in South Australia
Issue No. 4 - February/March 2002
Catering for Demand
Morphett Vale husband and wife Mark and Debra Huddleston knew only that they wanted to start a business that would have lifestyle benefits as well as financial rewards. And when they came across McGoo’s Spitroast & Catering at the 2000 Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo at the Wayville Showgrounds, they thought perhaps they had found their vocation.
The catering business, already well—known throughout Australia for its quality and service standards, is growing fast. Proof of the popularity of Mark and Debra’s franchise is that in just over a year after opening it has received the New Caterer Award in the Restaurant & Catering Association’s 2001 National Award for Excellence, announced in Canberra in October.
By catering largely for private functions such as wedding anniversaries and birthdays, Mark and Debra have also tapped into what they see as a national trend. “It’s very time—effective,” said Mark. “ It allows the hosts to enjoy their own party and frees them up to mix with people – some they might only see once a year or so. It really allows the hosts to be a guest at their own party.” And, notes Mark, “it mirrors what is happening with other service industries.”
Mark said that in June the business had been nominated for the South Australian Restaurant and Catering Awards, run in conjunction with Messenger Newspapers. “We received many nominations in the competition from happy customers as one of the best caterers in the state and made it into the finals,” he said. “From there we went on to the national awards.
Andrew McGowan, the founder of McGoo’s Spitroast & Catering, said he was absolutely delighted with the award. “Since the inception of McGoo’s in Newcastle 13 years ago, I have always tried to instill into my franchisees the benefits of following a very successful franchise system, one that over the years has reaped the accolades and awards many times,” he said. “But this...
