Bakers Delight has opened the doors to its newest bakery, and at the same time launched its small footprint business concept.

The bakery, located in Camberwell Place in Victoria, showcases the brand’s new model that is designed to broaden the brand’s appeal, increase operational efficiency and unlock new opportunities for growth in previously unviable locations.

The Camberwell Place Bakers Delight bakery features a compact production area of just 38sq m, which was made possible by a suite of innovative equipment and layout changes. Included in this is the Metro Oven – a 1m-wide rack oven that enables multi-bake functionality while also significantly reducing space and power requirements.

Bakers Delight Joint CEO David Christie said the new model was a game-changer for the network.

“It’s lower cost, high efficiency format that delivers strong ROI and opens the door to new locations and franchise opportunities,” he said.

“The Camberwell Place bakery is more than just a new store. It’s  a strategic investment in the future of the brand.

“With strong early performance and positive feedback from customers and franchisees alike, the model is poised to play a central role in Bakers Delight’s 2030 growth vision.

“It’s early days yet, but this model is a great example of how our tried-and-true business can evolve to meet the needs of a new generation of customers and entrepreneurs.”

In addition to the Metro Oven, key innovations at the Camberwell Place Bakers Delight include:

• Reduced power requirements: the store operates on less than 100 amps, compared to the standard 140 amps.
• Streamlined production: A refined product range of 54 items – covering 90 per cent of a standard bakery’s offering – managed by just two bakers.
• Enhanced customer experience: includes a hit cabinet and coffee trial, dedicated third party pick up zone, and new signage with a “breaducation” installation.

Mr Christie said these innovations not only reduce build costs, but also enable Bakers Delight to expand into smaller retail spaces and areas with limited infrastructure.

Bakers Delight plans to leap from 520 stores to 700 by 2030.