COFFEE REPUBLIC Investors' Blog

A new Coffee Rebublic opened in Malta??

2009-01-29T12:54:00.003+01:00

28th January 2008

It is rumoured that there are now two CR outlets in Malta, one in the airport and one in Valletta, the capital. T.B.C.

CR opens in Manchester!

2009-01-29T12:53:00.000+01:00

28th January 2009

The first Coffee Republic Franchise of 2009 has opened in Manchester. The store is situated in the busy shopping area of Oldham Street. Franchisee Jason McGuire will be on site to welcome you.

CR lands in Saudi Arabia!

2009-01-29T12:49:00.000+01:00

28th January 2009

CR's first bar in Saudi Arabia has opened this week, in the Attallah Commercial Centre in Jeddah. The Grand Opening is scheduled for February 3, when the British ambassador of Saudi Arabia and mayor of Jeddah are to be in attendance.

Steven Bartlett's interview with Coffee House Magazine

2009-01-20T13:25:00.004+01:00

20th January 2009

The following feature appeared in Issue 34 of Coffee House Magazine and was written after Steven Bartlett's presentation to the Beverage Service Association. For more information about Coffee House Magazine please click on the following link...

www.coffee-house.org.uk

CR opens in Camberley

2009-01-19T13:11:00.002+01:00

17th January 2009
Source; http://www.propertymall.com/press/article/21017

Fast-expanding UK chain Coffee Republic is continuing to roll-out its distinctive brand with a new unit in Camberley, Surrey.

The coffee house chain has taken the New Mall Café in Main Square, Camberley Shopping Centre, on a new 10-year lease at a rental of £57,500 pa, with five-yearly rent reviews. The unit totals 1,200 sq ft and is prominently located in the shopping centre, owned by The Mall Corporation.

King Sturge represented Coffee Republic; Savills acted for Mourant & Co Trustees c/o The Mall Corporation.

Pubs in deal with Coffee Republic

2009-01-03T20:11:00.003+01:00

1st January 2009

Source; http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/homenews/Pub-People-deal-Coffee-Republic/article-576784-detail/article.html

A PUB company that owns sites across Notts has taken the battle to the coffee bars by signing a deal with the Coffee Republic chain.

The Pub People Company will turn part of The Gatehouse on Upper Parliament Street into a branded area serving cappucinos and lattes rather than cask ales and lagers.

It hopes to hook in city centre customers who would otherwise walk past and head for a branch of Starbucks or Costa Coffee.

The deal could also make a difference to profits in an industry that has been hit hard by a drop-off in drinkers – the profit margin on a cup of coffee is 75% compared to 45% on a pint of beer.

Andrew Crawford is the operations director of The Pub People Company, which is based at South Normanton.

He said the trial at The Gatehouse could lead to roll out of the coffee shop concession into other pubs in the group provided they were in the right kind of site.

"Coffee in pubs has always worked reasonably well, but with the proliferation of branded coffee shops on the high street it hasn't really met customer expectations," he said.

"The Gatehouse is in an area with very high footfall and not so far away from branches of Starbucks and Costa Coffee.

"The pub already attracts a large number of office workers and shoppers for its local cask ales and lunchtime food.

"The endorsement of a strong coffee brand will strengthen the overall offer and fits perfectly with the current decor and furniture style, including the continental style covered outside drinking area."

The initiative comes at a tough time for the pub industry, which has been hit hard by stay-at-home drinkers.

"It's never been as hard as it is now," said Mr Crawford. "Our sales have actually held up very well over Christmas. The problems are more to do with the costs of complying with legislation and pressure on profit margins.

"This could well bring in another type of customer and lead to us extending our hours by opening earlier. It's also an area where the smoking ban will work in our favour."

He added: "From a business perspective the profit opportunity is also attractive.

"The investment is relatively low, the labour is already on site and the gross profit margin on coffee is high at over 75% whereas draught beer at the Gatehouse is only 45%.

"Consequently with a relatively small increase in coffee sales the impact on the bottom line overall is excellent and will strengthen the pub operating profit and loss account."

Mr Crawford said the move was one of a number of innovations being considered by Pub People.

"Pubs have evolved from what they used to be, they will continue to do so and this is one part of that," he said. "We are looking at different parts of our pubs to see where we can bring in new income streams."

Coffee Republic: 200 outlets in just over three years

2008-12-24T17:42:00.001+01:00

24th December 2008

The Coffee Republic franchise announced recently that is expecting to have a network of 200 outlets by the end of the year. With the company’s first franchisee, Henry Runganaikaloo, now celebrating the third anniversary of his first Coffee Republic outlet, the brand is continuing to expand both in the UK and abroad.

Henry Runganaikaloo commented, “I am proud of leading the way for franchisees and being able to demonstrate what the Coffee Republic culture is all about. I am passionate about CR and have seen the brand growing stronger and stronger both nationally and internationally.”

Three new outlets have recently opened their doors to the public: Andrew Bowen has opened his third Coffee Republic Bar in Abingdon, Oxfordshire; franchisee, Andy Fernandez, is celebrating the opening of his first outlet in Liverpool and Mark Christie has opened his fourth Bulgarian Bar in the town of Stara Zagora.

Source: http://www.franchisekey.com/franchise-franchising/Article/ID/52/Session/1-pSpF5i47-0-IP/guidObject/016977-20081216-134822-01/Coffee_Republic_200_outlets_in_just_over_three_years.htm

New CR Deli set for Holborn... before Christmas!

2008-12-24T17:39:00.001+01:00

24th Dec 2008

We are conveniently situated on Grays Inn Road 5 minutes walk from Chancery Lane Tube Station. This is the first store for franchisees Elias Solomou and Melanie Pearson, who are looking forward to welcoming you to their spacious coffee bar.

Source: http://www.coffeerepublic.co.uk/news-article-just-arrived.php?id=56

Coffee Republic Brews Up RFID Loyalty Cards

2008-12-24T17:36:00.001+01:00

The British coffee chain is issuing NFC-enabled smart cards, provided by sQuid, that customers can use to pay for food and drink, as well as earn discounts.

By Claire Swedberg
Source: http://www.rfidjournal.com

Dec. 17, 2008—British coffee house chain Coffee Republic is employing a Near Field Communications (NFC) contactless loyalty card system from sQuid to reduce lines and gain customer loyalty at three of its London locations.

Coffee Republic operates approximately 200 coffee shops, most within the United Kingdom. The restaurants sell coffee and other beverages, as well as snacks and sandwiches. Customers typically pay by cash or credit card, but the payment process is time-consuming, says Coffee Republic's general manager, Aruna Withane.

"One of the problems we've had in our shops," Withane says, "is that if you walk into the shop and take time to order and pay for the transaction, the wait can be long." Most customers don't carry small change, he notes, and have to pay for their food—such as a cup of coffee that costs £2 ($3)—with large bills, or via credit card.

Not only is that system time-consuming, it can also be expensive, says Adam Smith, sQuid's managing director. A business pays a fee to credit card companies for each credit card transaction, he explains, as well as a fee to its bank when money received from cash transactions is deposited into its bank account, and the labor time spent counting and depositing the cash at the end of each day.

In early 2008, Coffee Republic joined forces with Barclays Bank to provide the Barclaycard, a contactless credit card similar to the Oyster Card used by the Transport for London for train rides. Users apply for the Barclays credit account, then utilize the card at a contactless terminal wired to the point-of-sale (POS) system at many of Coffee Republic's London restaurants, as well as at other participating retailers. Withane indicates his company will continue to use the system, and promote it in the stores, though it found that the system held shortcomings for some of its customers.

Coffee Republic has a policy of generating repeat customers by offering loyalty programs. For every £20 ($31) spent at one of its stores, a customer gains a free £2 purchase at one of the chain's locations. According to Withane, the company sought a way to provide that loyalty service—which is impossible with the Barclaycard—and also speed the POS transactions.

The result is the sQuid payment and loyalty card designed specifically for Coffee Republic. This card was introduced in three London-area coffee houses on Dec. 5. Similar to the Oyster card, as well as contactless MasterCard and Visa credit cards issued by Barclaycard and other banks, the sQuid card contains a contactless NFC 13.56 MHz Mifare chip that stores a unique ID number. When acquiring a sQuid card, a customer provides such personal data as his or her name, gender and age, as well as an e-mail address, which is loaded into the sQuid database and linked to the card's unique ID number. The customer can then load the card with money, either at one of Coffee Republics' participating stores (by paying with cash or drawing money off a credit card), or online (using a credit card).

