ROB T Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 We have been here for just 3 weeks in and around Quinns / Jindalee and having scouted the area would like to open a new Dome Cafe. What is your opinion of this type of cafe restaurant and would you like to see one opened near to where you live? They appear to be pretty popular. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odies Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 they are popular but very slow. every time i have been in had to wait ages. much prefer Gloria Jeans Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weedolly Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 I would agree, everyone I have been the the service is awful. I think they are really busy as for some reason they all seem to be in good locations, Hillarys, across from Mullallo Beach, Mandurah front etc. The only reason would go in is because I have a little one who still likes to carry on a bit and I would rather take her into a chain place than somewhere a bit better. Most of the time now, I just get a take out coffee rather than pay high prices for food that just gets left. You would obviously have to buy a franchise, if I had the experience I would rather open up as my own place and build up a reputation for myself, rather than give a percentage of my hard earned cash to a Franchise just because the have a well known name - just because they are well known doesn't mean they are good. You did ask for opinions P. S I don't like Gloria Jeans much either! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StraighttothePoint Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 We used to use them but like any franschise they are hit or a miss. Some very well managed with quick service, good table cleaning etc while others are not so good in terms of those kinds of things. Food wise pretty expensive in relation to some other cafes but I guess you know what you are getting and the quality is pretty good. Well liked by the Brits but like many other folk we now have a whole number and range of other places we would go first before hitting a Dome. Is it not $millions to get a franchise going? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROB T Posted October 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 I would agree, everyone I have been the the service is awful. I think they are really busy as for some reason they all seem to be in good locations, Hillarys, across from Mullallo Beach, Mandurah front etc. The only reason would go in is because I have a little one who still likes to carry on a bit and I would rather take her into a chain place than somewhere a bit better. Most of the time now, I just get a take out coffee rather than pay high prices for food that just gets left. You would obviously have to buy a franchise, if I had the experience I would rather open up as my own place and build up a reputation for myself, rather than give a percentage of my hard earned cash to a Franchise just because the have a well known name - just because they are well known doesn't mean they are good. You did ask for opinions P. S I don't like Gloria Jeans much either! No, opinions are good. I have heard that service levels can be lacking at some sites and that is why as a family run business we propose to have that side of things well and truly in hand. Thanks, Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest9824 Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 No, opinions are good. I have heard that service levels can be lacking at some sites and that is why as a family run business we propose to have that side of things well and truly in hand. Thanks, Rob Hi Rob, Wishing you good luck in your new venture. Dome opened in Kalamunda only recently, and it does well. I like the fact that they have restored the old Police Station to house the cafe. Sometimes the service can be slow with the drinks rather than the food, but mostly it's good. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROB T Posted October 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 We used to use them but like any franschise they are hit or a miss. Some very well managed with quick service, good table cleaning etc while others are not so good in terms of those kinds of things. Food wise pretty expensive in relation to some other cafes but I guess you know what you are getting and the quality is pretty good. Well liked by the Brits but like many other folk we now have a whole number and range of other places we would go first before hitting a Dome. Is it not $millions to get a franchise going? I agree with most of what you say STTP. They don't set out to be the cheapest and may not provide the best quality food & beverages along with the best service, however they appear to be offering something a little different from the competition with some of the best locations around and us Brits seem to love them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROB T Posted October 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 Hi Rob, Wishing you good luck in your new venture. Dome opened in Kalamunda only recently, and it does well. I like the fact that they have restored the old Police Station to house the cafe. Sometimes the service can be slow with the drinks rather than the food, but mostly it's good. Good luck! Cheers Pea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest9824 Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 Cheers Pea No worries. What DOES irk me is they aren't in the Entertainment book. I love my Entertainment Book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROB T Posted October 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 No worries. What DOES irk me is they aren't in the Entertainment book. I love my Entertainment Book. Sorry for being dim but what is the 'Entertainment Book '? