The world’s largest privately-owned oven cleaning franchise, Ovenu, is expanding across Queensland in response to mounting demand.
As new customers scramble to trial its unique services, it has grown to four franchises since coming to the State 18 months ago.
Queensland State Director Toby Bowes says a recent survey conducted by UK market analyst Mintel confirms a long-known fact: cleaning the oven is officially the number one most hated domestic chore.
“This result is a good indicator of why the company is highly valued and in such great demand,” he says.
“We’re helping people take control of their own work life balance – being able to make time for their families and not be a slave to domestic chores.”
The most recent Queensland franchise opening was is April, in the Bulimba/Hawthorne region.
There are also franchises in Brisbane West (Moggill), Mooloolaba and the Redlands.
Bowes says Queensland is the fastest-growing state for Ovenu.
“We aim to have 40 stores in the next four to five years. It’s just a matter of filling positions,” he says.
The appeal of Ovenu is the experienced network of oven and stove cleaning technicians who specialise in removing grease, fat and burnt on carbon deposits from any type of domestic cooker.
“There has been a lot of demand as people see the benefits of getting their ovens professionally cleaned,” Bowes says.
“The main focus now is to recruit new franchisees.”
Each Australian Ovenu franchisee must meet strict service requirements, but otherwise operates as an owner-operated business so consumers can support a local outfit.
The Australian master franchise ensures all profits are kept in Australia, apart from monies invested for further research and development.
Aside from providing general oven cleaning services, Ovenu is also a leader in oven detailing, which is a more thorough and involved process of oven cleaning.
“Detailing is all about cleaning the parts that are seen daily and the parts that aren’t - between the liners, the door glass and around the main element by the rear fan,” Bowes says.
“All are areas of potential fire risk.”
Bowes insists that investing time and money into an Ovenu franchise is a wise move.
“Ovenu experiences high levels of growth in each region it enters,” he says.
“And during these times, supporting individual Australian businesses is becoming more and more popular.”
A strong desire to be you own boss is a simple requirement of the Ovenu family.
“You also have to have the desire to be the best and a keen eye for detail,” Bowes explains.
Mirroring Queensland’s success, Ovenu’s services are thriving in Western Australian, New South Wales and Victoria.
Launched in 1994 in the United Kingdom, the company has also seen expansive growth with franchises in France, Spain and America and more than 100,000 clients.
A major drawcard of the chain is that it uses its signature brand of completely safe, caustic soda-free products and hygiene grade design registered equipment.
Ovenu cleans all cookers, including: ovens, microwaves, cook tops, stoves, BBQs and range hoods.