Retail food brand manager and franchisor, Retail Food Group (RFG) collected donations for the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal at its 1100 stores across the country in January

RFG is the owner of the Donut King, Brumby’s Bakeries, Michel’s Patisserie, bb’s cafe and Big Dad’s Pies franchise systems. RFG CEO, Tony Alford said, “Given more than 100 of our franchisees’ stores and/or homes had been directly affected by the recent floods, we are acutely aware of the widespread devastation and loss suffered by those affected by these terrible events.

“To assist, we have installed in-store donation tins across our entire 1100 store network and all contributions will be directed to the flood appeal. In addition, RFG will match customer donations dollar-for-dollar up to a maximum of $100,000 with such monies to be applied to both the Flood Relief Appeal and assisting the families of franchisees affected by the floods”.

Mr Alford said RFG was also committed to supporting its franchisees, some of whom lost both their business and their homes.

“Most pleasingly, we have received enormous support from other RFG franchisees wanting to help their colleagues, both financially and otherwise,” he said.

RFG said 108 outlets had been closed due to the floods, including 56 Brumbys outlets (including Brumbys Go! and 13 Big Dads Pies outlets), 31 Donut King outlets, 14 Michels Patisserie outlets and seven bbs cafe outlets.

According to couriermail.com.au, RFG said some of its outlets closed by floods may not reopen, and others may close subsequently as the financial consequences of the episode weigh on franchisees.

“The immediate future of each of these outlets is presently the subject of further assessment,” RFG said in its statement.