Inside the stories behind the empires of Warwick’s biggest franchisees

With the Southern Downs becoming a hub for new businesses in recent years, go behind the scenes of our region’s franchisees and read how they built their empires. Here are our homegrown success stories.

Business is booming across the Southern Downs with many new businesses opening in the past 12 months.

Among them include locals becoming franchisees and bringing new chains to the Rose City and region, with fittingly incredible stories about community and success.

From iconic chains to new favourites, here are some of the great stories behind Warwick’s biggest franchises and the people that made them.

Marc Benson – McDonald’s

Keen cyclist and Warwick McDonald's franchisee Marc Benson is always keen to give back to his community (Photo: file)

A legend with the iconic fast food restaurant empire, Marc Benson brings years of experience to owning and operating one of the most popular chains on earth right here in the Rose City.

Mr Benson previously operated Roma McDonald’s for 10 years and said he enjoyed the rewarding nature of working with the community and giving back through sponsoring events and sports.

“It’s so rewarding that we hire so many young people and give them their first start in life, it’s a path that can take you anywhere, and can give them a career after school,” he said.

“I started working at McDonald’s when I was 14, and now 30 years later I own a couple of restaurants – it really is fantastic.

“It’s been a fabulous journey and I wouldn’t change anything to be honest, we love to have a positive impact in our local communities as licensees, and it can make a positive impact, it’s highly rewarding for me.

“The next big thing we’ve got is our Warwick store getting a full renovation, which should begin around March, so it’ll be a big change and that’ll be our focus for next year.”

Vijay Namburi – Burrito Bar

Burrito Bar is expanding to Warwick thanks to the help of an excited franchisee, taking the location of an iconic former Rose City establishment.

Franchisee Vijay Namburi said that it was an exciting time to expand the much-loved Mexican chain to Warwick.

“I have been fortunate to grow with the Burrito Bar network for over a year and am excited to take the next big step in opening a Burrito Bar in Warwick,” he said.

“It’s a great time to expand the business to a regional area. People in Warwick have been expressing interest in Burrito Bar for a long time with many having tried us in other locations around the country, so we were excited to finally find the right location in Warwick.

“The local Warwick community are extremely warm and welcoming and are telling us how excited they are to have something new.”

Jeremy Winlaw – Dominos Pizza

Jeremy Winlaw has been the franchisee of Domino's Warwick for the past 12 years.

Family favourites for any occasion from movie nights to an easy and delicious dinner, Domino’s Pizza has been owned by its franchisee Jeremy Winlaw for the past 12 years.

Mr Winlaw said he has worked for Domino’s for 18 years and loved every minute of it.

He also owns the Stanthorpe store, employing 40 people across the Southern Downs.

“I was so welcomed and supported by everyone in the Warwick community when I first took on Domino’s all those years ago, and I’m really proud to say that their support has been unwavering ever since,” Mr Winlaw said.

“As a small-business owner, I wholeheartedly believe in giving back to community, sponsoring local sports teams and community organisations is so important to me and the Domino’s Warwick team.”

In 2022, the stores in Warwick and Stanthorpe donated more than 500 pizzas across the region to several community organisations through Domino’s national ‘Feed the Knead’ program.

“It is a real honour to be able to give back to our customers,” he said.

“I encourage any local community organisations, schools and sports teams to reach out to my team, we would love to offer our support in any way possible.”

Isa Hagstrom – Just Cuts

Isa Hagstrom (centre) with Just Cuts Rose City staff at the grand opening last year (Photo: supplied)

When Warwick-born Isa Hagstrom made the return to his hometown with his family, he knew he wanted to open a business when he came back to town.

Mr Hagstrom opened his branch of Just Cuts hairdressers in Rose City Shoppingworld in October last year, and was proud of the warm reception the town has given his business.

“I love Warwick and I’m glad I’m back, I love working in my store, even if I’m sweeping the floors or just on the front desk,” Mr Hagstrom said.

“I wanted to bring Just Cuts to Warwick so everyone could have access to a good and convenient haircut, a lot of the hairdressers are open during work hours through the week and limited hours on weekends, we don’t really have access to that service.”

Mr Hagstrom said he was happy to have brought Just Cuts to Warwick, and enjoyed the freedom and independence of franchising.

Just Cuts Rose City currently employs nine stylists at the store with plans to grow the business by hiring apprentices throughout 2023.

“I really value longevity- I want to put a lot of effort into training and give some up and coming people from the region an opportunity to work in the industry, which may have not been there before,” he said.

“I feel like I know what Warwick wants, and what Warwick needs, and I’m happy to be apart of a great franchise and I thoroughly enjoy it.”