Jamaica Blue
TWO'S COMPANY

In 2018 Vikas and Himani Rawat bought their first Jamaica Blue franchise – a small ‘Grab-n-Go’ kiosk in the newly-opened Manukau Bus Station which Himani ran. Within a year, they were so enthusiastic that Vikas left his job so they could buy their second – the high profile café at Auckland International Airport. Now they are talking about a third. ‘Expansion is our nature and we’re not stopping now,’ says Vikas.

Emigrating from India in 2002, Vikas and Himani settled in Auckland. ‘We felt we had arrived in heaven, except for one thing – finding good coffee. But we discovered true bliss when we came across Jamaica Blue. They get their name from the blue-green coffee bean grown only in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, which makes a beautiful coffee exclusive to them.’ It was no surprise, then, that when Himani decided to buy her own business, her first and only choice was a Jamaica Blue café.

models matched to market

The couple’s timing could not have been better. In 2016, experienced hospitality executive Jon Hassall had been appointed by parent company Foodco to help Jamaica Blue expand throughout New Zealand. Part of his brief was to look for locations that were uniquely suited to local markets, rather than taking the cookie-cutter approach of malls and high streets. The Grab-n-Go Kiosk at Manukau Bus Station was one of the first of these, and from day one was a resounding success for the Rawats.

With most sales generated by customers bussing to work each morning, Himani had the flexibility to leave her two staff in charge when the time came for her to collect two young children from school. The second café is a different proposition: busy all day and with a meal and treat menu prepared in the on-site kitchen by dedicated staff, it’s a full-service café. Located just a five-minute walk from the airport terminals, it has been completely refurbished with a fresh, almost tropical island feel to provide a relaxed experience for travellers, greeters and local workers alike.

The difference between the two outlets typifies Jamaica Blue’s flexibility when it comes to matching a specific location with the right business model. A full-format Jamaica Blue café requires a total investment of some $350-450,000, while a Grab-n-Go kiosk or espresso bar is considerably less. Foodco also has a few company-owned Jamaica Blue outlets in both the North and South Islands available as going concerns with established cashflow.

Vikas and Himani are delighted with their investments. ‘Jamaica Blue feels like belonging to a family; Jon and his team are committed to helping us grow and our fellow franchisees are also so helpful and friendly. Everyone’s just a phone call, text message or email away. With both our Jamaica Blue franchises flourishing, no wonder we’re keen to open a third!’       

See this advertorial on page 50 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 28 Issue 1

Contact details for Jamaica Blue

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