Bar Sport concept revived
Murray, who bought Bar Sport out of administration for an undisclosed sum two years ago, has opened the first franchise outlet at the Waterside in Merry Hill, West Midlands.
The next site is due to be launched in Ipswich, Suffolk, this month, with other openings planned for London, Glasgow and Exeter.
A spokesman for Bar Sport said: “The company has plans to open over eight new franchised outlets by the end of this year — with longer-term plans to open in every town and city in the UK.
“These will be franchised outlets run by their owners and in tune with local taste. They will have been trained by our head-office staff.”
Murray said the company has had “over 1,000” enquiries about taking on a franchise. Under the scheme, Bar Sport helps would-be franchisees secure a free-of-tie leasehold or freehold.
Murray added: “Normally franchisees are finding sites for nil premium and with rent-free periods. It’s an excellent time to take a lease; [landlords] are desperate to get rid of their sites.”
Incomers pay a £35,000 franchise fee and Bar Sport takes 5% of turnover. Murray said in-going costs for franchisees average around £200,000.
Bar Sport was placed into administration in July 2008 when it operated four sites.
Murray said at the time: “We probably timed it wrong with the current credit crunch. We’ve spent £4m over the past 18 months but it just hasn’t worked out.”
