Twelve years in fast food…
For 12 years, Véronique ran a fast food service in Brassac-les-Mines, a few kilometers from Clermont-Ferrand, but her business was severely impacted by COVID-19 and had to close. After trying a few odd jobs, Véronique decided, at the age of 55, to embark on a brand-new project: automatic vending!
An idea that had been brewing in Véronique’s mind for a long time. Originally, she wanted to get into pizza: “At first, I wanted to start a business in the distribution of artisanal pizzas. I had seen shows on the subject and even suggested the idea to a colleague who had invested in three vending machines at the time. I was familiar with fast food, so I knew I could succeed.”
But Véronique encountered a major obstacle in bringing her project to life—funding: “The banks didn’t want to support me… I realized I had to find another solution, and that’s when I discovered the PANIDOOR panini vending machine by Adial.”
A caring and attentive Adial account manager…
Véronique’s next move to turn her idea into a project? Simply reaching out to Adial to meet with an account manager: “I met with Nicolas Clément, the Adial account manager, to discuss renting the vending machine. He knew about my situation and the bank’s refusal.”
During their meeting, Véronique talked about the location and, above all, her unwavering determination to run a vending machine: “Nicolas was attentive, he saw that the location had potential, and he could tell I was very eager to get started, that I really wanted to succeed. He suggested that I apply to Adial to rent the panini vending machine. I didn’t even contact any competitors. I was very lucky to meet him.”
Opening two PANIDOOR vending machines in less than 6 months…
In less than six months, Véronique launched two PANIDOOR vending machines! “I’m doing quite well. I installed the first one in November in Sainte-Florine and the second in March in Issoire, at a company. In the ‘Chez Véro’ vending machines, you’ll find savory paninis with classic recipes like ham and cheese, as well as more elaborate options like chicken curry, raclette, burger, and tartiflette.”
As for the locations, Véronique didn’t face many difficulties: “I’ve always lived in Sainte-Florine, so I went to see the Mayor to talk about my project. I showed him where I wanted to set up, and he gave his approval. He wasn’t necessarily familiar with automatic vending, but from our first meeting, he encouraged me and trusted me.”
“Nobody around me believed in it…”
When asked about her fears, Véronique shows great determination: “I had no fears, but everyone around me didn’t believe in it. My daughters, my brothers—everyone thought it wouldn’t work in Sainte-Florine… but I’m stubborn, so I persevered. Since Nicolas (the Adial account manager) thought the location was good, I kept going and continued with my project.” Even though Véronique doesn’t necessarily meet her customers, she can monitor the activity remotely: “I think my customers are mostly young people because the vending machine works really well at night and when other businesses are closed.”
The strength of the Adial network, sharing experiences to mutually enrich each other…
Véronique regularly stays in touch with other PANIDOOR operators, allowing them to exchange good practices: “I’m in contact with a gentleman who owns a panini vending machine. He offers cold paninis and gave a grill to the firefighters, so they can now heat them up at their station. It’s a great idea, and I plan to be inspired by it.”
Véronique’s advice: “Go for it!…”
Véronique’s advice is simple: “Go for it! The vending machines can hold 76 paninis. I prepare them in the morning, and then I have my life. I can look after my grandkids, take care of my son… All the things I couldn’t do when I ran the fast food business. The panini vending machine allows me to organize my family life as I want. Now I have a normal family life with more time to spend with my loved ones.”
As for the future, Véronique is confident: “I would like to expand the business, add more vending machines, and partner with my daughter.”
We are happy to have helped Véronique bring her project to life, and we wish her much happiness and success in her venture. To check out the PANIDOOR sales podium, click here!
