What Franchise Issue 21.1

his year marks 60 years since two entrepreneurs brought a taste of the American South to the UK. In 1965, guided by KFC legend Colonel Sanders, Harry Latham and Ray Allen opened Britain’s first fried chicken shop in Preston. Two decades later, Harry and his daughters carried that pioneering spirit to Bristol, launching the first Miss Millie’s – named in honour of the Colonel’s daughter, Mildred. Today, the brand is stepping up with a bold new attitude, a refreshed look, and a secret blend of 12 herbs and spices that makes every visit soul-satisfying, whilst celebrating the diversity of its customers. With plans to expand nationwide and upgrade existing stores for a friendlier, more efficient experience, Miss Millie’s is positioning itself as a modern, fast-growing force in the competitive chicken QSR sector. CAPITALISING ON A GROWING MARKET Already a well-established brand in theWest Country, Miss Millie’s is proving that it’s far from an ‘old-fashioned’ fried chicken shop. Under new ownership, the brand has repositioned itself to appeal to younger audiences without alienating long-time customers. Chicken, as a category, continues to outpace beef in the UK, especially among young adults, and Miss Millie’s is ideally placed to benefit from this trend. The brand’s focus on bold flavours and quality products means it can respond quickly to consumer trends. “We know our customers love bold, interesting flavours that complement our quality products,” says Andy Purnell, CEO. “We will always remain agile to embrace the latest flavour trends and adapt our offerings to keep customers returning and grow our base.” WHY MISS MILLIE’S? Franchisees looking to join Miss Millie’s benefit from an attractive package of support and systems designed to make launching and running a store as smooth as possible. Highlights include: • Low cost of entry with affordable initial set-up • Full support with site identification, layout design, and planning consents • Comprehensive training for franchisees and teams • Established operational manuals and supply chain management, including price negotiation and quality assurance • Menu maintenance and new product development • Marketing support including pooled resources and social media presence • Advanced systems for POS, kiosks, delivery, click & collect, loyalty apps, and website management This holistic approach is aimed at giving franchisees the tools and confidence to succeed while reducing the risks often associated with starting a business. T “We will always remain agile to embrace the latest flavour trends and adapt our offerings to keep customers returning” Andy Purnell, CEO Miss Millie’s Miss Millie’s means business Minimum required capital: £50,000 F O O D & D R I N K The iconic fried chicken brand is spreading its wings across the UK – backed by heritage, innovation, and a franchise package designed for success 76 WHAT FRANCHISE Issue 21.1 Behind the Brand | PARTNER CONTENT