Once the sQuid card is loaded, the customer can use that card's prepaid balance to make a purchase by tapping it against a sQuid terminal, which reads the card's ID number and transmits that data to the sQuid database. There, the ID number is linked to information regarding the cardholder's account, including the balance and the amount spent at Coffee Republic, in the sQuid back-end system. The system is designed to automatically alert both the customer and the vendor with a visual message on the terminal display whenever that patron has spent £20, then offer a £2 discount off the customer's next purchase.

Currently, Withane says, the company is issuing 1,500 cards to customers in three London restaurants—a large shop at Bluewater Shopping Centre, an upscale shopping mall; a medium-sized store with more seating available, often used by business people working in the vicinity of Broadgate, a business area of the city; and, at the Canary Wharf business and shopping district, a small "grab and go" restaurant with limited seating. The objective, according to Withane, is to determine how well the card is received at these different restaurant formats and sizes, and then to base expansion plans accordingly.

"There's been a huge media push for contactless payment cards in London," Withane says, adding that as a result, London consumers are generally enthusiastic about the cards. "They walk in, top up the card and get started right away." After a week of the sQuid service, he says, customer interest has been high in all three stores—though in smaller towns, he expects customers would be slower to adopt the technology. After Coffee Republic evaluates the sQuid program's success at the three current locations, the company will determine if and how the system should be deployed throughout the rest of its stores.

The system can be utilized on existing NFC POS terminals used for MasterCard and Visa contactless cards, Withane says. For the pilot, however, the sQuid cards are employing separate terminals to better track the number of times they are used.

The third benefit for Coffee Republic, in addition to shorter wait times at the sales counter and increased consumer loyalty, is the ability the service provides the company to access its customers by demographic, or in general. For example, although all personal customer data resides on sQuid's database, the company can access anonymous demographic data, such as the ages or genders of customers at any particular location or time. It can also instruct sQuid to send, for instance, a thank-you message to all of its patrons via e-mail, offering them a free coffee or other promotion.

According to Smith, the sQuid system costs a merchant, at maximum, a 1.5 percent fee for each purchase. That's about the same price a merchant pays for a credit card transaction, Withane says.

"The food-and-beverage industry can't negotiate cheaper rates [for credit card transactions], as we do small volumes of low-ticket transactions," Withane says. The sQuid system, he indicates, still saves Coffee Republic money. "We must remember that they administer the payment system along with the loyalty system," he notes, "so it's a heavier workload for a similar remuneration."

What's more, Withane adds, sQuid has become more attractive as consumers are steering away from their credit cards due to economic problems. As an alternative to the card, shoppers feel they have greater control over expenditures since they come out of a prepaid account. The smart card also makes it possible for those who have gone beyond their credit card limit to pay for purchases.

Coffee Republic launch new website!

2008-12-08T20:00:00.003+01:00

3rd December 2008

Coffee Republic Plc have launched a new, cutting-edge website replacing the older, rather tired looking version. The new website is attributed to the hard work of Coffee Republic's IT Manager Ian McKelvie.

Click here to view the new website or visit www.coffeerepublic.co.uk

Interim Results for period ended 28 September 2008

2008-12-08T19:55:00.000+01:00

Coffee Republic plc

3 December 2008

INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 28 SEPTEMBER 2008

CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S STATEMENT

When Stephen Bartlett and I joined the Board two years ago we said that we wanted Coffee Republic to be free of bank borrowings. At that time, bank borrowings amounted to ₤3.3m. We progressively reduced those borrowings to ₤1.5m at the end of this half year (28 September). As of yesterday (Tuesday 2 December) I'm pleased to be able to say the company became free of bank debt.

This position was arrived at following agreement with our bank for the elimination of our borrowings provided they were paid a reduced amount promptly. With the benefit of a share placing and the approval of resolutions at an Extraordinary General Meeting on 1 December the Company has complied with the terms of the agreement and hence has now redeemed in full its bank obligations. The placing comprised 2,272,665 ordinary shares at 30 pence each which amounted to £681,799.50.

Stephen and I both through related parties participated in the placing and (with connected parties) now own 30.37%. This has been cleared by the Takeover Panel and was ratified at an EGM on Tuesday 2 December.

The repayment results in the elimination of interest and charges approaching ₤200,000 a year and that effect, combined with a steadily improving trading position across the broad portfolio, gives me confidence that the Company is likely to be operationally cash flow positive, and may indeed be earnings positive, by the end of the current financial year - I believe for the first time in the Company's history.

For the six months ended 28 September 2008, the loss reported on an IFRS basis was ₤527,000 a reduction of 40 percent on the same period last year (2007: ₤895,000). On an adjusted basis the loss was ₤296,000 (2007: ₤550,000).

A material factor in this loss was the cost associated with the return to company ownership of a number of poorly trading franchise stores. The possibility of more stores being returned must remain an area of concern for all franchise businesses in the current economic environment but the raising of standards required of franchise proposals should reduce this problem in future.

Sales at UK coffeeshops, including Coffee Republic, are currently showing resilience in the face of the generally depressed retail environment. Like for like network sales are flat although after taking account of new openings sales are up by 33 percent compared with a year ago. Also, store expansion continues satisfactorily but, nonetheless, we intend to proceed warily.

I am pleased to report that there are now 200 Coffee Republic outlets worldwide (see Note 4) compared with 42 (in the UK only) two years ago when Stephen and I organised the shareholders' revolt to rescue the company by taking control of the management.

I look forward to announcing results for the full year to 29 March 2009. Unforeseen circumstances excepted, and taking account of the continuing uncertainty of the current economic circumstances, I believe that those results will justify the confidence of shareholders and underpin your Board's faith in the future of our Brand and our Company.

New CR Deli due to open in Edinburgh!

2008-12-01T17:28:00.001+01:00

28th November

Location: Edinburgh Gyle New Coffee Republic Mall Cafe

Recruiting full time manager and Baristas.

Prior experience of preparing and serving coffee and food essential.

Individual must have a good personality and be able to work in a busy environment.
Please send CV's to coffeerepublicgyle@hotmail.co.uk

Immediate start desirable. Source: http://edinburgh.gumtree.com/edinburgh/27/31608827.html http://www.gyleshopping.co.uk/

Yet another CR Deli opening - in Abingdon!

2008-11-05T22:46:00.001+01:00

6th November 2008

For more information, please click here.

CR Deli to open in Granby Street, Leicester soon!

2008-11-04T22:29:00.000+01:00

4th November 2008

Source; http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=27503710&postcount=901

Coffee Republic expanding in Kuwait!

2008-11-04T22:25:00.001+01:00

4th November 2008

CR shops in Kuwait

Congratulations to Mr. Mohammed J. Al-Sayegh, the Master Franchisee for Kuwait, and to Mr. Mohammed Abu Yousef, the Operations Manager for Coffee Republic Kuwait. Along with the Coffee Republic training and support team, they were able to get their first two stores open between the 11th and 18th of August, 2008. A special mention goes to Mr. Mohammed Abu Yousef who completed the Coffee Republic Franchisee training and graduation in London in May 2008 and passed with flying colours. This should help them with their future openings with a third store to be open soon.

CR Deli opens on Isle of Wight!

2008-11-04T22:20:00.001+01:00

4th November 2008

Isle of "CR" Wight

Coffee Republic opened in the town of Newport on the Isle of Wight on Friday, October 31. It was all treats and no tricks for the Franchisees Abi and Steve Chiverton. Their store is centrally located at 115 Pyle Street, just around the corner from St Thomas Church. CR Isle of Wight has a full deli and plenty of upstairs seating.

New CR Deli set to open in Abingdon!

2008-11-02T23:40:00.002+01:00

2nd November 2008

Source; http://www.abingdonblog.co.uk/

"The last few days have seen a variety of contractors coming to play their part in the transformation of this shop on the Market Place. In the last twenty four hours the sign 'COFFEE REPUBLIC' has gone up. It was once an Estate Agent's."

Coffee Republic opens in Qurum City Centre, Muscat!

