Banjo's

Twice the fun in Launceston

Tony Jenkins called on his years of experience in restaurant management and marketing when he opened his first Banjo's franchise in 1989. With two stores (Launceston Central and Kings Meadows) now under his belt, his bakery management experience sees him keen to expand even further.

While Tony sees the secret of his success being a combination of product quality, hygiene, atmosphere and service, there is one vital element that stands out in his mind: his staff. "You need to look after your staff because they are important to your business. We have a low turnover of staff - it's great to have staff grow with you as you grow and develop your business."

With over 100 employees across both stores, Tony knows he can rely on the help of the Banjo's management team to find and train the right staff. And he can continue to call on that expertise as he grows his business.

While Tony's hours are not quite as long as they were in the early days, he still relishes the hands-on bakery work. His days start at around 4.30am, usually finishing at 3pm. While Tony manages production at both bakeries, his wife, Phillipa, works alongside him overseeing sales. Both of them appreciate the loyalty of their customers: the two stores have built up quite a following in the Launceston community.