BRISBANE, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its efforts to accelerate growth in the United States, global speciality coffee house, Gloria Jean’s Coffees, today announced the grant of Area Development Rights for Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
Mr Raed Naser, an experienced business professional, secured the Area Development Rights following a rigorous selection process, and plans on establishing his first Gloria Jean’s Coffees outlet within the region by September 2017.
RFG Chief Executive – International, Mike Gilbert, said the USA is one of the fastest growing regions for the Gloria Jean’s Coffees Brand System.
“Growth of the brand in the US market has been stimulated by rising trends in habitual coffee consumption, together with a growing demand for high-quality espresso coffee offered by respected brands specialising in the coffee space,” he said.
“The Gloria Jean’s Coffees brand was founded in Chicago in 1979, so the region holds a special place for the brand. We are therefore excited to be partnering with an experienced local professional who shares our vision for Gloria Jean’s Coffees.”
The agreement will see Mr Naser open seven coffee houses throughout Chicago and Northwest Indiana, and represents a departure from the brand’s historical North American store-by-store growth model.
“The United States very much remains an untapped market with considerable opportunity to grow the Gloria Jean’s Coffees footprint,” Mr Gilbert said.
“Small territory licences are much more common in large countries like America than they are in Australia, and they’re a proven business model because they allow the master franchisor to retain sufficient control of the brand, whilst also affording access to local expertise, knowledge and relationships.”
“We are focused on accelerating Gloria Jean’s Coffees’ growth in North America, and see considerable opportunity in partnering with committed area developers and master franchisees aligned with our vision to tap growing American demand for unique and high-quality coffee offers,” he said.
Mr Naser affords the business significant growth opportunities via his significant property experience, and is already investigating Drive Thru locations, multiple street front opportunities and two kiosk sites in premium outlet malls.
About Retail Food Group Limited:
RFG owns the Gloria Jean’s Coffees, It’s A Grind, Donut King, Brumby’s Bakery, Michel’s Patisserie, bb’s Café, Esquires, The Coffee Guy, Café2U, Pizza Capers Gourmet Kitchen and Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar franchise systems. As well, Retail Food Group is a global coffee specialist with an integrated approach to sourcing, roasting and distributing high-quality coffee. Combining passion with expertise, the Company creates an unforgettable experience, from crop to cup, through its suite of coffee brands. The Company is seeking area developer and master franchisee candidates who share its vision for delivering high quality coffee to American consumers. Enquiries should be directed to Olivia Palmer at rfginternational@rfg.com.au.