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franchise.co.nz – PUTTING PEOPLE IN BUSINESS
“What if we do something together involving both coffee and people?”
This was the collective thought of Clynton and Karen Drumm who are now
two years into their successful venture with Coffee Culture at Kaiapoi,
near Christchurch.
“We knew it would work,” Clynton states, “as the brand has been around
for thirty years, but it was our first foray into business together. So there
was a quiet unease of the unknown which has been totally quieted now
we are running a very successful, profitable business!”
Coffee Culture has 20 outlets, the majority in the South Island, and is
looking to expand its brand of culture and community – especially now
in the North Island. “That was the thing that drew me to the brand in the
early days,” says Clynton. “There has always been a very strong sense of
community in the stores – purpose built from the start.”
The first Coffee Culture store was opened by founder Chris Houston in
1996, and offered a simple menu, of coffee, tea, desserts and big bagels.
“Not a great deal has changed since,” says Coffee Culture’s COO, Sacha
Coburn. “The clue is in our name, and we’ve refined operations, evolved
and demonstrated the brand’s durability ever since.”
Creating culture and community
Key to the durability of the Coffee Culture brand is its focus upon
community and individual design. No two stores are alike as the
franchise has specifically concentrated upon creating beautiful stores
designed to suit their local areas and operators.
“As with our store,” says Clynton, “a common thread is that Coffee
Culture has a great deal of input into the design. I had been working in
graphic design with the brand for a long time at head office. This gave
me a unique view into how the franchise operates. Karen and I might
have considered a green fields site, but the opportunity in Kaiapoi was
simply too good.
“The old store was in the Blackwell’s Department Store which was
demolished following the earthquake. After the rebuild Coffee Culture
was offered space, and we jumped at it. Location is crucial and a real
strength of the brand is its insistence on location coupled with good
tenancy packages. A new franchisee might well hone in on an
excellent location, but getting the kind of tenancy package to ensure
it is profitable, long term, is something Coffee Culture has been
diligent about.”
Award winning opportunity
Following their success winning the Retail and Hospitality Franchise
of the Year at the 2024 Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards, the
business is seeking to expand, particularly in the North Island. “We are
looking for people very like Clynton and Karen who love coffee, being
with people and creating their own vibe,” says Sacha.
“This is a great opportunity for hospitality professionals, or people with
a passion for service to reap the rewards of hard work and secure their
financial futures. We are very proud that we’ve weathered every storm
that has come our way in 30+ years – earthquake, GFC, pandemic to
name a few – all our stores have thrived and grown which is testament
to a great concept and a terrific team at head office. And we do also still
have a few choice locations in the South Island to be filled.”
Looking ahead
Having worked in bars for a lot of his previous time in hospitality, Clynton
says one of the great advantages of Coffee Culture as an owner is that
there are no late, late nights. “We definitely fulfill Coffee Culture’s remit
of being part of the local community,” he says. “We are still refining what
we have here and will certainly consider another outlet in the future –
the brand is well suited to multi-unit ownership. However, with children
of 10 and 13, we’ll train them as baristas before we expand,” he jokes.
“We are very fortunate to have such a good franchisor team to turn to,
especially Sacha and Chris who have travelled the world meeting like-
minded businesspeople and getting a much more global view of the
coffee industry. You can get caught up in the day-to-day, but knowing
they are out there keeping an eye on hospitality trends is very
positive for us and the brand. I think it just adds to the magic that
is Coffee Culture!”
Seize the magic
If, like Clynton and Karen, you
would like to seize the magic
too, Coffee Culture promises
a first-class package and
ongoing support from a
dedicated, homegrown team
of experts. “You don’t need
a full-time chef,” Sacha
explains, “just a team of
enthusiasts who understand
the joy of coffee. You will have
a gorgeous, quality coffee
shop that will reflect your
local community – there is no cookie cutter approach with Coffee Culture.
“As all our franchisees point out, every day is different and offers
great opportunities to meet people from all walks of life and build
relationships with them. Coffee Culture is an affordable luxury – our
guests keep coming back often and regularly because we do what we
do so well.
“Financial assistance is available
and, depending on location, you can
expect to complete fit out, tenancy
agreements and franchise fee from
an initial investment of $350 -$500k.
Hospitality is our heart, we care about
and deliver sustainable profitability,
and if that resonates with you then
give us a call.”
Coffee Culture
www.coffeeculture.co.nz
Contact
Sacha Coburn LLB MEd
027 475 0390
sacha@coffeeculture.co.nz
Advertiser Info
Opportunity: Food and Beverage
NURTURING
A THRIVING
COMMUNITY
Coffee Culture is expanding and
bringing its unique magic north.
Coffee Culture: Clynton Drumm
Karen Drumm