Luke Fryer

Luke Fryer epitomises the young, bold entrepreneur. At 11, Fryer started a car wash from his local garage, which at its peak had 14 people squeezing sponges and wrestling high-powered hoses. After completing his high school certificate at Newington college, Luke juggled a full-time job as the wholesale/ retail franchise manager for Australian Geographic, as well as studying a bachelor of business full time at the University of Technology, Sydney.

In 1998, Fryer financed the launch of his company and negotiated to purchase the first Australian Burger King franchise ever at age 22. Responsible for development, financing and the day to day operations of the business, Luke's industry achievements included top performing Burger King restaurant in Australia (amongst 65) and highest group store profit ratio.
At 24, Fryer successfully fielded pitch 1014 to company CEO, Ian Neil, securing the Australian license for Wagamama in 2002. Their flagship restaurant opened at King Street Wharf in May 2002 and was well received by the notoriously tough Australian dining crowd.
Fryer has since firmly established Wagamama in the Australian market, rolling out the celebrated operation in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. The turnover for the company is expected to reach $20 million in 2006.
Testament to his entrepreneurial talent, in 2005 Fryer was a finalist in the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year program. The awards celebrate entrepreneurs who build and lead successful and dynamic businesses.