NZ's leading chain of licensed buffet restaurants started with the opening of the Pakuranga restaurant on Valentine's Day 1989. Geoff and Marina MacRae opened the first restaurant and are still the proud owners of Valentines NZ Ltd, which now has 11 restaurants throughout the North Island

In 1993, through Valentines Restaurant & Bar (NZ) Limited, the franchise system was developed.

In April 1998 Valentines New Zealand Limited was established to manage the day-to-day franchisors' obligations in New Zealand.

Valentines is recognised as the market leader in licensed buffet dining.

Valentines is a full format franchise chain of Licensed Buffet Restaurants offering dine in lunch and dinner seven days a week and now have introduced Take Out also available for lunch and dinner 7 days, 52 weeks of the year.

Valentines franchisees, being owner operators, have a strong vested interest in making the business a success. It?s very much hands-on and in essence, that?s what makes it work so well, for owners, for the Valentines brand and for our customers.

All aspects of the operation are recorded and charted through the operational manuals. This allows the collection and release of performance measurement data, which assists both the franchisor and franchisee to work to optimum performance.

Valentines has developed high customer recall and strong brand loyalty over its extensive trading history resulting in substantial positive goodwill and image, which benefits all restaurants.

Valentines' powerful marketing mix means it can successfully target its customers through national television and extensive marketing programmes further supported with website and local marketing initiatives.

The development of the franchise system has been a combined effort by the Franchisor team. Their intimate industry knowledge and experience has enabled the development and management of an array of business support services for Franchise Owners, including:

? Day to day operational advice provided by the Franchise Support Office.

? Advice on design, restaurant layout and fit out.

? Regular access to Support Office staff with specialist knowledge.

? Individual franchise owners are backed by a dedicated franchise support
team offering guidance, training and advice on all aspects involved in
operating a Valentines Franchise.

? Regular site visits from Support Team personnel providing practical advice.

? A centralised advertising budget and national campaigns.

? Ongoing menu development.

? Regular meetings and conferences with other Franchise Owners.

? Franchise network development and strategic planning.

? Overseeing and contributing to the production and regular review
of the systems reflected in the Franchise Manual set.

? Development and style of the franchise brand and corporate identity.

? Management of the combined Franchise Marketing Fund.

? Technical and product advice on an ongoing basis.

? Recruitment of Franchise Owners.

? Financial, marketing and franchise system advice where the Franchisor
considers it appropriate.

? Design and provision of training programmes for Franchise Owners.