Breakfast and other options appeal to patrons throughout the day, bringing them in, keeping them longer and boosting ticket totals
Convenience is the watchword for people who want their coffee fix and want it fast. That’s why the demand for specialty coffee shops has never been higher. Coffee-only venues, however, can’t capitalize on another consumer demand: food. A Just Love Coffee franchise can, however, and that’s why the brand continues to grow across the United States.
“While many people want to run in, grab their coffee and head out to their next destination, lots of others want to grab breakfast, lunch or a snack,” explains D.J. Smith, Marketing Director. “Just Love’s fun, accessible and all-day menu adds to our outstanding coffee selections to meet the needs of both consumer sets.”
Capturing the underserved AM eatery segment
While other brands do offer food, it’s usually heavy on the dessert side, or it’s prepackaged sandwiches and salads. Every Just Love Coffee franchise, on the other hand, has a wide array of sandwiches, salads and entrees that works for breakfast or any other meal.
“People like to eat breakfast out once a week, sometimes more often than that,” Smith says. “They want to find a place where they can get great food, and also their coffee beverage of choice. A Just Love handles both requests and also gives them a relaxing, friendly place to hang out while they enjoy their meal. That sets us apart in a big way from other specialty coffee brands.”
Food offerings lead to higher ticket totals
In addition, having a menu that works throughout the day means that someone coming in just for a coffee might opt to get lunch, as well, or to pick something up to take home. The result is an expanded opportunity to boost every ticket total all day long.
“Just Love’s coffee and food menus are designed to work well together, so that someone who’s looking at one can find something equally tempting on the other,” Smith says. “By offering coffee and food, and doing it in a way that’s organic and planned, Just Love gives every franchise owner the opportunity to see a steady stream of business and revenue from open to close every day.”
After the launch of two successful locations in Brentwood, Tennessee, and Nashville, one of the hottest cities in the nation, Just Love Coffee is primed for expansion in 2019. Led by an executive team with proven experience in growing franchise systems, Just Love Coffee is an ideal investment for new and experienced entrepreneurs who want to get in on the ground floor of the most exciting business opportunity in the $12 billion U.S. coffee shop industry.
Ongoing evolution and growth strategy insights are high points of annual meeting designed to connect owners and foster collaboration
Annual conferences, no matter what the industry, can be long and boring. Or they can be short, informative and energizing, as was the recently wrapped Just Love Coffee franchise owners’ meeting.
The event, which will be the flagship of a growing number of in-person conferences that will bring together franchises in different markets for training and other operational initiatives, set the tone for what Just Love Coffee franchise owners can expect in their gatherings.
Forging friendships, sharing best practices
Because it was another first for the growing brand, it was important to convey a lot of information, but also allow franchise owners to get to know each other and begin to share insights and best practices, says D.J. Smith, Marketing Director.
“We wanted to make sure that owners got to meet everyone on the corporate team, including people they’ve spent time talking to and emailing with, but may not have met in person,” Smith says. “And we also wanted to build in some time for them to meet with each other. Starting a business can be a lonely endeavor sometimes, and having those supportive relationships with others who are in the trenches alongside you is something we very much encourage.”
Seeing what’s coming helps create buy-in
The event also saw presentations on everything from sales and marketing to architectural designs and design elements for both new and existing Just Love coffee café franchise locations. That mix of back-office information, along with what’s going to be happening out front with the look, feel and offerings of every Just Love, created a strong sense of where the brand is going. It also helps franchise owners stay connected.
“We are all driving in the same direction, and that means keeping lines of communication open and letting people know what great ideas are percolating for Just Love’s future,” Smith says. “When we can get everyone in one room, show them want we’re working on and get their input and ideas, it creates the kind of synergy that has helped Just Love grow so rapidly, and will keep it expanding in communities all across the country.”
After the launch of two successful locations in Nashville and Brentwood, Tennessee, one of the hottest cities in the nation, Just Love Coffee is primed for expansion in 2019. Led by an executive team with proven experience in growing franchise systems, Just Love Coffee & Eatery is an ideal investment for both new and experienced entrepreneurs who want to get in on the ground floor of the most exciting business opportunity in the $12 billion U.S. coffee shop industry.
A compelling food offering and highly curated coffees allow Just Love to stand out in the crowded, white-hot coffee franchise landscape
There is a big difference between being on-trend and trendy. In the coffee franchise world, “trendy” often translates to a focus on style more than substance. But consumers crave authenticity, and that’s why Just Love Coffee franchise owners are seeing their businesses grow.
“Just Love offers the opportunity to operate a business that satisfies the coffee purist, because it’s bean-centric,” explains David Sparks, Franchise Sales Manager. “And it’s a brand that has created a dynamic, all-day food offering, all within a physical space that’s warm and inviting.”
