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franchise.co.nz – PUTTING PEOPLE IN BUSINESS
espite post-Covid economic gloom of 2023, this was an opportunity
Rakesh and Nuti Patel could not turn down. The Coffee Club,
Tauranga Crossing, had come on the market at an investment cost that
met their bank’s approval.
“Covid had really got us thinking about going into business for
ourselves. Especially after 13 years working for a Tauranga manufacturing
company, when the owner told me he wanted to sell and couldn’t give
any assurances of ongoing employment,” explains Rakesh.
“Appreciating that this was not the right time to start a business entirely
on our own, our focus was franchise opportunities. Even though we
had no preference about what sort of franchise, The Coffee Club began
emerging as a contender. It helped that I enjoy cooking, and Nuti had
food outlet experience from working in a Toronto Taco Bell outlet.”
Ethical, environmental and social values
“The more we looked into The Coffee Club, the more impressed we
became with New Zealand’s largest, most recognised and most awarded
café brand. Looking beyond The Coffee Club commitment to good food,
great service, excellent coffee, we were struck by the company’s ethical,
environmental and social values,” Rakesh says.
“On top of encouraging franchisees to support their local communities
through school sports and other sponsorships, The Coffee Club donates
$100,000 to organisations such as KidsCan, SPCA, Make-a-Wish and
Pet Refuge, annually. Another plus was that New Zealand franchisor
co-directors Brad Jacobs and Andy Lucas had signed the Pride Pledge on
behalf of franchisees to celebrate the diverse workforce and importance
of representation.
“Sustainability is also a big commitment. For example, The Coffee Club
Signature Blend beans are sourced directly from farmers and roasted in
a machine that uses 25% less gas than traditional roasters. All cups, lids
and straws are compostable and biodegradable.”
Disappointment turns to delight
Having narrowed their choice to The Coffee Club, Rakesh and Nuti
approached Brad Jacobs only to find any opportunities were beyond their
financial reach. Then, disappointment turned to delight some months
later, when one of the smallest of The Coffee Club’s 67 cafés came on the
market. Catering to around 100 customers, the café was affordable, and
its location in the Tauranga suburb of Tauriko was perfect for the Patels.
“Tauriko is where we have worked for years, watching it grow from a
few thousand residents to a population of over 18,000. And it’s not
just residential, there’s a lot of commercial and industrial development
too. Tauriko is also home to Tauranga Crossing which, with 70+ shops
including Pak’nSave and 25 eateries, is considered the Bay of Plenty’s
destination shopping centre.
“Just after Easter 2023 and having completed my training that included
the excellent Six Building Blocks programme, we were The Coffee Club,
Tauranga Crossing franchisees. In the post-Covid environment, Nuti
continued her employment as we expected business to be sluggish.”
“Oh, my God, what have I done?”
“Sluggish was an understatement. There were so many days, when, with
no customers for one to two hours and three staff standing around, I’d
find myself asking, ‘Oh, my God, what have I done?’
“Luckily, Nuti was bringing in an income, but the real inspiration to keep
going came from Brad, Andy and members of The Coffee Club franchisor
team. Almost every day I’d get their calls offering encouragement and
ideas on how to reduce costs. On our own, we wouldn’t have survived.
“Franchisor support and our perseverance paid off. Early in 2024 we
turned the corner, with most weeks showing income and profits up. This
also meant Nuti was able to leave her job to manage all aspects of front
of house, while I was in charge of the kitchen.
“As a married couple working together, we decided it was important to
have this strong demarcation of responsibilities. Believe me, it works.”
Award-winning couple
At The Coffee Club Franchisee Awards 2025 in Auckland, this business
strategy clearly contributed to the Patels receiving the 2024 Operations
Excellence Award and Rakesh winning the 2024 Chef of the Year.
Another of the couple’s operational rules is providing family time for their
two daughters, Tasha (19), Keisha (14) and son, Tej (13). “We’ve made it a
rule to never bring work home and that also means not answering phone
calls after hours.”
Rakesh and Nuti estimate their customer base sits at around 40% regulars,
with the balance coming from drop-ins; many being tradies, sales reps
and Tauranga Crossing shoppers. Open seven days a week from 7am to
4pm, the café provides local employment for four full time staff and three
part-timers.
“To show just how much we support The Coffee Club, our ambition is to
purchase the two Tauranga cafés we once could not afford.”
Wherever you are in New Zealand
For Brad and Andy, the Patels show just how successful people from all
walks of life can be as The Coffee Club franchisees.
“Regardless of previous careers, we want to hear from individuals, couples,
partners or family groups who enjoy people
and support our business ethics and
values,” explains Brad.
“The kickstart we give through the Six
Building Blocks, in just five weeks, equips
franchisees to open their own The Coffee
Club outlet.
“The first step is to contact me, wherever
you are in New Zealand.”
The Coffee Club
www.thecoffeeclub.co.nz
Contact
Brad Jacobs
027 526 3333
brad@thecoffeeclub.co.nz
Advertiser Info
Nuti and Rakesh Patel
POST-COVID
SUCCESS
From hospitality novices to
The Coffee Club award winners.
Opportunity: Food & Beverage