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Summary
Brand new San Churro franchise opportunity in a growing Melbourne outer-east community. First-to-market in a family-focused regional centre with cinema, 119 retailers and 2,000+ free car parks.
Location Details
Regional shopping centre, gateway to the Yarra Valley. 119 retailers, 8-screen cinema, 2,000+ free parks. Family-focused, growing catchment. Median age 38, 19% population growth 2016–2021. No San Churro is currently in the area.
About the Opportunity
Be the first San Churro in the Yarra Valley.
There's no existing business to take over here — this is a brand new store in a community that's ready for it. Chirnside Park Shopping Centre is the beating heart of Melbourne's outer-east, and right now there's no San Churro anywhere in the Yarra Valley region. That's the opportunity.
The location
Chirnside Park Shopping Centre is the primary retail and community hub for the Yarra Ranges, anchored by Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, Kmart, Target and an eight-screen Reading Cinemas complex. Over 2,000 free car parks, a dedicated public transport interchange connecting Lilydale, Mooroolbark and Ringwood, and Victorian Government recognition as a key growth centre for the next 20 years.
The numbers tell the story. The suburb's population grew 19.3% between 2016 and 2021 — one of the strongest growth rates in Melbourne's east. The dominant demographic is families and couples aged 30–39, owner-occupiers with professional incomes who eat out regularly and spend on experiences. San Churro sits squarely in their wheelhouse.
What you're investing in
1. A brand new store built to San Churro's current design standards
2. First-mover advantage — no San Churro anywhere in the Yarra Valley
3. Exclusive trading rights within the Chirnside Park precinct
4. A fully supported grand opening with dedicated launch marketing
5. National campaigns, seasonal promotions and field support from day one
6. The backing of a brand with 20 years in the market and 70 locations nationally
Who this suits
You don't need to have run a café before — San Churro provides comprehensive training covering product, food safety, team management and financials. What you do need is genuine energy, a love of people, and the motivation to build something that becomes part of a community. Prior hospitality or business experience is a bonus, not a requirement.
Candidates must meet San Churro's standard franchisee criteria.
Marketing support
San Churro delivers national marketing campaigns, seasonal promotions and active social media year-round at no additional management cost to the franchisee. As a new store opening, you'll benefit from a dedicated launch campaign, local area marketing support, grand opening activation and access to San Churro's established brand presence across digital and social platforms.
Training provided
Embark on a transformative 6-week journey to chocolate mastery! Start with 1-2 immersive weeks in Melbourne Head Office, combining hands-on experience in our vibrant stores with insider knowledge from our Support Office. Finish strong with 4 weeks of training in a dedicated operational training store, ensuring you're fully prepared for sweet success. Plus, our dedicated team will be right by your side as you set up your store, build your dream team, and make a splash on opening day!
Skills
Hospitality, retail or café management experience is preferred but not essential — full training is provided. You'll need strong people skills, a genuine passion for customer experience, and the drive to build something in your community. Basic business and financial literacy is helpful. San Churro looks for franchisees who are hands-on, community-minded and motivated to grow with the brand.
Length of Agreement
Your Franchise Agreement will align with your lease term. When it comes time to renew your lease, we will help you finalise a new term and align it to the franchise term with a reduced-cost renewal amount.
Year Business Established
2004
Year Franchising Commenced
2006
Site locations
70
History
San Churro was founded by Giro Maurici. inspired by his experiences in Spain. The first store opened in Fitzroy, Melbourne in March 2006. Since then, San Churro has expanded across Australia, becoming the country's largest chocolate cafe franchise. The company has continually innovated its menu and store designs while maintaining its commitment to premium chocolate and churros.
Awards
2024 - Franchise Council of Australia's (FCA) Single Unit Franchisee of the Year - Winner
2024 - FCA Francise Women of the Year
2024 - 5-star rating by FRANdata
2024 - QSR Media - Squad of the Year and Diversity and Inclusion Champion
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