“I LOVE it when a plan comes together,” quipped George Peppard at the end of each episode of the 1980s TV series The A-Team.
The same sentiment would apply to a recent post from finfluencer Umar (@umarmaggi) on X who emphasied a good business plan and not least the required investment.
The co-founder of home-grown pizza franchise Mokky’s Pizza was responding to an enquiry by curious netizen azri (@azriamin27) about feasibility studies that needed to be conducted before opening a branch.
We’re still new, so we learned a lot from other brands. Yg lagi besar, yg lagi lama.
Contohnya? McD & Zus.
McD: 356 outlets in Malaysia
Zus: 566 outlets in Malaysia
Apa yg kita boleh belajar daripada diorang? https://t.co/PdNn6HuDH6
— Umar (@umarmaggi) January 26, 2025
Using McDonald’s and Zus Coffeee franchises as examples, the poster highlighted that there were many valuable lessons to be gleaned from these two brands.
“Location, location, location” was a key mantra as he used it as a starting point, contending that it would dictate the footfall into an area. A detailed research on consumer behaviour and preferences would then follow.
Noting the key segments that big brands would look to cater to, the poster also outlined the pros and cons of setting up in different types of areas.
He went on to emphasise that big brands would not be stingy on market research given this being key to the business strategy.
The pizza entrepreneur also underlined the importance of taking stock of existing competition by going beyond mere counting of outlets. The analysis would need to take in key elements such as operating hours and unique selling points among other factors.
Do the math, he counselled. If they don’t add up, it is very likely the business will fail. Such calculations must include renovation, initial inventory and not least, a six-month buffer fund.
He also gave an outline on return on investment (ROI) calculations with big businesses usually targetting to break even within an 18 to 24-month period.
The poster also pointed out that the importance of a clear timeline to ensure that the proper processes are followed – from staff training right down to the soft launch.
The Mokky’s pizza co-founder’s observations was generally well-received with one commenter concurring that first and foremost, one needed a good plan.
However, one netizen pointed out that both McD’s and Zus adopted very different business models with the former being a very mature brand.
Whatever the view, it is commendable that this F&B (food & beverage) businessman is trying to engage his audience with useful information instead of sensationalist clickbait.
It is also a great way to encourage entrepreneurship and attract potential investors.
FocusM wishes him and those who dare venture forth into the cut-throat F&B industry all the very best of luck. As aforementioned, it all starts with a good plan. – Feb 1, 2025
