Takin' It to 'Em Franchises help consumers too busy to cook, too tired to drive--and sick of pizza.
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Move over, Domino's-home meal delivery isn't justabout pizza anymore. According to food consulting firm TechnomicInc., home meal replacement (HMR) sales will hit $67 billion byyear-end, with an annual growth rate of 8 percent. An ACNielsenreport states that fewer than four out of 10 meals served include ahome-cooked item, and one-quarter of all households dine in ontakeout at least once per week. Franchises have been quick to jumpon the trend.
"It's difficult for people in two-income familiesnowadays to come home and cook a meal and even to go out to get ameal," explains Paul Gooden, managing partner of the Steaks To Gofranchise.
Marked for their convenience, HMR delivery franchises arestriving to provide fast, hot and tasty meals for offices andhouseholds alike. While pizza still remains an HMR staple after allthese years, many HMR franchises offer grilled entrees thattypically include a salad, a baked potato and a roll with thepurchase of a dinner. "We give customers an alternative topizza delivery by offering a full menu of steak and chicken dinnersthat range from $9 to $17," says Gooden.
Don Harkleroad, president of Steak-Out Franchising Inc., has hadgreat success with his more than 85 stores across the nation."We're growing in total number of units opened, volumesper units opened and profitability," he says. "Thisbusiness is riding an up trend, and HMR represents an increasedopportunity for entrepreneurs." According to Harkleroad, theaverage Steak-Out franchise brings in roughly $778,000 in annualsales.
While some franchises include catering services along with theirdelivery and takeout systems, Off the Grill Franchising Inc. presidentAlan Thompson notes that90 percent of Off the Grill units' sales are carryout ordelivery. "This is all we do, so we do it very well," hesays, contrasting Off the Grill with regular restaurants that offertakeout menus.
"People who want a prepared meal at home would much ratherhave us bring it to them than go through the inconvenience ofdriving to a store, standing in line, picking it up and thendriving home again," adds Harkleroad. "We believe thedelivery mechanism is far superior to the takeout approach."From the looks of it, consumers agree.
