Retail Food Group announced this week that it will be shutting down the Michel’s Patisserie franchises it operates across three states.

Th parent company made the announcement in mid-February, stating it planned to convert the 19 franchises across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria into its other brands.

A Retail Food Group spokeswoman told news.com.au that the process would take place in collaboration with their franchise partners.

“…with the timing of any conversions based on the individual circumstances of each partner to ensure the best outcome for them and their customers,” she said.

“We continue to support those franchise partners consistent with the terms of their existing Michel’s Patisserie franchise agreements.

“We are working with all Michel’s franchisees in connection with the conversion opportunity.

“That includes an offer of financial and other support.”

The spokeswoman confirmed the brands chosen to take over the stores would be Donut King and Gloria Jean’s.

“In light of this assessment, we are engaging with all Michel’s Patisserie franchise partners to explore the opportunity for them to convert their business to the Gloria Jean’s brand, or where that outcome is not feasible, the Donut King brand,” she said.

“We believe that each of the Gloria Jean’s and Donut King brands provide exciting opportunities and a compelling option for Michel’s Patisserie franchise partners considering their immediate or longer-term business futures.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our Michel’s Patisserie franchise partners for their ongoing passion for the brand and look forward to working with each of them in a collaborative and transparent way, to achieve a positive outcome that is best suited for individual circumstances.”

In addition to Donut King and Gloria Jean’s,  Retail Food Group is the parent company of Brumby’s Bakery and Crust Gourmet Pizza.

Michel’s Patisserie was founded on Sydney’s north shore in 1980 by French pastry chef Michel Catteon. At its peak, there were 300 Michel’s Patisserie locations across Australia.