2008-11-01T12:25:00.002+01:00

1st November 2008

Source; http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20081031070408/Qurum%20City%20Centre%20launched%20in%20Muscat

Visitors are now invited to enjoy browsing through a whole host of top fashion brands, a Carrefour hypermarket and a wide selection of hand-picked outlets. They can also sample the very best facilities, excellent dining experiences in the first mall in the area open 12 hours a day (10am to 10pm).

Outlets already open at Qurum City Centre, include Mango, Borders, Giordano, Bossini, Monsoon, Next, Promod, GNC, Body Shop, Claire's, Nayomi, Adidas Mothercare, Osh Kosh, among others and the main anchor store Carrefour Hypermarket.

Visitors can expect many more stores to open during the coming weeks at the bustling 20,600 sq. meters of prime shopping space once everything is fully open.

As well as browsing in more than 75 retails outlets, visitors can enjoy a whole host of services and amenities that aim to make shopping a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all. These include eight ATM's, prayer rooms for men and women, currency change outlets, taxi services, wheelchairs and, soon to be available strollers for the tiny tots.

When it's time to take a break and relax during a visit, shoppers can sample a wide range of menus from the seven outlets at the food court, and coffee shops, Costa Coffee and Coffee Republic. A cool ice cream break can be had in Oman's first Cold Stone Creamery outlet.

New CR Deli set to open in Gyle, Edinburgh

2008-11-01T12:22:00.002+01:00

1st November 2008

For more information please click here.

The Coffee Republic Photography Competition

2008-10-30T12:17:00.002+01:00

30th October 2008

Source; http://www.coffeerepublic.co.uk/photocomp/index.php

The Coffee Republic photography competition

An exciting and unique photographic competition in collaboration with Digital Photographer Magazine and Park Cameras.

Coffee Republic are the oldest chain of coffee bars in the country and since 2006 we have expanded rapidly and now operate over 150 Delis and Concessions across the UK. We launched an International franchising operation in 2007. We are in the process of a complete website redevelopment. As part of this process we are seeking new images for our bar locations and to update our library of general stock images. Win £1000 of camera equipment vouchers, coffee vouchers and your images published on the Coffee Republic website.

Digital Photographer is the UK’s fastest growing photography magazine. It delivers in-depth digital SLR camera reviews, interviews with leading digital photographers, image-editing tutorials and inspirational career-building advice for photographers who want to maximize their potential and improve their skills.
Park Cameras has been established for over 35 years and are based in Burgess Hill, West Sussex. The company is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading independent retailers, recently being awarded the Pixel Independent Retailer of the Year 2008 Award.

Entry
The Coffee Republic Photo Contest is open to all UK photographers, professional or amateur. (Except for employees of Coffee Republic Plc, their families or anyone else associated with this competition.)

All entrants under the age of 18, must provide a parent/guardian consent form in writing. Forms can be downloaded from the Coffee Republic website. We are accepting applications online now. Please do not wait until the deadline - it is important you send your images (and if you need them, model releases) as soon as possible. This will ensure entrants have a better chance of their images being published on the Coffee Republic website. Images must be JPEG images and not exceed 3 megabytes each. Please compress images that are larger than this. Only colour images will be accepted. You may supply up to five images per coffee bar. One of those images must be an exterior photograph.

Multiple entries are accepted. You can enter as many different bar locations as you wish and up to a maximum of five images per bar. Each bar entry must be uploaded separately and the details filled in as requested. To find your nearest bar, download the photography competition leaflet or take a look at the bar location page on this site.

New CR Deli in Ilford

2008-10-30T11:41:00.000+01:00

30th October 2008

Coffee Republic opened on Monday October 20, 2008 just off the pedestrianised High Street shopping area in Ilford. Just minutes from Ilford station, the store is operated by Upendra Trivedi, a franchisee with a wealth of retail experience.

Pubs encouraged to capitalise on coffee sales

2008-10-22T22:40:00.001+02:00

22nd October 2008

Source; http://www.cokepubandbar.co.uk/CokePubandBar/lic_news.jsp?article=18838364

Publicans should consider selling high-quality coffee in order to pull in customers, according to industry experts.

Sam Pedder, head of food at Admiral Taverns, issued the advice at a recent PubChef event.

Landlords were encouraged to compete with high street outlets and offer non-alcoholic drinks.

Ms Pedder stated that pubs which offer coffee may be viewed more positively by potential customers.

"If you are doing coffee well, the customers are going to think you're doing everything else well too," she said.

"Match the high street where relevant and beat them at their own game when they are closed or not in the vicinity."

Pubs intending to sell coffee should make sure they have an adequate machine, the correct utensils and a popular brand of the drink to offer to its customers.

Last year, brewer Greene King announced that it would be working with Coffee Republic to in order to sell the beverage in 28 of its London pubs.

Edinburgh-based CR Deli bucking the trend

2008-10-20T15:20:00.002+02:00

20th October

Source; http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/other/display.var.2461385.0.coffee_chain_feels_pain_of_caffeine_cutbacks.php

By Julia Horton, The Herald

CAFE chain Coffee Republic yesterday blamed the "toughening" economic climate for a downfall in sales as credit crisis-hit customers cut back on their daily lattes.

Like-for-like sales from April to September were down 0.2%, despite an initial 2.5% rise between April and June, signalling a significant downturn in the past three months.

The company said the fall in sales "reflected a toughening climate".

However, it also claimed that it had begun to reverse the trend with more aggressive sales and marketing activity. Newly-opened bars have been helping to boost the chain's fortunes, including an outlet at St Andrew Square in Edinburgh opposite the historic headquarters of the troubled Royal Bank of Scotland.

There was no obvious sign of people cutting back on spending there yesterday as a dozen or so customers enjoyed a drink.

Cafe director Paul Anderson said: "Our like-for-like sales are up every week. Obviously it's a new shop. I think it depends a lot on location but we're doing fine. Our busiest hour is still 8am to 9am when people buy coffees on their way to work."

Staff at RBS, where the cafe holds its business accounts, also seemed to show no sign of cutting back on their hot drinks with an order of 24 coffees placed with Mr Anderson yesterday.

However, one customer said that she tended not to buy coffee from outlets any more because of the economic downturn.

Kelly Drew, a 32-year-old Edinburgh marketing executive enjoying a coffee with her mother who was visiting for the weekend, said: "Personally it's a rarity for me for that reason. I don't really buy coffees as a rule in the morning because you can make your own and it's a lot cheaper."

Meanwhile, Coffee Republic has secured a key concession deal with cinema chain Cineworld which it expects to increase sales as customers flock to see blockbusters such as the new James Bond film, Quantum of Solace.

The chain has 195 outlets internationally, including 184 in the UK.

TRADING UPDATE - Coffee Republic Plc

2008-10-19T17:46:00.001+02:00

17th October 2008

Coffee Republic PLC, the independent coffeehouse franchisor and operator, announces a trading update in advance of its AGM today.

The business now operates in 195 outlets both in the UK and Internationally. Of the 184 UK outlets 19 are company run, 51 are franchises and 114 are concessions.

In the first six months of the year, network like for like sales are down 0.2% (excluding those bars recently returned to company ownership), reflecting a toughening climate; more aggressive sales and marketing activity has begun to reverse that trend and total network sales growth in the UK is now 20%, driven by newly opened bars.

Operating losses to the end of August have reduced by almost 40% compared to prior year, driven by increased franchise income, the success of the Cineworld concession deal and increased control over head office cost, and the Board expects that the half year results will reflect this improvement.

The board continues to focus on driving the business both in the UK and internationally, and pipelines in both areas remain encouraging despite the general economic climate.

Coffee Republic start trial with Projuice

2008-10-14T13:09:00.004+02:00

14th October 2008

Smooth operators get taste for healthy profits

A fruit drinks enterprise intends to be more than just flavour of the month

Source; The Times (Steve Hemsley)
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/entrepreneur/article4934963.ece

As any area sales manager will tell you, you spend a lot of time in coffee shops when you’re on the road. When Paul Ford was in between client visits for electronics company Panasonic, he would note down how a particular cafe looked and his opinions of the menu and the service he received.

This was not some bizarre hobby but valuable research. The bestpractice reference guide he compiled proved to be useful when he left the corporate world to launch his own juice bar, Fresh Xpresss, in Barnstaple, Devon, six years ago.

