Café2U breaks into BRW Fast Franchises top 10 on debut

Making their debut in the prestigious BRW Fast Franchises list, Australia’s global Café2U has broken into the top ten.

In the key category of ‘Fastest growing franchises by outlets’, Café2U took the number 10 spot among the class of 2009 with 75 outlets, a 57.1% increase in the three years to June 30, 2008. They ranked 21st in the ‘Fastest growing franchises by revenue’ category with $11.54 million, up 35.73% in the same period. The list ranks 100 different franchise models in Australia.

“To rank so highly in these categories in our first year on the list is very satisfying. In terms of outlets we are continuing to grow rapidly and having the credibility of an international brand is an impressive selling point for our model,” said franchise founder Andy Simpkin.

The mobile cafe franchise has also exported the franchise concept to the UK including Scotland, Northern England, Southern England, the Channel Islands, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The general manager of franchise operations Derek Black is struggling to keep up with interest from potential new franchisees.

“It is a time of uncertainty with regards to employment and many are looking for new business opportunities. The natural advantage a franchise can offer them over starting from scratch in a downturn such as this is the branding, marketing, operational support and proof of business concept.”

“In all our new territories we have Franchisee Development Managers working alongside the new franchisee to create a customer base for them so that we can guarantee them a $500 turnover on day one of their business. With no staff, rents or rates it makes a compelling business case in these economic times when people are naturally risk adverse.”

Mr Simpkin started Café2U coffee franchise in Australia four years ago and has grown it into the world’s largest mobile franchise, producing over 4.5 million cups of coffee per year.