Shanghai opening for Aussie coffee franchise

Australian Gloria Jean’s Coffees International is to open its first coffee house in China’s largest city, Shanghai. The move is in partnership with leading Chinese food retail company and master franchise partner, Dash Brands Limited.

Nabi Saleh, Executive chairman of the cafe franchise network said the Shanghai opening was a significant milestone for the Australian brand.

“Since signing the master franchise agreement earlier this year, we have been working very closely with our partners at Dash Brands to ensure that our entry into this important region is structured for long term growth,” Saleh said. “To do this we have developed a store concept and product offering that reflects the expectations of this unique, yet increasingly westernised market.”

One example of adapting its formula to suit the needs of the Chinese market is through the local sourcing of Chinese tea which will be added to the current tea range sold in the inaugural coffee franchise store.

The pilot store will open its doors in the Hong Kong New World Tower, located in the Luwan District of Shanghai, which is one of the city’s most famous shopping districts.

“We are thrilled to serve a new generation of guests in the great city of Shanghai,” said Saleh. “China is an exciting new market for us, as it reinforces our dedication and enthusiasm for global growth, especially in light of our recent openings in the Indian sub-continent.”

Dash Brands Limited plans to open 600 coffee franchise stores across the territory covered under the master franchise agreement within the next 15 years; about 30 of those cafe franchise outlets are planned to be operating by the end of 2010 and the second store planned for later in the month.

This article appears courtesy of 5 Minute Franchising Newsletter