Unfortunately, Ford, now 38, failed to appreciate just how crowded this sector was about to become as health-conscious consumers got a taste for fruit juices and smoothies. After opening another outlet at nearby Braunton, he shelved his plans for 15 Fresh Xpresss bars across the southwest and followed a new direction.

He realised there wasmoney to be made from supplying juice-bar equipment and training to his growing list of local competitors and to the hundreds of similar bars opening up across the UK. The hours he had spent observing the country’s cafe culture, plus the £182,000 he invested in his two shops, had taught him a lot. Ford felt there was a lack of knowledge among potential and existing juice and cafe-bar owners about what equipment they needed, how to train staff effectively and which promotions work best to ensure people visit time and again.

In 2003 he formed Projuice and began supplying this burgeoning retail sector. Initially, he continued to run his two Fresh Xpresss outlets, but within 12 months these were sold as he threw himself full-time into Projuice. In 2005 he launched a juice and smoothie bar training academy in Exeter. “I made £140,000 profit from the sale of Fresh Xpresss and all this money went into Projuice because I realised there was such a massive gap in the market,” he says.

Projuice helps with drafting business plans, sourcing and supplying smoothie and juice equipment, devising branding ideas and advising on bar layout and design, as well as training the owners and their staff on how to make drinks.

“We practically wrap bar owners in cotton wool until they are ready to open or we act as troubleshooters for bars that are going through difficult times,” says Ford. “People keep their own brand and run their own business. This is not a franchise arrangement, but we do have a relationship which is good for them and for us.”

Projuice works with more than 800 juice bars around the UK and supplies another 2,500 cafes with what Ford calls “juice-bar concepts”. These include “smoothie in a bag” products for cafes that do not want a full juice bar — they need only a blender to add these drinks to their menu. Among Projuice’s concept customers are the supermarket group Budgens and cafe chain Coffee Republic.

Ford’s business is a family affair nowadays, with his brother, David, and sister, Sarah, on board as directors. He predicts that turnover will rise from £2m to £3.8m this year and could top £4.8m in 2009. Ford expects sales to reach £10m by 2013, when he hopes to sell out to a corporate food services company but remain involved in the business.

Coffee Republic plans to open 25 UK-based Delis every year

2008-10-14T12:54:00.004+02:00

14th October 2008

Source; http://www.kingsturge.co.uk/commercial/news/coffee-republic-to-expand-in-scotland.htm

King Sturge has worked with Coffee Republic since October 2007 when Leslie Furness (since acquired by King Sturge) was appointed to advise on its aggressive opening programme. The chain reached its target of 100 outlets by Christmas 2007 and now aims to open up to 25 new outlets a year for the next few years. It has already opened more than 20 new stores in 2008 including Cribbs Causeway, Bristol; Queensway, west Kensington and the Strand in London; Watford, Gravesend, Leeds and Nottingham.

Coffee Republic opened its first outlets in Northern Ireland earlier this year and has extended its international presence with new stores at Malta International Airport: Bucharest, Romania; Varna, Bulgaria; and Dubai.

Coffee Republic join forces with Hospitality I.T. EPoS solution

2008-10-14T12:50:00.002+02:00

14th October 2008

Source; http://www.hospitality-it.ie/hospitality-it-ltd-newsletter-issue-3/print.html

Hospitality I.T. with their Maitre’D EPoS solution have been selected as the point of sale technology partner for the new and exciting Coffee Republic franchise chain throughout Ireland.

The first Coffee Republic Deli in Northern Ireland opened recently at the Abbeycentre in Newtownabbey, representing a £200,000 investment.

The unique Deli format combines the same great coffee that is Coffee Republic’s heritage with a serious hot and cold fresh food range, served in a quick service environment.

Behind the concept are local entrepreneurs Siobhan and Robert Mooney, Coffee Republic’s Master Franchisees for Northern & Southern Ireland. The duo, no strangers to the service sector, are responsible for bringing the premium, international brand initially to Northern Ireland and plan to sub-franchise five additional Coffee Republic Delis over the next twelve months.

Maitre’D EPoS is perfectly suited to chain-syle businesses with it’s e-Global Head Office solution. Maitre’D is available across 20 countries with 40,000 installations in all styles of food and beverage business from cafés to nightclubs, fast service to fine dining, and from single sites to chains spread right across the globe.

The requirements for Coffee Republic were extensive and highly specific. The system had to be very end-user friendly yet have the depth of data required for a chain business to analyse and develop trading strategies.

Each store would typically have either one or two tills, with all stores having Stock Control, Time & Attendance and Accounts Receivable modules to assist with the day-to-day management reporting.

The Head Office e-Global server is updated nightly with sales and all module data to allow the Head Office to review performance across the group and maintain an up-to-date picture of business throughout the chain.

The stores can be grouped by geographical region, franchisee or menu-level. This allows the Head Office to simply update individual stores or appropriate groups with any menu data changes with ease

“Coffee Republic, Ireland, chose Hospitality I.T. because we believed that in light of our expansion plans for Ireland, they could cater for our need for: excellent immediate support; accurate and timely information; an established and proven system; most importantly a positive approach to meeting our needs as the business develops. We haven’t been disappointed... crucial to our choice were the skills, knowledge and professional approach of the Hospitality I.T. team in building a business relationship.”

Siobhan Mooney (Master Franchisee for Ireland)

Coffee Republic ups Scots presence

2008-10-11T13:32:00.000+02:00

11th October 2008

Source; http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=36&storycode=3124545

Coffee Republic is looking to open a further 20 stores across Scotland.

The UK coffee chain has appointed King Sturge to increase its number of stores to 25. It already has coffee shops in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee and East Kilbride.

Coffee Republic signs for UK Land/Pochin's Exchange Flags

2008-10-11T13:27:00.002+02:00

11th October 2008

Source; http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=39&storycode=3124439&c=2

UK Land & Property and Pochin have signed their first leisure tenant since the refurbishment of Exchange Flags began last year.

Coffee Republic has taken 1,200 sq ft in Walker House, which is the second phase and nearing completion. Coffee Republic’s unit will mirror that of sandwich bar Philpotts, an existing tenant, in the other wing, Horton House.

Ian Sherry, director of UK Land, said: ‘We are seeing a lot more animation in the square as occupiers move in and the links between retail and business cores grow stronger.’

A unit of 4,500 sq ft has been placed under offer by an oriental food operator, and two more units of 10,000 sq ft and 5,000 sq ft are attracting interest, Sherry said.

A 600 sq ft coffee shop in the ‘island’ unit between the two pedestrian arches is also subject to talks and, pending completion, is likely to open in the new year.

The square is hosting artwork for the Liverpool Biennial art festival in the shape of a glittery spider on a web hanging in mid air.

Cheetham & Mortimer are the leisure agents at Exchange Flags

CR Deli to open in Sofia, Bulgaria

2008-10-05T20:44:00.003+02:00

5th October 2008

A new Coffee Republic Deli is set to open very soon in Sofia, Bulgaria. For more information please click here.

Coffee Republic set for Bulgarian expansion

2008-09-30T22:04:00.002+02:00

30th September 2008

One of the largest independent espresso bar brands in the UK has identified four new locations to open outlets in Bulgaria.

‘Coffee Republic’ currently operates two stores in the country – one at Sunny Beach Mall and one at Pfohe Mall, Varna with another soon to open in Varna Mall.

Other cities where the chain is to expand are Stara Zagora, Plovdiv and Sofia.

Source: http://www.stephencole.com/downloads/Bulgaria_News.pdf

Perth Opens its Doors to the Republic!!

2008-09-30T19:07:00.001+02:00

30th September 2008

Published: Monday, September 29, 2008
Source: http://www.stjshopping.co.uk/news_details.aspx?NewsID=80

St John’s Shopping Centre, Perth has announced that Coffee Republic Deli is due to open this month at the King Edward Street entrance to the shopping mall.

The Coffee Republic Deli is the first of its kind outside of Edinburgh and Glasgow, and the fourth of its kind in Scotland and will offer customers a unique combination of fresh deli food, award winning coffee blends and the opportunity to enjoy their Coffee Republic Deli experience either inside the shopping centre or on piazza style seating in St John’s Square on Kind Edward Street.

