Benjys takes on lunchbox army

THE legions of sandwich vendors who invade offices and industrial parks every weekday lunchtime are to face competition from a big player for the first time.

Sandwich chain Benjys is to launch this autumn the first of up to 500 branded delivery 'vans' dreamed up by a racing car design specialist. These will sell sandwiches, salads, hot food and hot drinks.

The vans will be capable of opening up within 30 seconds to be turned into fully functioning mini-shops.

Benjy's chief executive Ian Rickwood said workers were increasingly cost conscious in their choice of lunch after the 'Pret revolution' of the 1990s.

He said: 'I really think that today's customer psychology has changed since the big spending patterns of a few years ago.' He said there were also concerns about 'mixed' hygiene standards among small operators.

Rickwood said he wanted to sign up a base of franchise operators from this month to operate under the brand of 'Benjys Delivered'. Franchisees will pay £5,000 up front and a weekly rent of £300 for a five-year franchise.

The highly fragmented mobile catering market is believed to worth around £400m.

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