Coffee is first and foremost
Many coffee franchises in the market are built around specific offerings, often sugar-heavy drinks using the same bean blend — same taste, any location. That doesn’t remotely compare to the expertise that Just Love Coffee franchise owners can bring to the table.
“If someone wants a flavored latte, you can get that created in multiple ways at Just Love,” Sparks explains. “We have the different milks and add-in’s, so there are options. The coffee purist, or even someone who’s a more casual coffee drinker, is able to play and customize their beverage. They learn quickly that Just Love is serious about coffee, and that builds loyalty.”
Food program enhances visibility
At the same time, Just Love Coffee franchises stand out because of a unique food offering that’s far more than “grab and go” pastries and desserts, yet remains approachable for customers and affordable for owners.
“If you go into most chain coffee shops, you have very few food choices. You rarely ever find a breakfast menu, for instance. A Just Love Coffee franchise offers a diverse, fresh menu all day long, which draws in more business while also creating another revenue stream. And with the continued rise of third-party delivery services, being able to offer both food and coffee beverages means even more revenue for Just Love franchise owners.”
After the launch of two successful locations in Brentwood, Tennessee, and Nashville, one of the hottest cities in the nation, Just Love Coffee is primed for expansion in 2019. Led by an executive team with proven experience in growing franchise systems, Just Love Coffee & Eatery is an ideal investment for both new and experienced entrepreneurs who want to get in on the ground floor of the most exciting business opportunity in the $12 billion U.S. coffee shop industry.
Complementary offerings allow for all-day income that avoids the usual rushes and slow periods associated with food- or beverage-only providers
Owning and operating a Just Love Coffee franchise is a fun and exciting adventure, and thanks to an all-day menu of both food and coffee, it’s one that provides a steady income stream. That’s very different from other food-only or coffee-only brands, and it makes it possible for franchise owners to achieve profitability faster.
“Just Love was founded on the idea of providing great coffee in a fun, relaxing environment,” says D.J. Smith, Marketing Director. “We have created a model that does so and keeps people in the shop and engaged throughout the day. Our food menu was designed along those same lines and has had the same outcome — continuous consumer engagement during operating hours versus peaks and valleys of business.”
Menus offer cross-selling opportunities
Because a Just Love Coffee franchise can offer both food and coffee, it can generate two kinds of business: customers who are looking for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, and those who are in the mood for a coffee drink and also may want a snack.
“Offering a full menu with food and beverage options means that every guest is an upsell opportunity,” adds Smith. “Someone coming in for a latte might be intrigued by the Quinoa Black Bean salad or decide to splurge on a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Waffle. By offering both, Just Love creates a one-stop space for great food and coffee.”
Unique food menu easy to implement
Even better, each Just Love Coffee franchise is designed to quickly and easily implement both menus. Rather than having a full kitchen, Just Love uses waffle irons to create most menu items. That means a smaller footprint and a process that’s easy to train staff on, as well as a unique look and feel that consumers enjoy.
“Just Love Coffee franchise customers love our food — not just to eat, but also to talk about on social media,” Smith says. “We have lots of Womelette photos on Instagram and other sites, with more being added all the time. It’s another way that food and coffee work together to give Just Love Coffee a really strong community profile.”
After the launch of two successful locations in Nashville and Brentwood, Tennessee, one of the hottest areas in the nation, Just Love Coffee is primed for expansion in 2019. Led by an executive team with proven experience in growing franchise systems, Just Love Coffee is an ideal investment for new and experienced entrepreneurs who want to get in on the ground floor of the most exciting business opportunity in the $12 billion U.S. coffee shop industry.
After years working in IT, this food-industry veteran has found a brand that speaks to him personally and professionally as he builds for his future
When a new Just Love Coffee cafe franchise opens in Shelby Township, Michigan, later this year, it may have some extra tech-oriented bells and whistles. That’s because owner Olsi Kapoli is a longtime IT veteran with time at General Motors and Hewlett-Packard under his belt. Before he got a degree in information systems and security, however, the Albanian native had a long history working in restaurants — and he is eager to return.
What got you thinking about a return to food service?
As I have been working in IT, I have also been working in the food industry in various capacities. I’m 33 and probably have been working in restaurants for half my life. My father’s cousin had a coffee shop in Albania, so I have seen that part of the industry up close. I also did some bartending, and after moving to the United States I worked at some chain restaurants as a server, bartender and manager while I was going to school. I’ve even worked at a golf club restaurant.
Whenever I would stop working in food service and just do IT work, I found I missed the interactions with people. I like talking to different people, and I like working in the food and beverage industry. So I began looking around to see what options were out there in terms of owning my own operation.
What part of owning a Just Love Coffee cafe appealed to you?
