Family-run bakery Wenzel’s has entered into its first-ever franchise deal with Southern Co-op.
The first site as part of the collaboration is set to open in Guildford, Surrey on 10 September with more openings planned for the future, although specific timelines haven’t been confirmed. It is part of Wenzel’s strategy to expand its offering to new regions across the country.
The format will differ from store to store. The Guildford site, for example, will be a standalone, fully branded Wenzel’s shop within a petrol station (rather than a concession within an existing Co-op store).
It will serve the full Wenzel’s menu which ranges from hot breakfast rolls to lunch deals, bread, and sweet treats. The bakery, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, recently bolstered its menu with summer debuts including a Pistachio & Hazelnut Crème Croisnut (a croissant/doughnut hybrid), Strawberry Cheesecake and White Biscoff doughnuts, fruity Danish pastries, and an American-style S’mores Cookie Sandwich.
Some of the products will be made fresh in store, according to Wenzel’s, with others delivered directly each morning from the firm’s central production bakery in Watford.
“We’re delighted that Southern Co-op have chosen to be our franchise partner and are confident that our collaborative partnership will be mutually beneficial and rewarding in the coming year,” said Wenzel’s CEO Sarah Wenzel. “Southern Co-op is a business that has consistently put the community first, and with this shared vision of offering high-quality food for all, we’re in a strong position to bring delicious, freshly baked goods at accessible prices to even more customers across the UK.”
Wenzel’s said it sees Co-op as a ‘key partner’ in terms of expanding its footprint.
Nick Smith, central services director at Southern Co-op added that the partnership represents a “powerful alignment of values – great food, great service and a great opportunity to grow”.
Wenzel’s was established in 1975 by Peter Wenzel who remains a key part of the leadership team. It has since grown to operate more than 100 stores across London and the South East. Recently filed accounts for the business for the year ended 7 April 2024 showed turnover had risen by 11.2% to £68.3m while net profit after tax reached £2.1m.
No comments yet