February 20, 2019 - Surf'n'Fries, Croatia's most successful franchise company, is ten years old and selling potatoes all over the world, soon on continent number 5, Latin America.
"I sell potatoes."
And he sells them rather well. That was the answer I received from Surf'n'Fries supremo Andrija Colak in an email interview about life as a Croatian entrepreneur when I asked him to explain what he does.
I have somehow never managed to meet Andrija in all these years at TCN, which is a shame as I am keen to buy him a beer and to congratulate him in person for his huge achievements with both his Surf'n'Fries franchise, as well as the Kisha smart umbrella. His success is despite, rather than because of his decision to base his business in his native Croatia.
Today marks the ten-year anniversary of the opening of the first Surf'n'Fries fast food outlet in Rijeka - some nice pictures from the company archives recalling that humble start.
And how things have grown. Colak is the Croatian master of franchising, and that lonely store back in 2009 is now part of a rapidly expanding empire.
With over 60 stores in 20 countries worldwide, Surf'n'Fries can be found on four continents, with locations in countries such as Vietnam, Iran, Australia, Kuwait and Ireland.
Four continents will soon become five, as the first Latin American outlet will open in Chile next month. Other upcoming new stores will include Jordan and Georgia, as well as additional outlets in Iran, Ireland and Belgrade.
I sent Andrija a message of congratulations and asked him for a quote to mark the occasion. It was short and sweet.
"You Can Even Do It from Croatia."
Congratulations to the whole Surf'n'Fries team on a remarkable global achievement for a once tiny Croatian business.
Looking to take the franchise where you are? Check out the Surf'n'Fries website for more.
