About Samy Assouline, Vice President Development; Group S.I.N.I:
Over several years of Contract Negotiation and Market Analysis experience in the Restaurant & Coffee Industry. Successful at building and growing a loyal customer base through strong Sales Management, establishing and cultivating long term, successful business relationships with key decision-makers within industries. Self-motivated and results oriented with a proven track record of consistently creating successful enterprises. Exceptional analytical skills coupled with excellent communication abilities facilitate the development of strategic business plans for a variety of customers by leveraging extensive knowledge & understanding background.
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BeTheBoss.ca: Tell us about the Le Poké Station concept:
Samy Assouline: The Poké Station has been expanding since 2020 with 50+ restaurants opened, plus 4 currently under construction.
The key to our success:
a. A growing product demands
b. Exotic, healthy, natural and delicious food.
c. Super fast service.
d. A product made for delivery or 'Pick Up'.
e. A low investment concepts
f. And a super quick return on your investment
g. A central kitchen
Furthermore, our team offers:
• Site selection
• Financial aid
• Training program
• Operational support
• Organic marketing
• A solid foundation with UBER Eats, Door Dash; Skip etc.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO CHANGE PEOPLE’S LIVES & THIS WORLD ONE BOWL AT A TIME!
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BeTheBoss.ca: How and when did you become involved with Group S.I.N.I.?
Samy Assouline: In 2011; and really by accident. You see, I own 2 companies in the coffee equipment company (I still do). And this group, under a different banner, became my customers. The CEO of the company, Bing Tang, and myself hit it off immediately. I loved what they were doing and started first as a consultant on some special project, and since 2021 I have been involved basically every day of the year.
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BeTheBoss.ca: What was your background prior to joining Le Poké Station?
Samy Assouline: My Alma Mater is McGill University in Montreal. My degree is an MBA. After working from 1978 to 1981 in various multinational companies, I opened my first company with my father, grew it, sold it. Became a consultant to upstarts; in 2011 I reopened a coffee equipment company grew it to an international level; at the same time I became a consultant to Group S.I.N.I. and in 2021 joined their management team whilst I still retained ownership to my coffee equipment companies.
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BeTheBoss.ca: What are some of the advantages in being a Le Poké Station franchisee?
Samy Assouline: I can only talk about our situation in the Province Of Quebec, but with 50 restaurants in operation.
a. 60% of our sales will be Take-out sales, or even better in delivery: SkipTheDishes; Uber Eats; and Doordash. The Take-out or delivery service is in full demand and booming in Canada
b. One of the highest ranking with URBER EATS and best delivery costs in Quebec https://www.ubereats.com/ca/category/montreal-qc/poke
c. Our cost, in terms of total investment, to open a restaurant franchise in Quebec is the lowest. (https://businessoccasions.ca/franchises-and-business-opportunities/page/4/), which makes our break-even point very low in terms of necessary sales. In short, The Poké Station offers the BEST return on investment in the restaurant industry in Quebec
d. The Poké bowl is the second-best new food trend in Quebec (after Veganism)
e. The 'Poké Station' brand image is a very highly recognized banner
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BeTheBoss.ca: Tell us a little about the Poke Bowl market?
Samy Assouline: Why are poke bowls trending? One reason for their popularity is the convenience and flexibility they offer. Poke bowls are typically served as a single dish meal, making it easy for people to grab a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner on the go.
While some may have predicted poke bowls to be the craze of the summer, they've stuck around for the better part of three years - and the trend shows no sign of slowing. The poke consumption shows still a yearly growth rate of 6.99%.
Many poke bowls are visually appealing, with vibrant colours and a variety of toppings, making them perfect for sharing on social media platforms. This, in turn, has led to an increase in awareness and interest in poke bowls, as people are more likely to try a dish they've seen on social media.
Overall, though, the poke bowl is one option when it comes to eating better.
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BeTheBoss.ca: What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise?
Samy Assouline:
a. Keep it at a very low investment, be smart, “not prideful”!
b. Keep low rent UBER EATS pulverized the concept of “Location, Location, Location”
c. Can be ran by 1 or 2 employees
d. Make sure your franchisees are making sizeable profits
e. Stay in the delivery and curbside pick up (COVID WILL COME BACK)
f. Be intriguing, fun and delicious
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BeTheBoss.ca: What makes this opportunity unique in its market category?
Samy Assouline:
a. Not unique, however enticing the Return on Investment
b. “It’s always about the money baby”
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BeTheBoss.ca: In your opinion, what are the key factors that make Le Poké Station a great opportunity?
Samy Assouline: The 6 main reasons for our meteoric growth (having to overcome the pandemic years):
The quality,
The freshness,
Portions,
Our central Kitchen,
Food control/cost control,
Health concept
High reputation
and MOST importantly the speed of production and service
