BeTheBoss: Tell us about the Cultures franchise business.
Yulin Wang: Cultures Restaurants is a healthy fast-food concept that specializes in sandwiches, soup, salads, and smoothies. At Cultures, we believe that making good choices about what you put in your body will benefit you. What I love about the Culture franchise is that I can give my customers a variety of healthy and nutritious menu items to choose from! BeTheBoss: Tell us about your background and experience.
I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Masters degree in business from England. I moved to Canada in 2010 and my first job was a minimum paid position at a grocery store. Four months later, I applied for a manager position at a major coffee shop chain and was hired as an assistant store manager. One and half years later, I decided it was time to move on and start my own business. That was when I found Cultures and the MTY team!
BTB: What attracted you to the Cultures franchise business?
YW: I was looking for a brand that I was passionate about since I’m very big on eating healthy myself. I knew that there weren’t many options for a fast and healthy franchise opportunity. This is what makes Cultures franchise very competitive and unique among the quite service industry.
BTB: What kind of support did you receive from Cultures franchise to help you get started?
YW: I remember the process was very quick and easy. There was a two week training program that equipped me with the proper knowledge to operate the store. I learned about everything from store design to customer service. Once I received my store, there was a weeklong on-site training and support from the district manager.
BTB: Name three of your favourite things about your Cultures franchise experience.
YW:
- Being able to talk to customers about their healthy living lifestyle and creating that relationship with them
- Having fresh wholesome foods at work all the time that helps me maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Having the freedom to be my own boss and the continuous support from Cultures franchise head office
BTB: What does the Cultures franchise offer that its competition can’t?
YW: They provide an abundant amount of healthy menu items for customers to choose from. One thing I’ve heard from lots of customers is that, ‘there are so many items to choose from I don’t know what I want!’
BTB: Is there anything special about a Cultures franchise customer?
YW: Our customers are usually health-conscious individuals and I love talking to them about how they stay active. We build relationships with our customers so most of them are regulars at our store.
BTB: What advice would you offer a potential Cultures franchise business owners?
YW: Love your food, love your franchise business. I get to own a franchise business that I truly believe in and that I’m passionate about!