Siobhan McConnell, manager of St John’s Shopping Centre, said “The Coffee Republic Deli has a prime location at the main entrance to St John’s Shopping Centre. It is an innovative, cosmopolitan and well loved brand with excellent products and service and I believe it will complement and add strength and vitality to our city centre.”

Coffee Republic was founded in 1995 by brother and sister entrepreneurial team, Bobby and Sahar Hashemi. Giving up highly paid professional jobs, she as a lawyer in London and he an investment banker in New York, they staked everything on a dream – to create the best coffee chain in Britain.

The Coffee Republic Deli is an extension of that original concept is the one and only registered Deli chain in the UK. Focussing on great, hand made, fresh food, lots of fresh ingredients and choice in our recipes, friendly and helpful service, all wrapped up in a welcoming environment.

For further information about the developments at St John’s Shopping Centre please log on to www.stjshopping.co.uk

Photo - New Coffee Republic open in Kuwait

2008-09-23T15:22:00.003+02:00

23rd September 2008

Sharq-Universal tower on the Derwaza

Photos of the new Coffee Republic store in Bury

2008-09-23T15:10:00.007+02:00

23rd September 2008

Thanks for the photos and congratulations yet again, Richard!!

Click on photos to enlarge.

A new CR Deli set for Leicester soon

2008-09-23T14:59:00.002+02:00

23rd September 2008

A new Coffee Republic is set to open in Leicester in the near future. Watch this space for further updates!

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A NEW PREMISES LICENCE Name of applicant: MR A KANABAR Postal address of premises: COFFEE REPUBLIC 20-22 GRANBY STREET LEICESTER LE1 1DE Details of Application: APPLICATION FOR PREMISES LICENCE TO SERVE ALCOHOL:- MON.-FRI., 07.30 - 18.30hrs. SAT. 08.00 - 18.30hrs and SUNDAY 09.30 - 17.30hrs. The Licensing Register can be inspected at any time by visiting www.leicester.gov.uk/licensing . During office hours arrangements may be made for the register to be viewed at the Customer Services Department, Leicester City Council, New Walk Centre, Welford Place, Leicester, LE1 6ZG.

Source; classifieds.thisisleicestershire.co.uk

Lipstick Jungle team up with Coffee Republic

2008-09-23T14:49:00.002+02:00

23rd September 2008

Source; www.guardian.co.uk
By Mark Sweney
Published 29th August 2008

Virgin Media TV is to launch an innovative ad campaign to promote Lipstick Jungle, Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell's new show starring Brooke Shields, which includes selling branded "Lipstick lattés" in coffee shops across the UK.

Lipstick Jungle, which follows the "lives and loves of three feisty career women in New York", spearheads the autumn lineup for Virgin Media TV's entertainment channel, Living.

Shields appears alongside Kim Raver and Lindsay Price as the trio attempt to "juggle their families, sex lives, affairs, high-powered business deals and scandals while still looking fabulous".

The ad campaign, Living TV's biggest yet for a programme launch, includes cinema ads and a range of strategic partnerships to reach potential female viewers.

Living has struck a deal with Coffee Republic to launch a range of branded products that will be sold through its 67 outlets across the UK.

Coffee Republic stores will sell "Lipstick lattés" - vanilla-flavoured coffees with a chocolate kiss-shaped foam top - and "Lipstick cupcakes", with kiss-shaped icing.

Lipstick Jungle branding will run on coffee cup sleeves, tables, screensavers and posters in Coffee Republic stores from Monday.

A tie-up with magazine publisher Bauer will see a Living-branded faux back cover and three pages of advertorials in Heat to showcase Lipstick Jungle and Living's autumn schedule.

Other shows on the channel this autumn include Dirty Dancing: The Time of Your Life, hosted by Kelly Brook, America's Next Top Model, and Grey's Anatomy.

As part of a link-up with morning freesheet Metro, Lipstick Jungle branded Oyster cards will be handed out - complete with "dinky" mirrors for travellers to check out their look on the way to work.

Afternoon freesheets London Lite and the London Paper will run cover wraps to promote the show and Living's autumn schedule. A radio campaign will also run on Heart FM.

Lipstick Jungle has also joined forces with shopping website As Seen on Screen, better known as ASOS.com, to advertise on the site and in its free 429,000 copy monthly magazine.

Online customers will also be able to search the website to find products and clothing worn by the stars of the show.

The campaign to support the series and Living's autumn season breaks on Monday.

Another CR Deli set for the Mall at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol?

2008-09-23T14:44:00.003+02:00

23rd September 2008

Source; www.propertyweek.com
By Christine Eade
Published 12th Sept 2008

"Phase Eight, the fashion retailer, has taken a 10-year lease on 1,360 sq ft at the Mall at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol. Other lettings include 685 sq ft to Beaverbrooks, the jeweller, on a 15-year lease and 1,200 sq ft to Coffee Republic on a 10-year lease."

New CR Deli set to open in Ilford - October 2008

2008-09-23T14:38:00.003+02:00

23rd September 2008

According to the Gumtree website, a new Coffee Republic Deli is set to open in Ilford during the 2nd week of October. Watch this space for further developments.

For more info click here.

Another Coffee Republic opens in Aberdeen alongside McLeish Bros

2008-09-23T14:33:00.002+02:00

23rd September 2008

Deli rollout gathers pace in Granite City

McLeish Brothers entrepreneur stepping up Scotland-wide expansion

By Ian Forsyth
Source; www.pressandjournal.co.uk
Published: 05/09/2008

MCLEISH Brothers, the delicatessen chain launched by a north-east businessman less than two years ago, underlined its commitment to Aberdeen yesterday by opening a second store in the Granite City centre.

Entrepreneur Stanley Morrice said it was full steam ahead in a Scotland-wide expansion programme.

He plans to have around two dozen New York-style delis up and running in the next few months from a standing start of four in 2006.

The latest outlet is at 45 Schoolhill – the first shop in Aberdeen was opened last year in Union Street – and is on the site of what was the Toy Bazaar, all of whose staff were offered positions among the 25 jobs created.

Mr Morrice, who hails from Fraserburgh, said: “Aberdeen, a cosmopolitan, 21st-century city, has proved to be an extremely receptive market for the type of deli service we provide. Such has been the success of our Union Street store from the word go that we were anxious to open a second and, hopefully soon, a third.”

Barclays gives away 50,000 contactless coffees at Coffeee Republic

2008-09-23T14:24:00.003+02:00

23rd September 2008

Wave, pay, caffeinate

By Jo Best
Published: Wednesday 10 September 2008
Source; www.silicon.com/financialservices/0,3800010322,39286265,00.htm

Barclays will be giving away 50,000 single use contactless payment cards at this weekend's Thames Festival to get consumers used to the idea of the 'wave and pay' tech.

Festival goers will be able to pick up one of the one-off cards on either Saturday or Sunday and use the stored credit to pay for a drink at Coffee Republic at Jubilee Gardens on London's South Bank.

The coffee outlet will house six of the 6,000 readers able to take Barclays contactless payments in the UK.

Barclays announced its first contactless credit card a year ago. The card, called OnePulse, can be used for contactless payments and as an Oyster card, and also as a standard credit card.

The bank recently told silicon.com it will be expanding the range of plastic able to make contactless payments, as it seeks to have a million wave and pay cards in the hands of its customers by the end of this year.

Coffee Republic heading for New Zealand?

2008-09-23T14:15:00.002+02:00

23rd September 2008

See web image below:
(Source; IPONZ - Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand)

Click on image to enlarge

Coffee Republic and other retail concessions boost CineWorld

2008-09-23T14:08:00.003+02:00

23rd September 2008

CINEWORLD GROUP plc - Financial Report

Published: 21 August 2008
Source: www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200808210700097693B

HIGHLIGHTS

Financial

Group revenue up 0.9% to £137.0m (2007: £135.7m)
EBITDA* at £21.5m (2007: £21.7m)**
Operating profit up 19.5% to £14.1m (2007: £11.8m)**
Operating cash flow before changes in working capital and provisions at £21.5m (2007: £19.8m)
Net debt reduced to £125.4m from £129.6m in June 2007
Reported EPS: 4.2p on basic earnings
Proposed interim dividend of 3.2p per share (2007: 3.0p per share)

Operational

Box office receipts up 1.0% at £89.6m (2007: £88.7m)
Average ticket price per admission up 6.1% to £4.34 (2007: £4.09)
Average retail spend per person up 5.4% to £1.73 (2007: £1.64)
Market share remained firm throughout the half year period at 23.6% (2007: 23.9%) (source: EDI Neilsen)
Admissions down 4.8% at 20.6m (2007: 21.7m) reflecting a lower number of blockbuster films than the previous year
New 12 screen cinema opened at High Wycombe in March 2008
Formation of joint venture with Odeon Cinemas Limited to drive screen advertising revenue
Strong start to the second half of 2008.

