Mrs. Fields ranks top food operation in Top Franchise Awards

By: Mrs. Fields Cookies | 15 Shares 158 Reads

May 10, 2011 // Franchising.com // Mrs. Fields Australia has been named in the Top 10 franchises in Australia for the third year straight in the latest Topfranchise survey. It is the only food operator to be listed in the Top 10.

Based on survey's of over 3000 franchisee's across Australia, the Top Franchise ranking is recognition of the support and dedication Mrs. Fields Australia offers to their franchisees located across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

Managing Director of Mrs. Fields Australia, Andrew Benefield said the Mrs. Fields team is "excited to be included in the Top 10 for three years running and for the acknowledgment as a top food operator."

"We are pleased to continue to be ranked in the Top 10 by our franchisees, having never disappeared from there in the six surveys conducted over last three years," Mr. Benefield said.

"I am a little surprised to be the only food operator, but not surprised to be one of only three retailers. There is a drop in our franchisee's satisfaction with their work life balance and the rewards from their franchise. We see this as a reflection of the very tough retail environment at present and recent changes to award pay rates. Many franchisees are now working longer hours to compensate for higher employee wages."

Ranking fifth in the Top franchise list, the Topfranchise Awards are calculated by 10 Thousand Feet who conduct surveys commissioned by multiple franchises around Australia. Key factors indicating franchise satisfaction include mentoring and guidance offered, key communication systems incorporated, financial and lifestyle.

"It is great to see that our franchise partners are still very satisfied with our levels of support, although like any relationship there was a few pointers on where we can improve. Good communication is still the key to making the franchise relationship work," added Mr. Benefield.

This success follows Mrs. Fields being awarded the International Master Franchisee of the Year at the Mrs. Fields Brands Convention in Las Vegas earlier this year.