Soul Origin ramps up expansion plans as it rides healthy-eating craze
Sydney-founded fast-food chain Soul Origin is ramping up national expansion plans as it rides the growing popularity of healthy eating, fuelled party by the rise of weight-loss drugs.
Sydney-founded fast-food chain Soul Origin is ramping up national expansion plans as it rides the growing popularity of healthy eating, fuelled party by the rise of weight-loss drugs.
Despite the crowded fast-food market, Soul Origin — known for its salad bars, sandwiches and wraps — wants to grow its store network from 178 across Australia and New Zealand to 400 locations globally over the next 10 years.
It plans to open up to 20 stores a year — expanding beyond traditional shopping centre food courts to drive-throughs, airports, hospitals and universities.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.In WA where it already has 28 stores, Soul Origin has plans to open five more, including a drive-through — which would be its third in Australia.
To lead the business through its next phase, Soul Origin has also announced it had appointed chief financial officer George Gebran as its chief executive.
“Healthy, fresh food isn’t a new direction for Soul Origin; it’s what we’ve been doing for 15 years,” he told The West Australian.
“Our founders identified a gap in the market for fresh, healthier food that was also fast and convenient, and built the business around filling that gap.
“As consumers become increasingly conscious of what they eat, while still demanding convenience, our proposition becomes even more relevant.”
Co-founder and managing director Hao Quach will step back from day-to-day responsibilities but remain closely involved with the business. He will focus on future growth opportunities, including the NZ expansion.
Soul Origin currently operates four stores in NZ and plans to open another 10 over the next two years.
“We see New Zealand and regional Queensland as two clear opportunities for further growth, while continuing to expand our reach across Australia’s major metropolitan markets,” Mr Gebran said.
Soul Origin is the latest to pitch itself as a healthy fast-food chain and joins others like Guzman y Gomez, Zambrero and Grill’d.
Soul Origin — which counts Australia soccer star Ellie Carpenter as its ambassador — says it serves about 22 million customers a year.