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odies Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 entertainment book is great !!!! I will let someone else explain it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chardy Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 Entertainment book is great published every July costs $70 and is packed with vouchers for all sorts of things, activities, hotels, restaurants etc. Some of the proceeds goes to charity and if you buy via a school/surf club etc they get some too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifi69 Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 I'm not a Dome fan...just can't understand why people would use them, when there are so many brilliant independents about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest9824 Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 I'm not a Dome fan...just can't understand why people would use them, when there are so many brilliant independents about. Oh Fifi, you haven't lived til you try a fluffy koala or a squashed frog:wink:...personally wish they would create a 'squashed snail' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlaunay Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 I'm not a Dome fan...just can't understand why people would use them, when there are so many brilliant independents about. This^ Fi, you're so right but then we do live in a part of town spoilt with choice. I've been to Dome once out of necessity and like GJ's, Macca's or any other chain I just wouldn't ever go again. I'm probably not part of your demographic as I'd go with an independent any day, I just don't understand the concept of cloning something I could get in any town in any part of the world. I also hate the simulacrum, that themed representation of a rustic Irish pub outside of rural Ireland or, as in Dome, a french/euro cafe/bistro outside of Europe, particularly when it is done so dreadfully. My apologies if I offend, that's not my intention. If you have skills and can identify an opportunity or gap in the market I'd say go for it and if the market demands a Dome, why not? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest9824 Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 This^ Fi, you're so right but then we do live in a part of town spoilt with choice. I've been to Dome once out of necessity and like GJ's, Macca's or any other chain I just wouldn't ever go again. I'm probably not part of your demographic as I'd go with an independent any day, I just don't understand the concept of cloning something I could get in any town in any part of the world. I also hate the simulacrum, that themed representation of a rustic Irish pub outside of rural Ireland or, as in Dome, a french/euro cafe/bistro outside of Europe, particularly when it is done so dreadfully. My apologies if I offend, that's not my intention. If you have skills and can identify an opportunity or gap in the market I'd say go for it and if the market demands a Dome, why not? Offence....none taken....I'd take Boukla in Subi over Dome any day of the week...but the kids love a fluffy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StraighttothePoint Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 Sorry for being dim but what is the 'Entertainment Book '? It is the best thing since sliced bread and you help charity by buying one so win win. Pea was a convert http://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/about/tell-me-more/perth The deals are great and even cover some of the best food outlets in Perth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bibbs Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 Dome - Seems like any other fast food chain, except its coffee not coke and it's not that fast. Food isn't the best, seems to be microwaved or deep fried and I don't drink coffee. Would rather an independent. But occasionally you don't have any other choice (I've visited Applecross, Perth, Margaret River & Mt Lawley branches). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROB T Posted October 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 Thanks for all your responses, good and bad, it does seem that franchises in general can be very personal, some like em some don't. From a business prospective however there is no denying their overall popularity and success. On each occasion that I have visited a franchise of this type it seems quite clear how Australia for whatever reason just loves their brand imagery and particularly so with regard to food outlets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivera Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 Dome at Hillary's takes 20K on a Saturday. Think you'll do well in the right location. It's not my cup of tea but have used them in the past for business meetings as they are a recognisable rendezvous point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StraighttothePoint Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 Dome at Hillary's takes 20K on a Saturday. Yeah but the big question is what are their outgoings? 20k could still see a loss on total cost of ownership. Like you I think it could be location dependant although again busy does not necessarily mean overly profitable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancslass Posted October 12, 2013 Report Share Posted October 12, 2013 Why Dome? In my opinion Perth is a place that people love to drink coffee (me included) but it really doesn't matter if it is Dome or an independant coffee shop, people spend lots of money on coffee and eating out. The brand is not what is important, providing exceptional customer service and good quality food/beverages is what will make you successful and earn you a great reputation. Customer service is very poor here so if you offer good service and something a little different you will do very well. Find something unique to offer within your store that nobody else offers, look at the Burns Beach cafe..they offer a dog menu now and it is packed all the time. Things are very basic here and I know people are desparate for more choice and something a little better than what is on offer. There is a Dome about to open in Currambine as well as plans for one in Burns Beach on the foreshore. Considering the amount of families living in the Northern suburbs I think family friendly cafes with separate kids corners would do very well; disney channel on for younger kids and xbox for older kids, colouring and giant jenga, connect 4 etc. funky kids menu with more choice than nuggets or burgers. I hope it works out for you, you have the right attitude to be successful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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