Geraldton sweetens doughnut franchisor

Calls from lovers of Krispy Kreme doughnuts could lead to a store opening in Geraldton.

Jesters Franchising Pty Ltd, which formed a relationship with the doughnut company nearly two years ago, is inviting applications for a franchisee at Stirlings Central Shopping Centre.

Jesters chief executive Robert West today told The Geraldton Guardian that the company had received “repeated calls” from Geraldton consumers desperate to have the company's pies and Krispy Kreme doughnuts available locally.

“I have had quite a few emails from people in Geraldton really excited about the prospect of having Krispy Kreme doughnuts sold there,” he said.

Mr West said Jesters previously operated a store in Geraldton but it closed some time ago, “for various reasons”.

It had not secured a partnership with the doughnut company at that time.

"We are now looking to get back into that market," Mr West said.

He said there still some logistics to work around in securing a distribution partner, but the company would like to see a kiosk-type store open "tomorrow" if possible.

Mr West said a franchise for a kiosk-type store typically required a financial commitment of between $75,000 to $150,000, depending on whether the landlord was prepared to contribute to fit-out costs.

He said the company was looking for potential franchisees who lived in Geraldton, had a strong customer service focus, high communication skills and who could deliver the food service at a quality standard.

Mr West described Jesters as a $15 million WA-only business with 34 stores.