"We achieved these results through a specific focus on the cost and mix of our offering. On the film side, the product mix was geared more to adult films which was a major factor in our average ticket price per admission improving to £4.34 (2007:£4.09). The change of both coffee and alcohol suppliers, more Ben & Jerry's kiosks installed, plus the upgrading of several of our retail areas resulted in our average retail spend per person rising to £1.73 (2007: £1.64)."

"In retail we successfully rolled out the Coffee Republic brand of freshly ground bean to cup coffee into all our retail stands and bars, thereby offering our customers a new and branded quality coffee product. We also appointed Carlsberg as our supplier for all draft beer and packaged alcohol and spirits across our estate."

Wine and beer on sale at Coffee Republic

2008-09-23T13:39:00.001+02:00

23rd September 2008

Source; www.bakeryinfo.co.uk

Coffee Republic is dipping its toe into continental-style drinking culture as some cafés have started to sell alcohol. Speaking to British Baker at Caffè Culture, UK franchise director Kevin Frostick said Coffee Republic hadn't really pushed the concept of licensed cafes, but where franchisees wanted to sell alcohol, the company had helped with alcohol licence applications to local authorities.

"It's just a handful, three or four, at the moment," he said. Frostick said some councils were not willing to grant the licences, but others welcomed the move towards a continental European drinking culture. One of the franchises selling alcohol, in Crawley, Sussex, is offering both chilled wine and beer.

Coffee Republic was at Caffè Culture to promote its concessions. Frostick said that the quality of enquiries at the show had been high.

Coffee Republic Plc Preliminary Results

2008-08-29T18:23:00.002+02:00

29th August 2008

PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Coffee Republic PLC, the independent coffeehouse franchisor and operator, announces its preliminary results for the year to 30 March 2008

Key Points:

The number of total outlets has more than quadrupled, to 193 since the beginning of the 2008 financial year (26 march 2007) driven by a large growth in concession outlets.

The number of franchise units has doubled, to 53, in the same period. There are now 69 full service stores, including company owned, in the UK.

There are ten international stores now open, principally in the Middle East and Eastern Europe with roll out commitments for more than 200 stores over the next 5 years.

CEO to move to vice - chairman and maintains major shareholding as the business enters a phase of consolidation and refinement.

Like for like sales for the total network for the quarter ended 29 June 2008 are 2.5% positive driven by a strong performance from the franchise bar portfolio.

Preliminary Results - Financial

Financial results show a net loss of £2.50 million (2007: £2.42million) with £0.7m of fixed asset impairments and loss on disposal.

Reported sales down 39.8% to £5.8 million following the conversion to franchising. Total network sales grew 9.0%, based on UK franchises and Company stores.

A further £620,000 repaid to the bank during the year.

Operating losses stable at £1.6m with the company absorbing unexpected costs of circa £200,000 and taking a bad debt impairment of £191,000.

Commenting Peter Breach, Chairman, said:

'This has been a year of significant change with the brand now represented across the UK and in twelve countries overseas.

We are still in a turnaround period and our costs have continued to outpace our income as we vigorously invest in the future of this global brand.

I continue to be impressed by the strength of the brand and I am convinced that our focus on Company owned bars, UK and International franchising and concessions is the most effective way to deliver profits to our shareholders in the medium term.'

For more detail please click here.

Coffee Republic now open in Perth, Scotland?

2008-08-20T18:22:00.001+02:00

20th August 2008

More information to follow.....

CR Deli in Kuwait now up and running!

2008-08-20T18:17:00.002+02:00

20th August 2008

Just arrived from London to Kuwait, Coffee Republic, the famous British espresso coffee house opened this week serving a wide range of HOT and COLD drinks in addition to freshly baked bread and pastries and freshly made sandwiches.

CR is now open at the Universal Tower at the Derwaza, Ahmed Al-Jaber Street and will have more branches soon at the free trade zone, Salmiya and Highway restaurants area at Mina Abdulla.

source: http://www.moeys.net/2008/08/22/coffee-republic-opened/

New Coffee Republic up and running in Bury, Lancashire!

2008-08-18T12:32:00.001+02:00

18th August 2008

Congratulations to Andrew and Richard Liles who have opened a new Coffee Republic in Bury. Situated close to the Mill Gate Shopping Centre, the new Coffee Republic offers free Wi-fi and the Deli range alongside the usual great Coffee Republic drinks range.

New Coffee Republic in Quality Crown Hotel, Kensington

2008-08-17T20:22:00.003+02:00

17th August 2008

Coffee Republic now features in the Quality Crown Hotel in Kensington, London.

http://www.qualitycrown.com/kensington.htm

Coffee Republic switches on Barclaycard contactless payments

2008-08-04T18:45:00.003+02:00

4th August 2008

Coffee Republic switches on Barclaycard contactless payments
Leo King

Follows four month trial

Coffee Republic has begun a rollout of contactless payments using Barclaycard OneTouch technology.

The cafe chain will install the technology in its 16 company-owned outlets across the UK. It is also in discussions with franchise owners about using the technology in their approximately 40 outlets.

The news follows a successful trial in five London stores, where there was a 50 per cent growth in contactless payments during the four month trial to April this year. Just under a fifth of credit card transactions were made in a contactless way in the period.

It said it was the first coffee chain to start contactless payments, which allow customers to pay for goods up to the value of £10 without needing a pin number, and by just swiping their cards. The system is also used by chains including Krispy Kreme, Yo Sushi and Books etc.

Coffee Republic is using the system because speed of service had become a concern, especially during peak times.

Keisha Meade, electronic point of sale systems manager at Coffee Republic, said the technology was making a big difference to service times, especially since many of its bars have only one till.

“We have seen an incredible appetite for the technology from our customers, in particular our Canary Wharf outlet where knowledge of contactless has proved to be very strong,” she said. “Customers recognise the technology, understand how to use it and are aware of its advantages such as speed and simplicity.”

http://www.cio.co.uk/concern/customers/news/index.cfm?articleid=3015&pagtype=allchandate

RNS - IMF's agreed for Malta and Jordan

2008-08-04T18:17:00.002+02:00

Coffee Republic PLC - Convertible Loan Note Issue
RNS Number : 5607A
Coffee Republic PLC
04 August 2008

Coffee Republic Plc ('Coffee Republic' or the 'Company')
Issue of Convertible Loan Notes, the buy back of various Regional Development
Franchise ('RDF') agreements and the granting of International Master Franchises
('IMF') for Jordan and Malta.

Coffee Republic is pleased to announce that an additional £270,000 of convertible loan notes ('Loan Notes') were issued on 31 July, being the closing date for the Loan Note issue. This brings to £780,000 the total Loan Notes issued.

The £270,000 additional Loan Notes have been used as consideration to buy back a number of RDF agreements where the Company and the RDF believe it is in the best interests of both parties to do so. All the individual RDFs concerned continue or plan to operate Coffee Republic franchises.

Furthermore, Coffee Republic announces that all RDF agreements with CR Direct Ltd have been terminated.

Coffee Republic also announces that it has recently signed IMF agreements for both Malta and Jordan with roll out plans of 5 and 7 stores respectively.

This continues the expansion of the Coffee Republic internationally and the Board remains confident that further international deals will be signed during the coming year.

Coffee Republic heading for Bahrain City Centre

2008-08-04T18:10:00.002+02:00

4th August 2008

Bahrain City Centre (BCC), the region's latest shopping destination due to open in September 2008, is set to be a food-lover's paradise.

Coffee lovers will also be spoilt for choice with 11 cafes brewing the rich flavours from Coffee Republic, Gloria Jeans, Caribou Coffee, Al Bindaira and The Coffee Bean. Bahrain's own Shawarma Express, Al Abraj, Jasmis and Maya La Chocolaterie will enrich this culinary choice with local specialties.

http://www.ameinfo.com/165254.html

Coffee Republic now open in Leeds City Centre!

