The Coffee Club celebrates 10 years in New Zealand

Spearheaded by young Auckland-based entrepreneurs, Andy Lucas and Brad Jacobs, The Coffee Club’s first store opened in Lower Hutt, Wellington in 2005. Growth has been consistent ever since, with the 57th store opening earlier this month in Hornby, Christchurch.

Andy and Brad moved to New Zealand from Australia to bring the brand here. Now Auckland-based, both young entrepreneurs have extensive backgrounds in the hospitality industry: Brad has been with The Coffee Club for over 18 years, working across a range of roles, while Andy has experience in a range of hotel management positions. The company also believes in giving back to the franchise sector with Brad being the current chairman of the Franchise Association of New Zealand.

‘We’re proud of what we’ve achieved,’ says co-Director and Marketing Manager, Andy. ‘I think the reason The Coffee Club has been successful is that we have always had a clear idea of where the brand fits. We’re about creating a whole experience that is consistent throughout the country – our customers can walk into The Coffee Club stores anywhere in New Zealand and know that they are going to enjoy a relaxing environment with excellent coffee and food.’

The Coffee Club NZ has gained a reputation for its robust and reliable franchise model, and has a long waiting list of potential franchise holders. Over the past ten years, it has been a two-time recipient of the Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards Supreme Franchise System of the Year title (2012/13 and 2013/14) and four-time winner of the Food and Beverage Franchise System of the Year title. Bethlehem franchisee Ivy Joe won the Supreme Franchisee of the Year Award an unprecedented three times in a row (2012-2013-2014).

Brad and Andy have always believed in helping their franchisees as much as possible, and say the fact that only two stores have ever closed – including a forced closure following the Christchurch earthquakes – is testament to that.

‘We’ve always believed in helping our franchisees as much as possible – whether it’s with training, marketing support, or just being there to talk through any concerns or ideas,’ explains Brad, co-Director and Property Manager. ‘If our franchisees are well-prepared and have our full support then everyone wins, including our customers.’