Chance to be part of the cafe society

A FRENCH cafe-bakery group, the second largest of its kind in the world, is planning to expand its presence in the UK.

Le Duff, which owns several high-street brands, including Brioche Dorée restaurants and bakeries, has launched a recruitment drive to attract franchisees to the brand’s business model.

It is looking for independent retailers, structured companies and entrepreneurs with an interest in food service or business, or both, to consider the opportunity.

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A company spokeswoman said: “New recruits will enjoy the independence of their own business in the convenience of their own locality, with the backing, support and confidence of being part of a global establishment.”

She added: “Locals will enjoy contributing to the local economy, with the potential to provide jobs – a wonderful opportunity to support communities still feeling the hangover from the credit crunch.”

The group operates in 50 countries around the world with sales of more than £1bn, 1,095 restaurants and bakeries and 13,400 employees.

Louis Le Duff, the group chairman, founded the business in 1976 after studying the franchise model for a doctorate, inspired by what he had seen while studying in the United States.

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“I was born into a family where the work and family business ethic was part of your education, an environment where you are born with an ambition to go it alone,” he has said.

Today, 60 per cent of the group’s restaurants are branches and 40 per cent are franchises and joint ventures.

It expects to open 87 new restaurants around the world in 2011.

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