Australian restaurant chain Hog’s Breath Café is planning to significantly expand its presence by opening 20 new restaurants by 2029.  

The growth strategy is contingent on the state of the economy and the availability of external financing.  

An investment of A$800,000 ($5,41,944) is required to open a Hog’s Breath restaurant. 

“Right now, we are negotiating with financial partners for us to expand faster. We have investors willing to fund building projects, enabling franchisees to join without needing upfront capital to build a restaurant,” Hog’s Breath Café CEO Steven Spurgin told Franchise Executives. 

The expansion plan includes the introduction of corporate stores which will be franchised once established.  

Hog’s Breath is also considering reducing the size of its restaurants to 300m², including kitchen space, to increase table turnover.

This adjustment aligns with the company’s growth solutions and is part of a broader strategy to revitalise the brand as it celebrates its 35th anniversary. 

The chain has already begun implementing a new store format featuring mature branding and a lighter design.

The first new-look restaurant is already open in Cairns, Queensland, as a company-owned location.  

Several other Queensland restaurants have adopted the new design, with a new site in Mandurah, Western Australia set to showcase it in 2024.

In 2020, Hog’s Breath Café Australia (HBCA) was sold back to its original owners, Don Algie and Ginger White, who operate under HBC Management.

They appointed Ross Spurgin as CEO, and he now leads the brand's repositioning by returning to its core principles.  

The restaurant chain is known for policies such as splitting bills without question, offering an extensive menu with dietary alternatives, accommodating large groups, and running a strong loyalty programme.  

Hog’s Breath also recently implemented new technology systems to enhance the experience for customers and franchisees alike.  

The rollout of its new system has already begun and is expected to be fully operational across all locations by November 2024.