My wife and I purchased an apartment as a real estate investment, and then we decided to begin growing a real estate business. It’s great, but it’s not what I wanted to focus on. Then we thought about owning our own restaurant because my mom is a great cook. We were looking at something that would be cheese and meat platters, beer and wine, something not found in the local market. We fiddled with a menu, began looking around — and realized it was going to be too expensive.
You often see new restaurants, even great ones, go under because of all that expense. My wife suggested looking at franchising, and while I liked the idea I didn’t want to open another location of anything that was already here. We certainly don’t need another Starbucks or Subway. I wanted something interesting, and when I began searching I found Just Love. It caught my eye immediately; I didn’t even think it was a coffee place at first!
There are lots of places to get coffee; how is Just Love different?
As I researched the brand, read information and watched videos from the founders, I really liked what they were all about. And then when I began looking at the food, I fell in love with the waffle idea — we don’t have that in the Detroit area, so I would be bringing something new here. I reached out and spoke with some franchise owners, and then I spent some time in Nashville and was just amazed. It’s not just a coffee shop; it’s a place to meet friends, to have a meal, to even listen to entertainment. It’s so welcoming and so different from other coffee-bar concepts that are out there.
How else do you think Just Love stands out?
It doesn’t churn customers. They come, are welcomed and hang out as long as they like. Just Love uses mugs; I love that. My wife and I loved Friends, and a big thing about that coffee-shop set, Central Perk, is that they used mugs and silver, not cheap throwaway stuff. It feels like an authentic, friendly place and not just another coffee place or restaurant.
What else about Just Love’s onboarding process eased your mind?
Everyone we met with was so eager to help. We had help with finding a great location, and also with the next steps of hiring builders and getting the location ready. My favorite part has been getting the sign up, because we’re in a busy area and want people to know something great is coming! I also am very reassured by all the conversations we’ve had about training, not just for ahead of time but during and after we open, so that we have all the operations down and everything runs smoothly from the outset. Everyone has been very generous with their time and attention, and we are just so eager to be open and serving our friends and neighbors.
After the launch of two successful locations in Brentwood and Nashville, Tennessee, one of the hottest cities in the nation, Just Love Coffee is primed for expansion in 2018. Led by an executive team with proven experience in growing franchise systems, Just Love Coffee is an ideal investment for new or experienced entrepreneurs who want to get in on the ground floor of the most exciting business opportunity in the $12 billion U.S. coffee shop industry.
High-visibility franchise locations create consumer interest as well as business opportunities for entrepreneurs who want a scalable, on-trend brand
A good location is foundational to business success. While that’s true for most any kind of operation, it’s especially valid in the booming coffee-shop sector, where even the best-known brands can struggle if they’re not in front of consumers. That’s why Just Love Coffee Cafe’s continued growth in its hometown of Nashville serves as a model for continued expansion nationwide.
“We’ve been able to go from one coffee cafe franchise to several thanks to strong franchise owner partnerships, and also because of very aggressive and focused work on finding the right real estate,” says Kevin Bauerle, Director of Franchise Development. “As a relatively new brand, we wanted to build our strategy for growth in major markets here at home, and that’s been going very well.”
Creating territories with multiple opportunities
The goal for every Just Love Coffee cafe franchise, regardless of community size, is to be in a market where it can draw from residential areas, nearby businesses and even entertainment venues as much as possible. That creates a steady stream of business throughout the day and evening, setting the franchise owner and his or her team up for ongoing revenue vs. unpredictable peaks and valleys.
“If you’re in the center of things, people are going to gravitate to you,” Bauerle explains. “In Nashville, we have a Just Love franchise location that benefited from the nearby CMA Music Festival downtown, for instance. That’s not going to be the case everywhere, of course, but finding the optimal real estate in terms of steady business is a major factor for our search teams when they work with new franchise owners.”
Metro growth can be replicated in suburban areas
Just Love Coffee cafe franchises also are popping up in suburban areas adjacent to major metro markets. They too are benefiting from this targeted approach to real estate based on population and other research metrics.
“In a suburban area, we know that we’re going to pursue shopping areas that see all-day foot traffic,” Bauerle says. “Those with multiplexes and other entertainment venues are ideal, because they bring people in outside the 9-to-5 window. When we establish a franchise location in those kinds of areas, those owners will see the same kind of benefits that their urban counterparts do.”
After the launch of two successful locations in Nashville and Brentwood, Tennessee, one of the hottest cities in the nation, Just Love Coffee is primed for expansion in 2018. Led by an executive team with proven experience in growing franchise systems, Just Love Coffee & Eatery is an ideal investment for both new and experienced entrepreneurs who want to get in on the ground floor of the most exciting business opportunity in the $12 billion U.S. coffee shop industry.
