Mrs. Fields Australia was named as a Top 10 franchise for the third year straight in the latest Australian Top Franchise survey. It is the only food operator to be listed in the top 10.

The award is based on surveys of more than 3000 franchisees across Australia. Mrs. Fields Australia said the ranking is recognition of the support and dedication offers to their franchisees located across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

Mrs. Fields Australia managing director, Andrew Benefield said the Mrs. Fields team was “excited to be included in the top 10 for three years running and for the acknowledgment as a top food operator”.

“We are pleased to continue to be ranked in the Top 10 by our franchisees, having never disappeared from there in the six surveys conducted over last three years,” Mr Benefield said.

“I am a little surprised to be the only food operator, but not surprised to be one of only three retailers. There is a drop in our franchisee’s satisfaction with their work-life balance and the rewards from their franchise. We see this as a reflection of the very tough retail environment at present and recent changes to award pay rates. Many franchisees are now working longer hours to compensate for higher employee wages.”

The Top Franchise Awards are calculated by 10 Thousand Feet, who conduct surveys commissioned by multiple franchises around Australia.

“It is great to see that our franchise partners are still very satisfied with our levels of support, although like any relationship there was a few pointers on where we can improve. Good communication is still the key to making the franchise relationship work,” Mr Benefield said.