20 Years of The Coffee Club in New Zealand

When The Coffee Club opened its first New Zealand café at Queensgate, Lower Hutt, in 2005, it marked the start of one of the country’s great café franchising success stories. Two decades on, that single café has grown into one of New Zealand’s most recognised café networks, with more than 65 locations nationwide and a reputation built on consistency, community connection and strong franchisee support.

The New Zealand business has been led throughout by master franchisees Brad Jacobs and Andy Lucas, who brought the Australian-born brand to local shores and shaped it for Kiwi customers. Their focus has been clear from the outset: deliver a reliable, welcoming café experience built on good food, great service and excellent coffee, while equipping franchisees with the systems, training and support needed to build sustainable local businesses.

That approach has delivered impressive results. The Coffee Club has expanded across major centres and regional communities alike, becoming a familiar meeting place for families, businesspeople, shoppers and travellers. Its model has also helped many franchisees become long-term operators, with many growing into multi-site owners.

The Coffee Club’s success has been widely recognised within the franchising sector, making it New Zealand’s most awarded café franchise systems. Over the years it has built an impressive record at the Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards and the New Zealand Franchise Awards, with honours including Food & Beverage Franchise System awards, Supreme Franchise System recognition, Retail & Hospitality Franchise System of the Year, and awards celebrating its contribution to local communities. These accolades reflect not only the strength of the brand, but also the calibre of its systems, franchisee support and customer experience.

After 20 years in New Zealand, The Coffee Club’s story is one of disciplined growth, strong leadership and lasting relevance. Under Brad Jacobs and Andy Lucas, the company has successfully combined the scale of an international franchise with the local ownership and community focus that New Zealand customers value. Brad Jacobs reflects on their 20 years, “We’re proud to have built New Zealand’s most recognised and trusted café brand over the last 20 years, and we’re excited to continue that journey for the next 20 years and beyond”.  And we would have to agree, looking ahead, The Coffee Club is well placed to continue as a trusted café destination and a standout example of franchise success in New Zealand.