Some of Wagga’s favourite franchise eateries could soon close after the Retail Food Group announced a number of stores will close nationally.
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RFG controls major brands such as Crust Pizza, Donut King, Gloria Jeans and Brumby’s Bakery which are all located in Wagga.
The group will close 250 stores and have been under pressure from Fairfax Media revealing in December that many franchisees operating under its umbrella were struggling to stay afloat.
Wagga’s Gloria Jeans franchise partner Mushi Ahmad said the group have not been in contact with his store.
“We have not heard anything regarding the future of our store,” Mr Ahmad said.
“I’m not concerned, we have a few years left of the lease so it won’t shut.
“We’re a busy store, so I would be very surprised if our store closed.”
Crust Pizza fanatic and primary school teacher Andrea Juanta, said she would be “devastated” if her favourite take-out closed.
“I am shocked to hear this and this would be so sad, where else am I going to get good quality pizza?”
Like Mr Ahmad, Ms Juanta expressed confidence in the pizza business and said it would come as a surprise if the food outlet closed.
“I frequently go to this establishment once a week for my treat dinner and it wouldn’t just affect me, but it would be a great loss to the Wagga community,” she said.
“It’s always busy and I think it raises the standard of franchises available in Wagga.”
RFG flagged a statutory loss this year with expected underlying net profit after tax of about $34.5 million for the year to June 30, down from profit after tax of $75.7 million posted by the company for the 2017 financial year.