A signature range of baked breads and pastries, professional systems and a flexible approach is the recipe for Degani’s success.

The founders George Pezaros and George Vasiliadis had an idea to offer a European style bakery\cafe. Espresso had started to take off in Melbourne and people were embracing the concept of roasted coffee.

Since then, demand hasn’t waned and customers still travel from Bayside to the Clifton Hill store, relishing the chance to dine on cake and the Degani experience.

General Manager Darren Lane says the brand is born out of the coffee culture in Melbourne and is unique and flexible.

"We have stores that are 500m2 with wine bars and conference rooms, to a 30m2 kiosk in Doncaster. The point of difference for Degani’s is, no two menus are the same, we tailor it to the location and demographics around it”. Items such as wood-fired pizzas, tapas and Mediterranean foods are a staple and the objective for the business is to grow nationally over the next 12 months.

70 Bakeries

At present 70 Degani bakeries operate in Victoria across the Melbourne metro area, including Geelong and Shepparton. Recent additions include Casey (Westfield) and Box Hill. NSW will see its first store open up in the Narellantown centre in August 2016 and WA is also on the map.

Mr. Lane says the CEO and Leasing Manager are “very interested in Perth, and will be coming over to do a roadshow.” The first store opens in Kings Square (PerthCBD) in May and Mr Lane says the leasing team “are looking at the right opportunities for Sorrento Quay, Mandurah, Morley, Northlands Plaza and Bunbury”.

Prospective franchisees are already in discussion and can still register their interest in the WA market. As the number one coffee brand in Victoria, Degani’s freshness of product is attributed to sourcing local produce and where possible, “made from scratch. We’re not a simple heat and serve”.

Award winning coffee

Testament to their coffee is an upcoming award in MICE (Melbourne International CoffeeExhibition) during 17-19 March. “We won silver for theACA chain best coffee beans”. This quality approach also extends to the fit out of the stores – each having a high-level café finish. “it’s not done ostentatiously, we use jars as lights, scaffolds as benches, it has a rustic warmth that it is Melbourne and makes people feel at home – it’s the core of our business.

The culture of the business is hospitality and Mr Lane says new franchise partners “don’t need to have had a business before, we can teach you how to manage a team of chefs, cooks and baristas. However, you need to be good with people. Customers might come for the name ‘Degani’ – but they come back for the food, experience and warmth”.