Jesters serious about pies

Jesters is the culmination of more than 20 years experience in gourmet food manufacturing, retailing, marketing and small business management.

Its co founders, Richard Anderson and Cindy Finlayson, were convinced there was a niche for a quality, healthy alternative to fast foods in the marketplace and with this in mind, the Jesters Jaffle Pie was born.

Over the past few years Jesters has opened more than 35 stores in Perth, making it one of Australia's fastest-growing franchises.

The success has continued in Melbourne, where 10 stores have opened since late 2003. A nationwide roll out program is underway, with the recent addition of 17 stores in Sydney.

In August last year, Jesters Franchising Pty Ltd was purchased by Shakespeare's Pies, a Sydney-based pie franchise business, which will create Australia's largest franchise business of its kind, with more than 74 stores in Australia and New Zealand.

Jesters New Zealand, which is 100 per cent New Zealand owned and operated, is set to take on market demand, with stores in strategic locations and plans to open stores throughout the North Island by the end of this year, and extending to the South Island during early 2006.

Jesters is applying for the Heart Foundation Tick on all pies. 

Jesters pies have been recognised by Weight Watchers and points have been allocated to all pies in the range. In addition to their pies, the range includes snack-sized pies, sausage rolls, salads, soups, muffins, cold drinks and coffee.

The products are guaranteed to be made from high-quality ingredients. The fillings are made from  fresh garden vegetables, lean beef and skinless chicken.

This, together with the ultra-thin pastry being significantly lower in fat than other pies, means Jesters already has Heart Foundation approval on 10 products in its range.