Australian Franchise News – 12-11-12
Grabbing a quality barista made coffee on the run is about to become easier, with one of Australia’s largest retail food brand managers announcing plans to roll out new drive-thru facilities.
ASX-listed Retail Food Group Limited (RFG), which recently posted 4.9% profit growth in FY12, will introduce drive-thru facilities at new Donut King and Esquires Coffee Houses outlets in Queensland.
On the back of a $28.5 million profit for 2011-12, the drive-thru concept is a new area of growth for RFG which has traditionally operated brands inside shopping centres. It also marks RFG’s move to broaden its exposure to all day trading parts while extending its impulse, treat and staple offers.
The first Esquires Coffee House drive-thru in Coomera is scheduled to open in early December 2012, with the first Donut King drive-thru due to open in Deagon in April 2013.
RFG National Sales and Leasing Coordination Manager Faith Manning said that the drive-thru facilities would enhance the customer experience at Donut King and Esquires Coffee House.
“Our franchisees are committed to providing the best possible experience for customers, and the new drive-thru facilities will offer a new and more convenient way for customers to enjoy a cup of our award-winning coffee,” Ms Manning said.
“With over 55% of Australians regularly visiting cafes for fresh, barista-made coffee, the demand for quality products is constantly rising.
“Australians clearly have a passion for a great-tasting brew. In response, RFG has significantly expanded its coffee operations, including the acquisition of Evolution Coffee Roasters Group in September 2011.
“This roasting capacity has contributed to a 31% increase in coffee revenues with RFG now roasting in excess of 1,000 tonnes annually of green beans and wholesaling various coffee products amongst its existing franchise networks and a growing external customer base.
Ms Manning said that coffee drinking has become an integral part of the Australian lifestyle, so there has been a huge growth in specialised coffee shops.
“Our franchisee coffee training program has proven to be very successful, with RFG franchise Michel’s Patisserie winning the Roy Morgan Research Coffee Shop of the Year 2012,” Ms Manning said.
“Michel’s Patisserie and Donut King also took home four medals in the Golden Bean Roaster 2012 Competition – the largest competition of its kind in Australia.”
ASX-listed Retail Food Group Limited (RFG) is a leading Australian retail food brand manager, franchisor and wholesale coffee roaster. It is the franchisor and intellectual property owner of the Donut King, Michel’s Patisserie, Pizza Capers Gourmet Kitchen, Brumby’s Bakery, bb’s café, Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar and Esquires Coffee Houses franchise systems with circa 1,350 outlets.
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