It’s over and out

End of an era: Robyn, Anthony and John Rye of Eagle Boys Warwick will call it a day this Sunday. Story inside on page 4.

By Jeremy Sollars

After nearly a decade serving and delivering Warwick locals freshly-made pizza and other takeaway treats, popular Eagle Boys operators the Rye family are shutting up shop this coming Sunday.
Last September the Ryes and other Eagle Boys franchisees across the country were advised the company was going into voluntary administration, which resulted in dramas over supplies and other ongoing operational issues.
The Ryes were forced to keep the store open as their franchise agreement was still operational, based on a directive from head office and the receivers that to close down would have breached the agreement.
While the Ryes – John and Robyn and son Anthony – considered alternative operating formats they’ve now decided it’s time to relax and spend more time with family, something they’ve missed out on a lot while working seven days a week for almost 10 years.
The doors to Eagle Boys Warwick will close this Sunday 30 April, at 9pm – or earlier if they sell out of stock, but it will be business as usual between now and then.
The family looked at the option of trading under the Pizza Hut brand but John said their “terms and condition were not acceptable to us”.
They opted to give their side of the story to the Free Times to put a few facts on the record as to the reasons behind their difficult decision, to allay any rumours or unfounded surmising.
“We were not prepared to make smaller pizzas and sell them at a much higher price than what we are doing now, because we know that this community cannot afford to pay that amount,” John said.
“Maybe our pride has stood in the way, however we believe that what we have done in the past would not allow us to do that.
“We also investigated becoming an independent pizza shop however the cost of goods just rises too much and we would have needed to sell pizzas at a much higher rate.
“And also we are now over seven days a week, not seeing our family and not being able to have some great down time with each other.
“In the time we have been here our pizzas have never shrunk, we’ve always done ‘Cheap Tuesday’, prices have stayed the same and we’ve never had a public holiday or Sunday surcharge.
“It has been a great nearly 10 years in business and we have enjoyed that time – we’ve taken the bad times with the good times and enjoyed our relationship with our customers who have kept us on our toes.
“We have supported the community throughout that time by dedicating two per cent of our turnover to go back into all community functions, whether cheaper rates of pizzas or gladly handing out encouragement awards or giving vouchers for multi-draw raffles.
“Last year we gave out over 500 free pizzas to non-profit organisations to assist them in their fund-raising efforts.
“We have not gone broke and have every year made a small operational profit.
“We are debt-free and have paid all our bills but we walk out of here basically with zip.
“From here on we will begin to learn over again how to enjoy each other’s company, do things together and visit our grandkids and be part of their lives as well.”
The Ryes have called Warwick home for the last 15 years, with Robyn having previously worked in her role as a teacher and John in employment services.
Son Anthony is philosophical about it all, saying he simply “has to find another job”.
They will lose two part-time permanent staff and a number of casual juniors.
As well as taking the time to chill out, John and Robyn are planning to set up “an acre or two” of market gardens and sell produce at weekend markets, as well as producing vegie boxes which they plan to home deliver.
“We thought that we can give something back to the community who are need of some fresh and clean food at a reasonable price,” Robyn said.
“This project will probably take us up to 12 months to get fully operational.
“In closing, to all our wonderful customers it was with pleasure that we served you in our capacity as an Eagle Boys franchisee.
“It was great that we made heaps of great customer and business friendships over those years and we will miss you all.
“To our staff, yes it is bloody sad that it had to end this way however we know that you are all great workers and will get yourselves another job.
“Well done guys – you all gave your best and more to serve our customers and gave your best at all times – stand tall and proud.
“As they say, one door closes another will open – so farewell and all the best.
“We’ll see you around the traps so stop and have a chat because you know what John is like – he’s not called ‘Havachat’ for nothing.”