2008-07-22T21:13:00.000+02:00

22nd July 2008

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=22634690&postcount=1986

CR Deli opens in Gravesend today!

2008-07-21T20:37:00.004+02:00

21st July 2008

Congratulations to Dave Waller new Franchisee at Gravesend who opened on Saturday to very busy trading. See photos attached.

Posts on ADVFN also suggest a Deli may also soon appear in Horsham, Sussex. http://www.advfn.com/cmn/fbb/thread.php3?id=16143244

A new CR to open in Aberdeen soon

2008-07-17T21:07:00.000+02:00

17th July 2008

McLeish Brothers Limited,
45-47 Market Place
c/o Maclay, Murray & Spens LLP
66 Queens Road
Aberdeen AB15 4YE

Steven Bartlett steps down

2008-07-10T20:15:00.002+02:00

10th July 2008

RNS Number : 6656Y

Coffee Republic PLC

09 July 2008

Coffee Republic Plc

Directorate Change

Coffee Republic Plc ('Coffee Republic' or 'the Company'), the independent coffee bar operator, announces that Steven Bartlett CEO, who joined the Company to lead a recovery of the business is now standing down at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting and his role as CEO will be assumed by Peter Breach, the current Executive Chairman. In the meantime the company will begin its search for a new Chief Executive.

Steven Bartlett will remain on the board in a non-executive capacity and is expected to be appointed Vice-Chairman at that meeting. These changes mean Coffee Republic will continue to benefit from his expertise and his enthusiasm for the brand, whilst allowing him to dedicate more of his time to his businesses and family in Plymouth. Mr Bartlett will continue to hold his substantial shareholding.

The Board wishes to recognise the work that Mr Bartlett has done, particularly in rebuilding the brand, increasing the number of outlets and establishing the brand internationally.

Mr Bartlett has accomplished a notable turnaround and has established Coffee Republic as a major coffeehouse brand in the UK whilst also establishing the foundation for a strong international brand.

It is anticipated that the financial results for the year to 31 March will be announced in late August. The Board is considering the carrying value of previously capitalised assets in relation to those Company owned stores which have performed poorly.

Like-for-like network sales for the first three months of the current financial year have increased by 2.5% driven by strong growth by franchises. Total franchise network sales have grown by over 70% compared to the beginning of the last financial year and the company continues its strategy of growth.

The Board are preparing for a General Meeting to consider an incentive scheme or schemes for staff to replace the recently expired mandate and to consider the maintenance of capital of the Company as required by the Companies Act, Section 142.

Six CR Delis opened in June!

2008-07-10T20:12:00.001+02:00

10th July 2008

Coffee Republic: June's New Openings!

It has been openings galore recently so we take great pleasure in announcing the opening of the following great new Coffee Republic stores: Congratulations to Paula Lavelle who opened the fourth Scottish Coffee Republic store in the East Kilbride Shopping Centre outside Glasgow; Jenny Harris, who had the pleasure of re-opening the Coffee Republic at Commercial Road in Bournemouth and Karen Hillier & Will Flannigan who have opened their second franchise in Nottingham. As well this month we have opened three new International franchises so congratulations Frank Cachia who opened his first franchise at Malta international Airport and Imran Aziz who has opened the first Romanian Coffee Republic in Bucharest and finally Mark Christie who has opened his third Coffee Republic in Mall Varna, one of Bulgaria's largest shopping malls.

http://www.finchannel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16358&Itemid

New CR Deli set for Billericay

2008-07-10T20:06:00.001+02:00

10th July 2008

"Although the street is already swamped with more than 10 cafés it was decided the former Woolwich building society shop could be converted into a Coffee Republic." For more info, please click on the link below.

http://www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/gazette/High-Street-swamped-caf-s/article-208799-detail/article.html?logout=true

East Kilbride CR Deli to be a hit

2008-06-30T02:26:00.001+02:00

29th June 2008

http://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspx

CR soon to open impressive new Deli in Perth

2008-06-21T13:49:00.003+02:00

21st June 2008

http://www.allmediascotland.com/media_releases/2882/st_john%92s_shopping_centre_signs_deal_with_bskyb

Coffee Republic now operating in Malta Airport

2008-06-18T20:35:00.002+02:00

18th June 2008

More information to follow......

http://coffeerepublicmalta.com/

Ambitious plans afoot for Coffee Republic in Bulgaria

2008-06-18T19:46:00.003+02:00

18th June 2008

After the success of the first Coffee Republic abroad, Mark Christie and Andy Kelland - British businessmen from Plymouth, Devon - recently opened their third Coffee Republic in Bulgaria, in the biggest mall in Varna, Mall Varna. Next coming is Sofia – June 2008, Stara Zagora – Arena in October 2008 and Mall of Plovdiv in Mach 2009, and many others to follow.

http://www.coffeerepublic.bg/index.html

Coffee Republic opens its 3rd Bulgarian store

2008-06-18T19:37:00.010+02:00

18th June 2008

Coffee Republic has opened its 3rd Bulgarian store in the country's newest and largest shopping centre in Varna.

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=94104

Coffee Republic opens its first Romanian store

2008-06-18T19:16:00.009+02:00

18th June 2008

Coffee Republic have opened their very first CR Deli in Romania.

The British cafe chain Coffee Republic, a franchise owned by Krrus Holdings, opened in Baneasa Shopping City its first Romanian cafe bar. This is only a first step from the ambitious plans that Coffee Republic has for Romania.

By 2009 the franchise plans to have up to four more cafes, all spread within Bucharest.

The manager of Coffee Republic Romania, Imran Aziz, explained “the decision to bring Coffee Republic to Romania is due to the fact that the market of the local and international brands of cafes or pubs is still unsaturated”.

Coffee Republic now open in East Kilbride shopping centre

2008-06-18T19:13:00.003+02:00

18th June 2008

Coffee Republic is now operating in East Kilbride shopping centre.

http://iclanarkshire.icnetwork.co.uk/eknews/news/tm_headline=action-needed-to-halt-town-centre-exodus&method=full&objectid=20741450&siteid=50144-name_page.html

Coffee Republic opens in Nottingham

2008-06-18T19:08:00.002+02:00

18th June 2008

Coffee Republic has opened its doors to the public in Fletcher Gate, Nottingham.

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=213265&command=displayContent&sourceNode=213256&contentPK=20224148&folderPk=78479&pNodeId=212983

Sip Water in new retail partnership with Coffee Republic

2008-06-18T18:50:00.003+02:00

18th June 2008

http://sipdrink.com/blog/

New CR Deli - The Mall at Cribbs Causeway

2008-05-26T13:12:00.004+02:00

18th June 2008

CR Deli at the The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol is now open.

www.mallcribbs.com

Another McLeish Deli means another CR Deli !

2008-05-16T15:08:00.003+02:00

16th May 2008

Acting on behalf of McLeish, Culverwell have acquired 1 Lochrin Square, Edinburgh from joint developer Scotmid/Gladedale Capital (acting on behalf of the landlord, Credit Suisse). McLeish have agreed a new 15 year full repairing and insuring lease subject to 5 yearly upward only rent reviews at an initial rent of £90,000 per annum.

The premises extend to the following net internal areas:

Ground Floor 3,833 sq ft 356.32 sq m
Basement 2,153 sq ft 200.09 sq m

McLeish are an up-market, New York style licensed Deli that incorporates both Coffee Republic and Thorntons concessions.

McLeish recently opened their first Edinburgh store at 59 South Bridge which is trading successfully and have active requirements for more stores across Scotland.

McLeish's Managing Director, Stanley Morrice, commented, "We are delighted with our latest acquisition at Lochrin Square which is situated in the heart of Edinburgh's business district".

For further information please contact:

James Godfrey/Callum Mortimer
Direct Dial: 0131 243 9614
Email: james@culverwell.co.uk or callum@culverwell.co.uk

Source: http://www.culverwell.co.uk/index.shtml?news

Coffee Republic set to invade Malta?

2008-05-14T18:34:00.001+02:00

14th May 2008

http://coffeerepublicmalta.com/

CR Deli to open in famous Sharjah shopping centre, United Arab Emirates

2008-05-12T00:06:00.006+02:00

12th May 2008

PRESS RELEASE - United Arab Emirates

Sharjah City Centre undergoes AED 41 million redevelopment

22 new stores set to offer the best retail mix.

