Posted:20-October-2026
From Pub Manager to Successful Franchisee
Having previously overseen the running of the historic Broken Cross as manager for the previous tenant, the opportunity to take on the franchise of the pub enabled Sammy to really make it her own.
And she appreciates how the wealth of support she receives from Greene King enables her to concentrate on building her business and to focus on the experience her customers receive.
Sammy (Franchisee) – I think at first I was a bit like, “Oh, I'm not sure, I'm not sure.” It was quite a new concept to myself and I hadn't heard of it before.
With the model that Greene King do, you haven't got as much of the stress above you. So, you don't have to worry about the gas, electric and the water and things like that. So, it gives you more incentive to be able to actually run the pub and grow the business itself without having that worry in the background. ”So, we underwent investment and a massive refurb. There's been a new area developed which we can now add an extra 30 seats onto indoors and then obviously outdoors, we've created an extended beer garden, So, it's growing with us, which is great. And it really makes it feel like it's your own. It doesn't just feel like another generic Greene King pub, it actually feels like it's your own pub.”
Asa (Business Development Manager) – “I think first and foremost, it's been a really exciting time to be within Franchise. I think the reason why they're invested in it is because they can see the returns that are coming through from the franchise model.” “It gives people, or franchisees, the opportunity to run a newly refurbished great pub with quite a small outlay of their own financing. So, the risk is quite reduced.”
Sammy (Franchisee) – “The induction process for me was amazing. Really good training behind it as well. Gives you step by step. And then obviously the training groups that you've got, the support from the training team, the new buddy system that they've put into place, it really works well. So, you don't feel like you're on your own.”
James (Learning & Experience Manager) – “We give them that support of their induction journey - of using our systems, controlling the stock, cash, ordering, deliveries, etc. And then ongoing support throughout the first 100 days. So, we make sure at that 100 day sign off point, they're really comfortable.”
Sammy (Franchisee) – “You can see the difference between the support that you massively get on the franchise side of it. So, I know someone will answer me and be able to give me the support or the answer that I need, if I don't know it at the time.”
Asa (Business Development Manager) – I think for us it's just about being able to support them and to maybe give them some additional ideas to maximise their vision, rather than us giving them a template.
Sammy (Franchisee) – “The POS comes. It's so useful because we don't have to think: ‘Right. This is coming up. This is coming up. This is coming up.’”
“It saves you time on having to design it, having to source it. It literally comes so all you've got to do is put it up. It's amazing and it gives you more time to then concentrate on growing the business and moving it forward.”
James (Learning & Experience Manager) – “I think most rewarding for me is seeing the pub succeed and seeing the franchisees succeed, and their teams. Seeing new franchises enter the business, take advantage of the support that's on offer, and then they really create these amazing pubs that just thrive and thrive.”
Sammy (Franchisee) – “Just do it. You won't regret it. Over time it gets so much easier, so much easier. As long as you can work within the frames of what Greene King needs you to, you'll fly through it and it just becomes a breeze.”
Ready to Run Your Own Pub?
If you're looking for the opportunity to run a successful pub with the backing of an experienced partner, Greene King's franchise model could be the perfect fit. With significant investment, ongoing business support and the tools you need to grow local trade, you'll have everything in place to build a thriving business of your own.
Interested and want to know more about Greene King?
The Greene King profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
