Brewing up a Beautiful Life

Becoming self-employed, under a trusted and respected franchise brand, is an attractive option to those who have previously worked in any profession as an employee, and are keen on a lifestyle change. Whether that be in their home patch, or as part of a move to another region of New Zealand, becoming a franchisee as part of a highly reputable network can be one of the smartest life decisions you’ll ever make. 

The Coffee Club New Zealand franchisor co-directors Brad Jacobs and Andy Lucas recognise and respect the diverse range of backgrounds prospective franchisees come from; whether they bring knowledge as an existing customer in their own area or are taking a leap into new territory. Taking that step towards becoming a member of New Zealand’s most recognised and awarded café franchise comes with less trepidation when backed by a supportive, proven pathway to success. 

Six Building Blocks

“Regardless of previous careers, we want to hear from individuals, partnerships or family groups or friends who enjoy people, support sustainability, animal welfare and other values shared by The Coffee Club,’ explains Brad. 

“Those we welcome on board get a kickstart of hospitality and business experience through our unique and proven Six Building Blocks best practice systems. In just five weeks, a first-time franchisee learns enough to open their own outlet.”

Six Building Blocks includes insights from property experts, outstanding training through The Coffee Club’s good food, great service and excellent coffee academies, operational support with a fleet of business development managers and innovative marketing strategies. 

“Once an outlet is open, the franchisee has their own personal development manager as both mentor and coach, working with them to achieve growth and success,” adds Brad.

Easily the country’s best hospitality franchisors

A chef by trade, Kelly Bain’s hospitality career includes 15 years selling coffee to such customers as The Coffee Club. “During those years, I’ve seen just how brilliantly the Six Building Blocks works to transform hospitality first-timers into successful The Coffee Club franchisees,’ she says. 

“In my opinion, Brad and Andy are easily the country’s best hospitality franchisors. They’ve dealt with every franchise issue and challenge imaginable. What’s more, their commitment to franchisees is further illustrated by having a young, dynamic 22-member head office team that includes IT, finance, marketing and other support staff.”

Prior to this move, Kelly managed a small, very busy Auckland restaurant franchise. “It was hectic, and I loved it - but it was stressful, too,” she says. “After about three and a half years I felt it was time for a change.” explains Kelly. Feeling Auckland’s sprawl impacting on traffic, schooling and social issues in the Whangaparāoa area they lived in, Kelly, wife Jess and their three young boys were ready for a change.

“About 18 months had passed when Brad, knowing we were getting desperate to move, called to say we should become The Coffee Club franchisees of a close-to-finished outlet in Ōmokoroa. After explaining it was on the Tauranga Harbour, he said he was picking us up in the morning to show us - no arguments!”

The place we pictured in our minds

“I know Brad and Andy will go to just about any length for franchisees, but taking them to paradise is something else again! For us, paradise is Ōmokoroa. This is the place we had pictured in our minds; the café and where it is in The Village development is perfect - on a corner with all day sun, with space for 86 diners indoors and 30 al fresco. 

“The Coffee Club head office team carries out thorough due diligence of any potential location to ensure it has the demographics necessary for success, and that no infrastructure plans are on the cards to negatively impact a franchisee. We realised the Ōmokoroa demographic is huge! And, with no detrimental infrastructure plans on the horizon, we signed up the next day!

A few days later, Kelly and Jess’s house was on the market. It sold within six weeks and the family were on their way to their new café, home and life in Ōmokoroa. “Since opening in November 2023, we’ve sponsored our local kapa haka, school’s sports teams and a golf team,” says Kelly.

Licensed café

“To create a feeling of familiarity for The Coffee Club customers, especially when travelling, there are some consistencies of decor and the menu items. But there are also freedoms for franchisees to add their own spin. This is no ‘cookie cutter’ franchise,” says Kelly.

‘There’s also flexibility in the type of outlet you choose: a café with earlier closing, a fully licensed restaurant with longer hours extending into the evening, or a licensed café, which is what we have.”

Kelly explains that, at the higher end of the $300,000 - $450,000+gst franchise cost, their purchase came with many benefits, including build and set-up costs. She also recommends prospective franchisees budget up to $20,000 for the initial months’ staff wages and other expenses.  

“Our advice? Easy! Grab Brad and Andy’s invitation to become your own boss, as a member of New Zealand’s most recognised and awarded café franchise. Call today!” 

See this advertorial on page 45 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 33 Issue 3

Contact details for The Coffee Club

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