Member portrait: Pincho Nation ✨
Pincho Nation is a franchise success across borders! A culinary experience – with snacks from all over the world. Drinks for both young and old. Around 80 restaurants throughout the Nordic region, most run by franchisees. How do you make it work?
An extravagant concept
In 2012, Pincho Nation's first restaurant saw the light of day, at Söta Bror. At first, Spanish tapas were served. From there, it evolved to include small dishes from all corners of the world. Today, they have established themselves as a go-to place for good, informal food and drinks, but also a place for fun with family and friends.
“ We have consistently offered a unique experience, always delivered high quality food and drink, and we have dared to be different ”
“Our guests love us for our fun, cozy atmosphere and extravagant decor. Of course, they also appreciate our extensive menu of both food and drinks,” says Viveca Järhult, Marketing Manager at Pincho Nation.
– Why do you think the concept has been so successful?
– We have consistently offered a unique experience, always delivered high quality food and drink, and we have dared to be different. Our focus on both decor and food being photogenic, I think, has also helped.
Opens to more franchisees abroad
In 2018, Pincho Nation dipped its toes into the Norwegian market. First by establishing its own restaurant, and then opening up for franchising. It's going well.
The sixth restaurant in Norway has just opened. Three of these are run by franchisees. The ambitions are high: With big goals to open 15 new ones over the next three years.
– My feeling is that our concept is loved by the Norwegian people, and we are incredibly grateful for that. We have also had great interest from restaurant operators, but that is perhaps not so strange – if you look at the numbers. Our franchise-owned restaurant in Fredrikstad had, among other things, 40,000 guests in the first six months. In Stavanger, we had more than 3,000 people on the waiting list to book a table at the opening. We look forward to welcoming more franchisees to the Pinchos Nation family, smiles the marketing manager.
Quality assurance
One of the big challenges with franchising is making sure everyone is working towards the same goal. Pincho Nation is largely run by franchisees. Here, Viveca says they have adopted several smart methods to keep everyone in sync, but also to quality-assured that the restaurants live up to their goals.
– All guests who visit us provide feedback on their visit. This information has been invaluable to us. They rate the atmosphere, satisfaction level, quality of the food, how the app works, and so on.
She also says that they have developed their own digital training platform for new employees, and that many also come to visit Sweden to receive closer follow-up at the beginning.
– The most important thing is to get everyone working towards the same goal, notes Viveca.
Story-friendly dining experience
Going out to eat today is about more than just getting full. It should taste good, it should look good, and it should be good enough to share on social media. A great opportunity to create organic spread of the restaurant is to make the food and drink
"Shareable." Food that stimulates the visual sells just as well as tasty food does. Pincho Nation caught on to this early on, and it has been an important building block in their fundamental values.
– Our menu consists of tapas dishes with flavors from all over the world. We also offer drinks, with and without alcohol, in all the colors of the rainbow. There is simply something for everyone. Visitors like to share what they eat and drink on social media. Presentation in combination with taste is our hallmark, says Järhult.
Effective collaborations
Establishing yourself in a new market requires thorough planning, research – and a bit of luck. Systemkjøp has been with the team since June 2023.
– To strengthen the chain's efforts to become even better established in the Norwegian market. Purchasing is something that differs greatly from country to country. With our new collaboration, we look forward to increased stability in deliveries – but also better cost control. For us, profitability for both the franchisees and our restaurants is the most important thing. We are also pleased that Systemkjøp generously shares their knowledge of the market. It allows us to develop, but it also helps us adapt our food and beverage offerings.
CEO Patrick Back, and restaurant manager Sandra Åstveit in Kristiansand
Ready to serve in an iconic building
If you've ever visited Kristiansand, you can't help but notice the beautiful building that has housed McDonald's for “all these years.” In February, Pincho Nation moved into the former bank premises, at the very bottom of Markens.
– Stop by this summer!
Visit Pincho Nation here
All Photos: Pincho Nation