31 May 2006

The Coffee Club Arrives In Auckland

Coffee chain The Coffee Club has continued its expansion in New Zealand with the opening of its first store in Auckland.

The new store, opening June 8th, is The Coffee Club's second in New Zealand and follows the success of its first store in Wellington, which opened late last year.

With New Zealand headquarters in Auckland, The Coffee Club has more than 140 stores throughout Australia and has targeted New Zealand as its first overseas market.

Brad Jacobs, master franchisee for The Coffee Club in New Zealand, said the company's first store at the Westfield Queensgate centre in Lower Hutt, Wellington has met with an excellent market response.

"Our Wellington store has successfully introduced The Coffee Club brand to New Zealand and has been well supported by the local community," he said.

"We are delighted to now also have a presence in Auckland and are confident of generating a similar public response from the new store."

The Coffee Club's new 150 sq m Auckland store is located inside The Warehouse Extra at Sylvia Park Mall. The Warehouse will launch its first 'Extra' store at Sylvia Park and will include a full line supermarket and The Warehouse Cellars.

It is owned by franchisees Noela Atonio and David Lanham, will employ approximately 20 staff, seat 95 people and trade seven days a week.

Noela and David have recently returned to New Zealand after five years overseas, including time in the Middle East and most recently Melbourne, Australia.

Noela has a background in catering, while David has an accounting and finance background.

Noela will run The Coffee Club full-time, while David will take care of administration and the financial affairs of the business. The couple have two children, Luciano, 6, and Leilani, 4.

"Having lived in Australia for the past three years, we became very accustomed to meeting our friends at The Coffee Club," Noela said.

"The food, coffee and service is always of a consistently high standard and, coupled with its relaxed social atmosphere, makes The Coffee Club 'the place to meet' in every market that it serves.

"We believe The Coffee Club concept and offering is perfectly suited to Auckland and are excited about introducing it to the local community."

Mr Jacobs said The Coffee Club would continue to target new store opportunities throughout New Zealand, where it plans to have up to 40-50 stores in five years time.

ENDS