smaller cities, partnering with other people who want to make their own business.

How have you successfully expanded into such diverse markets and built a thriving chain?

Well, it was with spending more money in making the shops more thematic this way if someone wants to make copy will have to invest a lot more which is going to be hard and also giving good quality of products.

What do you believe are the key factors that have contributed to the success of Hans & Gretel in your area?

Location is the most important thing, good managers, team and magical stores.

HANS & GRETEL

What were the main challenges you faced during the initial stages of the business?

For the first store it was finding the best location and also finding the right people of making all the shelves, Korian counters organizing the store after that it was easy just multiplying to other stores.

How is your business evolving, and what are your goals for the future?

For the Bulgarian market is hard the evolving a lot but we won’t stop fighting. Our market is small and people don’t have as much money as other capitals in Europe, but the expenses on a monthly base are almost the same and the investment is the same as opening a shop in Italy or Spain and the prices are almost the same. Thanks to Hans & Gretel international, who are always supporting us and trying to give us lower prices in some products that they can, we manage to make balance.

How did you manage to build a loyal customer base, and what is your strategy for providing excellent customer service?

People want to see from time to time that something is changing in the stores, so we try to upgrade our decoration inside the stores that makes them always to come, and also good quality of products and good hospitality.

What is the training and support process like for new franchisees and what are the key aspects that helped you to successfully get started?

So, first of all, every store owner has to know how to make everything in the store, how to extract gelato from the machine, how to make chimney cake, etc. But thankfully Hans & Gretel international is very helpful and patient. They showed us everything and they always come to help us in every store we open. Their team works 12 hour shifts next to us, so that everything will be perfect. So, they prepared us very well and the owners were always by our side guiding us. That was for me the key aspect.

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HANS & GRETEL