ABQ HAS ANOTHER BRAND MANAGER WHO WANTS HIS COMPANY BACK FROM THE VULTURES - MEET THE ELLIGETT'S

The latest victims in the Allied Brands (ABQ) debacle are Peter and Sharon Elligett, who were owners of the successful Cookie Man company prior to their decision to "cash out" and sell to ABQ.

The Elligett's were highly respected by their franchisees and operated under the mantra "our culture is supporting the franchisees". Peter and Sharon have seen their work and reputations destroyed at the hands of Allied Brands, who's corporate mantra is "our culture is screwing and gutting the franchisees". Before buying the successful Cookie Man chain in 1997, Elligett was a respected senior manager at McDonald's, and oversaw tremendous growth in the chain.

It was international growth that drew the Elligett's into the Allied Brands corporate web. They believed management when they were told Allied would underwrite massive international expansion of the brand. In fact nothing of the kind has occurred, but instead existing franchisees have been filleted for more cash to feed the ABQ cash-burn machine.

Now the Elligett's just want their company back from ABQ, and have told interim CEO Sean Corbin this in the last two weeks. They've seen their franchisees turn against them as Allied forced thru large and unwarranted pricing increases on everything from frozen cookie dough (you thought these biscuits were fresh? ha!) to basic supplies and other goods. Peter Elligett repeatedly warned Allied management in his role as director that these cost increases would serve to drive profitability down - both for the franchisees and the company. THIS HAS PROVEN TO BE CORRECT, and is the same situation that has so damaged the Baskin Robbins brand. With collapsed profitability, new shops are unsellable and existing franchisees have become demoralised and unmotivated. Existing shops are unsellable as they are showing little to no profit now. CEO Corbin claims they are planning to "reinvigorate" the brand - ABQ code words for "do nothing and let the franchisees rot".

The Elligett's have also seen their good name ruined, as managers with Baskin Robbins sold "dual brand name" shops that had no chance of success. Some Cookie Man locations are selling barely $50 per day in coffee and stale, overpriced biscuits.

The Elligett's also have seen their holding of ABQ shares collapse. As has everyone else.

Let's hope the Elligett's can get their shops back from this toxic company, Allied Brands Ltd.!