Columbus Coffee

Columbus Coffee was awarded the both the 2009 / 2010 Food and Beverage Franchise System of the Year and the Supreme Franchise System of the Year at a recently held New Zealand Franchise Industry Awards evening. The panel of Judges commented “The highly contested Supreme Franchise System of the Year went to Columbus Coffee for their excellent application that comprehensively addressed all criteria items and demonstrated highly effective work systems, coupled with very sound leadership. The entry from Columbus was considered by the judges to have a strong focus on performance management, supported by a comprehensive suite of measures showing impressive levels of performance across all results areas.

Franchise Opportunities

Each store has a defined territory. The franchise term is usually 6 years plus 6. This is often amended to match lease terms. Rights of renewal are available subject to performance. We are seeking franchisees from all over New Zealand. At any one time we have a number of existing locations available.

• Auckland - CBD and suburban sites
• Hamilton
• Tirau
• Taupo
• Palmerston North
• Porirua
• Wellington - CBD
• Newtown - Wellington
• Christchurch
• Queenstown

Training and Ongoing Support Provided

Our initial training programme is 6 weeks long. Our trainers are work assessor qualified and our training system is Qual linked to the Hospitality Standards Institute. We are a NZQA accredited training organisation. All franchisees must complete a Hospitality Diploma Level 2 which we certify internally because of our accreditation. This is a tertiary level diploma.

In addition to initial training we provide the additional initial support:

• Store design 
• Obtain building consents, manage the store build 
• Assist with staff recruitment 
• Train core staff 
• Opening assistance 
• Onsite help for up to 2 weeks after opening 

On an ongoing basis:

• We visit all stores every 6 weeks and 
• We are always available by phone and e mail to assist. 
• We have developed an industry leading web based business intelligence toolbox to assist franchisees run their business. 

Qualification

We are seeking people who wish to join a dynamic, quality focussed, and premium hospitality brand. Prior industry or business experience is not necessary but is useful.

Discover how to become part of the Columbus Coffee success story

Columbus Coffee is an exciting and unique company. We are credited with kick starting the cafe culture in Auckland in the mid nineties Columbus Coffee set the standard that other cafes have aspired to since.

The Columbus Coffee Franchise network has begun to spread outside of Auckland to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of consumers throughout the country.

Our head office is not in Seattle or Sydney. Columbus has a unique New Zealand approach which has been proven in the highly competitive Auckland market.

Our support for franchisees is a key feature of the Columbus approach. Our head office staff are available to share their expertise with franchise owners directly. While our practices are systematic and easily implemented, we also believe in fast response to the unique issues that might arise that are specific to particular location.

Proven Systems

Our systems and practices are amongst the best available. We offer the reassuring endorsement of Westpac Bank.

We take great pride in the quality of experience for Columbus Coffee customers. Our brand has been developed to be world class and is carefully managed to ensure our position as a preferred and credible leader in our market. The power of our brand and the support it offers franchisees is one of the most commonly cited reasons for choosing to invest in a Columbus Coffee franchise.

Commitment To People

The founders of Columbus Coffee remain involved in the guidance of the business. David Burton is one of the most respected experts in New Zealand's booming coffee industry. He continues to participate in training Columbus Coffee staff, sharing the wealth of his experience and his passion for fine coffee. As a result of this dedication to training Columbus Coffee staff regularly excel in barista competitions and, most importantly, serving excellent products to our customers.

It takes a particular kind of person to be a Columbus Coffee franchisee. We are looking for dedicated individuals who have a passion for coffee and hospitality service. If you would like to become part of the Columbus Coffee success story we would like to talk to you.

Please contact Graeme Tait via the Quick Request below to learn more about the Columbus Coffee opportunity.