New compact store in Camberwell tests lower-cost model on the road to 700 bakeries by 2030
- Bakers Delight opens a new compact bakery in Victoria.
- The model aims to expand from 520 to 700 bakeries by 2030.
- Features innovative equipment to reduce costs.
Bakers Delight has unveiled a compact bakery concept at Camberwell Place in Victoria, a pilot designed to test whether smaller stores can pave the way for faster expansion. The initiative is central to the company’s ambition of growing its network from about 520 bakeries to 700 by the end of the decade.
The new format is built around a production space of just 38 square meters, managed by two bakers producing a streamlined menu of 54 core items. To make the model viable in tighter retail environments, the bakery uses a Metro Oven, a one-meter-wide rack oven with a self-condensing hood. The design eliminates the need for costly exhaust systems and reduces power requirements, addressing two of the largest barriers to entry for new sites.
In addition to baked goods, the Camberwell location has been equipped with features aimed at improving the customer experience. A self-serve coffee station caters to early morning visitors, a hot cabinet offers quick meals throughout the day, and a designated pick-up zone supports third-party delivery services. The combination is intended to extend the store’s appeal beyond traditional bakery transactions.
David Christie, joint chief executive of Bakers Delight, described the store as a proof of concept that will be closely monitored over the next six to twelve months. He said the format is designed to keep operational costs lower for franchisees while opening up opportunities in shopping centers and urban sites where larger bakeries are not feasible.
The Camberwell pilot underscores Bakers Delight’s approach of balancing tradition with innovation. By stripping down the model without compromising on core products, the company aims to create a format that is both economically efficient and scalable. If successful, the compact store could serve as a blueprint for the brand’s next phase of growth.
Key Facts:
| Opening of new compact bakery | Bakers Delight opened its small footprint bakery model at Camberwell Place, Victoria. |
|---|---|
| Expansion Goals | The brand aims to increase from 520 bakeries to 700 by the year 2030. |
| Space Efficient Design | The new model features a compact production area of just 38m², reducing the need for large spaces. |
| Innovative Oven Technology | The Metro Oven utilized at the store minimizes exhaust system requirements and reduces power use. |
| Product Range | The bakery offers a simplified range of 54 items manageable by two bakers. |
| Customer Convenience Features | Includes self-serve coffee, a hot cabinet for snacks, and a dedicated pick-up zone. |
| Proof of Concept | The store will operate for six to 12 months to test the new model before wider rollout. |
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