The look and feel of every Just Love doesn’t happen by accident, thanks to a team dedicated to blending fun, comfortable form with necessary function
When Mike Huff met up with Just Love Coffee Cafe franchise owners at their recent annual conference, they might have thought he would just be talking about buildouts. That’s fair, because as Just Love’s Director of Construction he’s certainly tasked with working on new franchise locations.
Once they began speaking with Huff, however, they learned that he’s helping them with much more when it comes to carefully crafting the perfect Just Love franchise location.
Creating a unique vibe that works
His goal, Huff says, is to see what is working at each location and make those elements better. That includes everything from the overall atmosphere to a design that incorporates traffic patterns to avoid bottlenecks for customers as well as enhance employee productivity.
“A Just Love Coffee Cafe franchise has to be inviting because we want to get and keep customers in the space,” Huff says. “That is key to our success. We want to make sure that people know this a locally owned, localized business. At the same time, we are working on design elements that work for and with people on both sides of the counter, and also are exploring ways to increase seating capacity so that more people can come and stay longer.”
Different elements reflect unique communities
Every Just Love Coffee franchise has a cohesive blend of new and old materials, which keep the space cozy and also avoid a stale, stodgy look. To keep that going, Huff says the design team is always looking at ways to incorporate things like reclaimed wood or brick into a store design, as well as high points such as the original Just Love’s “wishing wall” to really create a standout element.
“We want the stores to reflect and highlight what Just Love is and means, and we can do that on the walls and in the decorative elements we use,” he adds. “A community board, local photographs, artwork from local artists — there are many ways that we can blend community involvement with what Just Love is all about.
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.
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.
Entrepreneurs remain bullish on mix of all-day food and coffee menus and fun, friendly vibe to fuel continued brand expansion in markets across the U.S.
A strong economy and more lending opportunities got many entrepreneurs off the sidelines in 2018. And of that group, many opted to become Just Love Coffee franchise owners, thanks to a business model that’s affordable, easy to implement and offers a fast path to profitability.
“We have seen interest from across the United States and are opening up Just Love Coffee franchise locations in several states, with more on the way,” says D.J. Smith, Marketing Director. “The past year has proven to be a very strong one for our brand’s growth, and based on the conversations we’re having, 2019 will be even better.”
Food & coffee offerings create all-day traffic
A major reason would-be small business owners are eager to explore the Just Love Coffee franchise opportunity is its unique menu. Most coffee shops are just that — coffee-only venues. Just Love has layered a fun, quirky menu of easily prepared items that are great for meals and snacks throughout the day. That creates consumer interest, more business and a steady stream of clientele.
“Just Love Coffee franchises don’t have the peaks and valleys that coffee shops or restaurants have during the day,” Smith explains. “Food items and coffee drinks are made to order, so there’s no risk of spoilage. And because customers aren’t coming only at certain times, there’s no scheduling headaches around the fear that there will be too many, or not enough, staff on hand.”
Small footprint and setup provide location flexibility
Another bonus a Just Love Coffee franchise offers potential owners is the ability to place the business in many locations. Because the menu is largely created on waffle irons, there’s no need for a large kitchen. And Just Love’s design team excels at adapting spaces of all shapes and sizes in busy commercial centers to be open, engaging and workable franchise locations.
“Just Love Coffee is a brand that doesn’t fit in a box, and we mean that literally and figuratively,” Smith says. “Our approach to coffee, food and overall atmosphere is playful and inviting. And we feel the same way about our physical sites — if the space is right for Just Love, we work hard to create the most amazing location possible.”
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.
Community partnerships and activities serve as viable and visible ways for franchise owners to showcase Just Love products as well as the story behind the brand
Singing is thirsty work, so when Gospel Music Association planners were organizing the 2017 Dove Awards they knew they’d want beverages backstage. The Just Love Coffee Roasters team was only too happy to make that happen, and after rave reviews was asked to come back for the 2018 event.
“It’s been a great experience serving Love to so many music artists and music industry executives,” says D.J. Smith, Marketing Director. “They reached out to us originally as sponsors, and that wasn’t something that we traditionally do, but we did say that we’d be interested in providing coffee and they loved the idea. That’s how it all got started.”
Coffee stations drew high praise from performers
In 2017, the plan was to create a different backstage experience by placing a mobile espresso cart in the green room for artists, their management and record label executives. That was a big hit, and as award planners worked on a larger green room to accommodate more people, they asked for Just Love’s input. Based on that feedback, a second green room and additional Just Love presence was added for 2018.
“It was just a tremendous experience, and they fell in love with what we did,” Smith says. “We worked with them to make it even better this year by replacing sofas and chairs with pub tables so that people can stand up and have a place to put their coffee. We did two green rooms and a press room this time, so we were in three places during the event.”
Community engagement helps raise brand profile
Certainly not every Just Love Coffee franchise location will have the opportunity to partner with such a high-profile event, but there are plenty of opportunities for community engagement, Smith added.
“That was a great experience for us, and also a lot of fun,” Smith says. “They loved Just Love, both for our great coffee and also learning our story. Working with different organizations, wherever a franchise is, is a terrific way to tell our story outside the physical café, and to show how eager we are to engage with and be a part of the communities we serve.”
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.
Nashville Business Journal taps Rob Webb for its annual roster of company leaders noted for their businesses, ethical employment practices, products and more
The Nashville Business Journal has released its 2018 Most Admired CEOs and Their Companies award winners, and Just Love Coffee CEO and founder Rob Webb is on the list.
The awards were given following a process that began with nominations, grouped those people and companies into categories, and then moved through a closed voting process that created the final list.
Brand vision impresses judging panel
While the judging panel had a lot of companies to review, it’s likely that Just Love stood out for its high-quality beverage and food offerings, as well as the story of how it came to be.
“Just Love Coffee has a remarkable history in that it was created not just as a great place to get coffee, but also a warm, welcoming place to eat and hang out with friends,” says D.J. Smith, Marketing Director. “It’s a combination of great products and a business model that is very compelling, and it’s obvious the judges were impressed with Rob’s vision, and what Just Love has been able to do since Just Love began.”
Awards and accolades likely to continue
The concept, products and vision of Just Love that the Nashville Business Journal found appealing are likely going to draw attention from other quarters as well. Just Love Coffee franchise owners also are getting noticed in tier communities, and more awards and honors such as this one doubtless will follow.
“Just Love Coffee franchise owners share Rob’s vision of a business that can do good while it is doing well, and that’s very compelling for people who are evaluating businesses that are making a difference,” Smith says. “Everyone at Just Love will say that they’re not doing this to pick up trophies, but it does show that this is a business that can help franchise owners achieve financial independence while also making a huge difference for their friends and neighbors.”
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.
Coffee stations drew high praise from performers
