Roma’s franchise kings and queens revealed

Meet the faces behind our local franchises and find out how they managed to build their empires. Here’s their remarkable stories:

Their brands are known Australia-wide, but do you know the local faces behind these successful businesses?

From McDonald’s and Subway to Dominoes, meet the people running our franchises.

Serrin Dewar - McDonald’s

Despite spending the past 25 years living in Melbourne, Serrin Dewar has always been a country girl at heart.

Born in country Victoria and moving away during early adulthood, Ms Dewar thrived in the hustle and bustle of city life as she climbed the corporate ladder and eventually became a managing director for multiple advertising agencies.

“I’ve had experience running companies and I’ve always known eventually I wanted to own my own business,” she said.

“I come from an advertising background and I’m a brand girl, that’s why I was drawn to owning a McDonald’s. It’s easily recognisable and one of the best brands.”

Two years ago Ms Dewar realised it was time for a change and decided to use this business opportunity to create a quieter, more peaceful life in the country.

McDonald’s Roma owner Serrin Dewar with her partner John Brooker.

She bought the Roma McDonalds from former owner Marc Benson, who has since moved to Warwick, and employs an impressive seventy workers.

“I was so glad when they told me a Queensland store was available, I just love the weather up here,” she said.

Ms Dewar said what made owning a McDonald’s franchise so attractive was the fact it’s a tried and true business with a proven track record for success.

“You are the owner operator, but you’ve got this incredible network to lean into. They really support you,” she said.

“Yes, we sell burgers, fries and drinks but it’s actually a people business. I couldn’t do it without the people, especially our restaurant manager Noemi Jocson who recently celebrated 10 years with us.”

Ms Dewar said the most rewarding thing about being a business owner was the ability to give back to the community, especially young people.

“We get 1200 customers walk through our doors everyday. The community really supports us, so I think we should support them too,” she said.

“NRL is the heart and soul of country towns so we are a sponsor of the (Roma) Cities Rugby League Club.

“We also sponsor local basketball, soccer and netball as well as the local Filipino Community’s Christmas party.

“We stay open 24 hours every day and I like to think we are offering a community service to truck drivers and tourists driving through our town who are able to come in and we can offer them a coffee and somewhere to stop and stretch their legs.

“I don’t have kids, so giving kids in regional towns an opportunity to work here is the most rewarding thing of all.

“Kids can work here and learn how to be a team player, take feedback, and follow procedures as well as learn how to think on their feet and have responsibility.”

Ruth and John D’Hennin - Subway

After purchasing their first Subway store on the Sunshine Coast fifteen years ago, Ruth and John D’Hennin decided Roma was the perfect place to return to their country roots.

“We were approached by Subway head office to take on the store in Roma. We were keen for a new business venture and moving to Roma was an easy decision for us,” Mrs D’Hennin said.

“I have always owned my own business for the past 35 years and I’m always open to new opportunities.”

Roma Subway owners Ruth and John D'Hennin are Roma locals and have been running the store for 10 months.

Mrs D’Hennin said when their first Subway store became available in Marcoola, she was initially attracted to the business model it offered.

“I would absolutely encourage others to buy a franchise. The support we receive is amazing, and there is always help available if I need it,” she said.

“Any business in a small town should give back. I believe in giving back in life and that’s what I try and do.

“We have ten staff, including my husband and myself.

“I value my team members immensely. Without a strong team you cannot run a successful business.

“We’re like a ‘Subway family’ and we all have each other’s back.”

Sulay Patel and Prakash Balsara - Dominos

This dynamic duo have well and truly earnt the titles of Franchise Kings, owning and operating an empire made up of five Dominos stores across Queensland.

After buying their first Dominos store back in 2015, Sulay Patel and Prakash Balsara are the proud owners of Domino’s Logan Central, Shailer Park, Dalby, Chinchilla and

Roma.

The pair admitted they never considered expanding out to Roma, but were approached by

Dominos Group CEO about the opportunity.

“That night we reflected on the opportunity and agreed it was too good to pass up,” Mr Patel said.

“As a result, we decided to open our fifth Domino’s store in the wonderful rural town of Roma.

Dominos Roma franchisees Sulay and Prakash own an impressive five stores across Queensland.

“I must say, it was one of the best decisions we have ever made. Prakash and I were so

welcomed and supported by everyone in the Roma community when we first opened our

doors all those years ago.”

Before creating their empire, Mr Balsara worked as a corporate area manager

for a fuel company and Sulay worked in IT for the Government.

“As fond lovers of the Domino’s brand for many years, when we found out about the franchise opportunity, we thought it would be great for us to run our own business,” he said.

The Roma store employs 17 staff, but the pair they’re always looking for more employees and would like to hire at least ten more people.

“As a small business owner, we wholeheartedly believe in giving back to the community.

“We support our local sports teams with ‘Player of the Week’ vouchers, and also provide raffle prizes for club charity events and regularly donate pizzas to a number of community organisations through Domino’s national ‘Feed the Knead’ program.”

If you’re a local franchise owner that would like to be included in the story, email [e-mail].