Sweet Returns

‘Having fun’ might not be your primary criteria when choosing a business, but for newest Bocky Boo franchisees, Kylie Wates and Damian Buggy, that’s exactly what they were looking for.         

After working in banking for many years in Australia, Kylie found her priorities had changed since having kids. “I wanted a business that actually suited my personality,” says the mum of three. 

Wanting to take the leap into business ownership when relocating to Kylie’s hometown of Blenheim, the couple initially looked at buying an existing enterprise to avoid starting from scratch with three young kids in tow. When that didn’t work out, they explored franchise options and began asking the question ‘What is it that Blenheim really needs?’

Bocky Boo franchisors, Chris and Ruth De’Ath, had asked themselves a similar question when moving their family to Whangārei six years ago. Having just returned from a four-year stint managing an aviation mission base in remote Northern Australia, Chris was hungry for a new project to apply his skills to. He decided what the city centre really needed was a family-friendly spot where people could make fun memories together. Later that same year, Bocky Boo Gelato was born.            

Year-round business

After a night out with friends, Kylie came home and declared to Damian that what Blenheim really needed was a gelato shop! Envisioning a fun, family-friendly evening spot, they jumped online and found Bocky Boo.  

“I like to take action, so I emailed Chris very early the next morning,” says Kylie. “He responded almost immediately and just happened to be on a ferry about to arrive in Picton at the time. He stopped in Blenheim on his way down south and started scouting for possible locations straightaway. I was so impressed!”

“Our main concern with doing gelato was how the business would survive during winter,” comments Damian, “But we saw how successful the first Bocky Boo franchise location had been in Rangiora, a much colder climate than Blenheim’s.”

Chris explains that they designed Bocky Boo this way intentionally, “With our hugely popular hot desserts, premium coffee, and delicious cabinet food, it keeps the place pumping all through winter.”

Unparalleled support and guidance

Jumping into business can feel like an overwhelming prospect, but Kylie and Damian found that relying on the De’Aths’ expertise made the process much less daunting.

“Chris’s understanding of how to secure the right premises was invaluable,” says Damian. “He gave us so much guidance in all the areas where we had no idea what we were doing. Having no hospitality background ourselves, we were clueless about how to choose the right staff. Chris gave us the best questions to ask potential employees and even sat in on the interviews with us.”

The onsite training at Bocky Boo’s flagship store in Whangārei was a highlight for Kylie, “It was so helpful to experience the way a real functioning cafe works,” she shares. “Taking our baker and gelato maker up to Whangārei was also an awesome team bonding experience and the further training in our own space was very thorough.

“We were so grateful to have the whole De’Ath family there supporting us for our opening week in the school holidays. It was super busy straight away and we just couldn’t have made it through without their help.”

Everyone’s favourite hangout spot

As their plans to open a Bocky Boo in Blenheim continued to move ahead, Kylie felt reassured when friends kept confirming that, yes, this is exactly what Blenheim needs. A family friendly spot that’s great for date nights, catch ups with friends, and a fun place to bring your kids on rainy days. 

She shares, “These days when I spend an evening out with friends they’re always saying, ‘Let’s go to Bocky Boo!’ It’s so nice that they’re not just coming to support me - they genuinely want to hang out there and the response from the whole community has been equally enthusiastic!”

Damian says the excitement has also reached beyond Blenheim. “People are driving in from nearby towns and begging us to open a location in their town too.”

Recession proof business

After a challenging few years for the hospitality sector, franchisor Chris De’Ath can now say with confidence, “It’s pretty clear that the Bocky Boo model is recession proof.

“Our accountant shared with us that every other hospo business on his books has been struggling. Bocky Boo is the only one that’s not only thriving but actually continuing to grow year on year.”

For each new store, the franchisee receives a tailored, projected income and expenditure statement for their first 12 months. This is prior to signing on with the franchise. “They have been met each time,” says Chris. “All three stores have been an instant success and started producing a profit from day one.”

To open your own Bocky Boo, a complete fit out including all gelato equipment, training, and support costs around $200,000 - $300,000.

“We’re eager to meet potential franchisees who are fun to work with and excited to provide an amazing experience for their local community,” say Chris and Ruth. “We’d love to collaborate with you to create a Bocky Boo that’s unique to your town.”  

See this advertorial on page 9 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 34 Issue 02

Contact details for Bocky Boo Gelato 

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