Family-owned Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse has launched its first drive-thru bakery, in South Morang, Victoria.

The store, which boasts new in-store branding, has a similar 120sqm footprint to the regular bakeries. In addition to its drive-thru offer, it is a full-service Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse.

CEO Steve Plarre said: “There is a real focus on speed and service at the drive-thru window, with best-in-class processes that will lay the foundations for our 10-Star Drive-Thru Franchise System. There is also a new range of cold drink options including fresh frappes, pressed juice over ice and our new Cake Shakes. 

“We will be using the opening of the first concept store to optimise the customer experience and embed it in future drive-thru locations. We’ve already ear-marked a number of locations for development.”  

The new concept will extend the brand’s expansion opportunities beyond strip and shopping centre locations. The busy site, a corner position on a road with three inbound and outbound lanes, will boost the brand’s visibility.

A new retail precinct will be built at the location with family-oriented services such as childcare and medical centres. The target market is likely to be aligned to the Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse brand.

The offer is a fresh take too on the traditional fast food menus at many drive-thrus.

Plarre said: “We believe there is a big opportunity to provide a genuine alternative to the fried chicken and burger heavy options that adorn most major roads. If you’re going to have a treat, why not make it a  good one.”

• This story originally appeared in our sister publication Inside Franchise Business Executive.