SPILLING THE BEANS
As the Australian convenience-culture takes hold, one franchise has quickly emerged as the leader in drive-through delights. Inside Franchise Business takes a look at the franchisees fuelling Zarraffa’s Coffee’s impressive growth.
Franchisees fuelling Zarraffa’s Coffee growth
THE RACE CAR DRIVER AND THE COP
After 25 years as a professional race-car driver, Robbie Farr is set to step out from behind the wheel, so you don’t have to. The ex-sprintcar driver, alongside wife Sonya, a former state and federal police officer, opened the doors to their franchise in July.
Farr says the pair decided to take the leap after falling in love, both with the coffee and the brand’s benchmark in supporting new franchises.
“The brand feels more like a big family,” Farr says.
“Having researched numerous businesses, we were set on the franchise model of Zarraffa’s and fell in love with the brand due to its professional framework, customer service and fantastic coffee.”
The new franchise store is located in Underwood, servicing the suburbs of Springwood, Eight Mile Plains, Rochedale South and surrounds.
For the new franchisees, the store location not only places them firmly in the minds of the local community, but also opens a gateway to the Gold Coast region.
“We are thrilled with the site and look forward to establishing relationships with local coffee-lovers, businesses, sporting associations and emergency services in the area,” Farr says.
“It’s been a wonderful journey watching our store come to life and we can’t wait to welcome the community in and build relationships with our soon to be regulars.”
THE BRAND ADVOCATES
Just weeks earlier seasoned franchisees Ben Old and Dion Schulz unveiled their new drive through Zarraffa’s store at Browns Plains. This is the fourth drivethrough for the seasoned franchisees whose network also includes stores at Nerang, Worongary and Slacks Creek.
“The new store is located in a very populated and busy area outside of Logan, offering the perfect pit-stop for coffee lovers on-the-go or those looking for a relaxed setting to unwind,” says Old.
The new store further expands Schulz and Old’s footprint across Brisbane’s South with the pair confident locals will react well to the opening.
“We are keen to expose those working
and living in the area to our outstanding product, great service and the convenience of a drive-through store,” Old says.
“There are so many people based in the area that are on different schedules with early starts, shift work or those who have to commute past our new location. We are sure the combination of a custom drive-through store, relaxed seating area and being open from 5am until late, will be a hit.”
The latest site is 140sqm, with indoor and outdoor seating for up to 56.
For Old, Zarraffa’s is more than just a franchise opportunity, with the franchisee believing that to be successful in business, you have to first and foremost be an advocate for the product.
“I started drinking coffee at what became my first Zarraffa’s Coffee store, when I lived around the corner, and I still drink Zarraffa’s everyday.”
Community also plays a big part in Schulz and Old’s franchise network, with the pair opting to employ a local team of 25 as they feel offering opportunities to those who live in the area is important.
“Any system is only as good as its people and we have a solid team, across all of our stores, some of whom have been with us for over 10 years.”
The network’s 50th drive through location was opened in July. The milestone comes after almost a decade of drivethrough service for the franchise, which launched its inaugural car-friendly coffee model in 2009.
THE LOCALS
Seasoned franchisees, Joanne and Paul Brierley are the husband and wife duo behind Zarraffa’s Edmonton and were enticed to become multi-site franchisees following the success of their initial store at Cairns Showgrounds.
“It’s been quite the journey since opening our first store, and as we transition into multi-store ownership, we’re excited to be expanding our footprint into the southern corridor of Cairns,” Joanne says.
Community plays a big part for both Zarraffa’s and the Brierleys, with Joanne suggesting the couple’s local knowledge was critical to the Showground site’s success.
“We have been Cairns locals for nearly 20 years and after recognising a gap in the market for quality drive through coffee back in 2014, we knew it was a step in the right direction.”
Now, with a second store in their portfolio, the duo are hoping to extend that local knowledge and passion for coffee excellence to a new Cairns market.
The familiar pattern of existing franchisees diversifying their drive through operations was repeated with the unveiling of the chain’s 85th outlet.
THE DREAM INVESTOR
Justin Fu is the seasoned franchisee who bought into the business after honing his skills at the Toowong outlet for the last 13 years.
Fu says the success of his first store, driving passion for coffee excellence, and a shot of fortuitous timing inspired him to make the leap to multi-unit franchisee.
“I love coffee and everything that the
brand has to offer, so it was a no-brainer and dream come true for me to buy my first store, and when Cannon Hill came up for sale at just the right time I knew I had to take the leap and invest in another business,” Fu says.
“Zarraffa’s Toowong has been successful from the start, thanks to our amazing team who have been able to engage with the local community and build strong relationships through coffee.”
Kenton Campbell, Zarraffa’s Coffee managing director believes it is important that the new franchisees bring with them brand knowledge and a passion for ensuring all customers receive the ultimate Zarraffa’s experience.
“The most important attribute of any new franchisee is enthusiasm, a focus on customer service and willingness to deliver the best cup of coffee,” Campbell says.
Greater access to high quality coffee, underpinned by the brand’s extensive barista training program has driven this convenient model’s steady expansion, he says.
“The inception of our drive through stores in 2009, has enabled us to choose higher traffic sites within densely populated markets, that ultimately help boost business and ensure our franchisees can be successful,” he says. “It’s a win-win for our customers and franchisees.
“Since launching our first drive through, there has been a lot of research into the operation and functionality of the model to ensure that we deliver the Zarraffa’s Coffee promise and standard time and time again,” Campbell says. “Drive throughs have taken our retail operation to the next level, capturing a large chunk of the time-poor drive market that is seeking the ultimate convenience and easier access to quality coffee.”