Sharjah City Centre, the Emirate's highest drawing shopping destination, is undergoing a major expansion, renovation and redevelopment programme. The new extension will take the mall's total retail area offering to over 37,553 square metres with over 114 shops.

Set for completion in December 2008, the mall will be home to an additional 22 new stores including internationally renowned anchor stores New Look, H&M and Borders occupying a total of over 3,400 square metres of space.

Other prominent retailers will include Vincci, Women's Secret, Missha, Areej, Shades and for the first time in the northern emirates Coffee Republic and Parfois. The new retail outlets will complement the existing diversity and uniqueness available at Sharjah City Centre.

Ali Al Abdallah, VP Asset Management, MAF Shopping Malls said: "Over the years we have amassed invaluable experience and expertise in retail development. Our seven successful operating centres are proof of that. In every market we operate we are the leaders, and in order to maintain this top position, we are constantly assessing trends and evolving our centres to meet and exceed the ever changing markets in which they operate. The Sharjah City Centre redevelopment is one such step to ensure we continue providing a world-class shopping experience."

"We are not only growing in terms of size but we are also adding value to the existing centre," commented Jassem Al Janahi, Centre Manager, Sharjah City Centre. "Every effort is being made to ensure the successful operation of the centre throughout the 10 months of the redevelopment process," he added.

Notes and contacts

About Sharjah City Centre

Sharjah City Centre is located in the heart of Sharjah, along the main Al Wahda Street. Developed and managed by MAF Shopping Malls, it encompasses an area of 35,000 square meters of retail space featuring over 100 brands offering the ultimate value oriented retail mix.

Other leisure and entertainment facilities in the mall include a Magic Planet and 16 fast food outlets, positioning Sharjah City Centre as one of the dominant Centre's in the Emirate for value shopping. Sharjah City Centre's foot traffic is over 9 million visitors each year.
Contact Details

Name
Komal Manglani

Company
Polaris Public Relations

Telephone
971 4 3415555

Email
k.manglani@polaris-me.com

Source: http://www.arabianbusiness.com/press_releases/detail/18299

http://www.sharjahcitycentre.com/scc/default.asp

CR Deli set for Perth Shopping Centre

2008-05-08T19:03:00.001+02:00

8th May 2008

St John’s Shopping Centre, Perth has announced that work has now begun in earnest on a new Coffee Republic Deli outlet at the King Edward Street entrance to the shopping mall.

The Coffee Republic Deli, the first of its kind outside of Edinburgh and Glasgow, and the fourth of its kind in Scotland, is scheduled to open in Perth mid to late July 2008.

Perth’s Coffee Republic Deli will offer customers a unique combination of fresh deli food, award winning coffee blends and the opportunity to enjoy their Coffee Republic Deli experience either inside the shopping centre or on piazza style seating in St John’s Square on Kind Edward Street.

Siobhan McConnell, manager of St John’s Shopping Centre, said “The Coffee Republic Deli will be warmly welcomed to Perth and has a prime location at the main entrance to St John’s Shopping Centre. It is an innovative, cosmopolitan and well loved brand with excellent products and service and I believe it will complement and add strength and vitality to our city centre.”

Coffee Republic was founded in 1995 by brother and sister entrepreneurial team, Bobby and Sahar Hashemi. Giving up highly paid professional jobs, she as a lawyer in London and he an investment banker in New York, they staked everything on a dream – to create the best coffee chain in Britain.

The Coffee Republic Deli is an extension of that original concept is the one and only registered Deli chain in the UK. Focusing on great, hand made, fresh food, lots of fresh ingredients and choice in our recipes, friendly and helpful service, all wrapped up in a welcoming environment.

For further information about the developments at St John’s Shopping Centre please log on to www.stjshopping.co.uk

http://www.allmediascotland.com/media_releases/2649/city_of_perth_set_to_make_way_for_the_republic

New CR Deli set for Nottingham

2008-05-05T11:59:00.004+02:00

5th May 2008

According to a discussion board, this new CR Deli is currently being fitted out in Nottingham. For more info, please click here.

Click on photo to enlarge.

CR Deli soon to open in Kuwait

2008-05-05T11:54:00.002+02:00

5th May 2008

A new CR Deli is seeking in Kuwait is seeking a Barista and Delista Cook.

For more info, please click here.

Scotland's First Minister Opens McLeish's First Edinburgh Deli (incorporating CR Deli)

2008-05-05T11:49:00.002+02:00

5th May 2008

This is the first of the New York-style deli to be established in the capital by Dundee-based McLeish, whose declared policy is to source its produce from Scottish suppliers - fish, for example, from Peterhead and Arbroath, and meat, poultry, dairy products and vegetables from Scottish farms.

Other Scottish-sourced products include biscuits, bakery, canned foods and relishes while there is also a comprehensive range of whiskies from island, Highland and lowland distilleries.

Mr Salmond, who opened the new Edinburgh store on Wednesday, has recently returned from Brussels where he was promoting the quality of Scottish produce.

In the US last month, he carried the same message during the Scottish Week.

Mr Salmond said: "McLeish's food stores are a great source of accessible, quality Scottish produce as I can testify.

"Last month I accepted the challenge to 'eat Scottish' for one week. The McLeish Brothers store in Inverurie was just one of the food outlets which helped to make that challenge tasty and affordable.

"I want to see Scottish producers and suppliers thriving across the country. Scotland's first ever national debate on food, led by the Scottish Government, has just come to an end, with more than 25,000 people visiting our website and many responding online.

"These responses will be considered as part of our work to develop a national food policy that can help support a sustainable food industry within a greener, healthier, wealthier Scotland.

"I’m delighted to welcome McLeish Brothers’ first store to Edinburgh. Not only will it promote home-grown produce, the store’s range of Asian, Chinese, Italian and other European dishes is further evidence that Scotland can cater for a global marketplace."

The First Minister, along with all visitors to the South Bridge open day this week, sampled a variety of McLeish specialities.

"There is no truth in the rumour that we have opened the first of our Edinburgh stores in South Bridge simply to be convenient for Mr Salmond during his day job," said McLeish's managing director, Stanley Morrice.

On a serious note, he added: "Our policy of using Scottish produce is simple - why go elsewhere when the quality and value provided by our fishermen, farmers and other suppliers are the best in the business?

"In total, 70% of our stock is sourced in Scotland. Our only regret is that we can't find a cheeky Chablis from a vineyard on the northern slopes of Schiehallion or a classic claret from the Tay Valley."

McLeish will open its second Edinburgh store in Lochrin Square in July, while plans for a third in Bruntsfield are well advanced.

The retailer is also looking at other premises in the capital.

McLeish, whose eight existing stores are all in the east of the country, is poised to move into the west of Scotland.

The firm will open a store in Sauchiehall Street in August and is in negotiations for other sites in Glasgow city centre and the suburbs.

A second in Aberdeen city centre, in Schoolhill, will open soon and it is hoped that there will be a third outlet in Aberdeen, possibly next year.

Bothwell, Stirling, Falkirk, Dunfermline, St Andrews and Perth will follow in a rapid £11 million expansion programme that will see McLeish grow from four shops employing 42 staff just 18 months ago to around two dozen with a workforce of more than 600 by the end of the year.

McLeish then plans to cross the Border to set up a second centre in the Midlands before launching outlets in the south-east.

In another development, McLeish is close to announcing the launch of its own-brand whisky, which is expected to be a single malt from Speyside.

Each new store has franchised areas to Coffee Republic and Thorntons, the confectioner.

In addition, there are kitchens in each outlet as well as an ever-expanding team of specialist chefs and kitchen staff based in Dundee who produce a daily menu of traditional and international dishes.

This operation style would be mirrored in England - again using, as far as possible, produce from Scotland.

"We are finding the combination of good, home-based produce and the New York-style of deli is proving very popular," Morrice said.

West Kensington CR Deli open!

2008-04-25T19:49:00.005+02:00

25th April 2008

A big congratulations for Mohammed Rafiq who had the pleasure of opening a new Coffee Republic Deli in West Kensington. Situated on the North End road, close to West Kensington station Coffee Republic is an exciting new addition to the local community.

Coffee Republic, 92 North End Road, London, W14 9EX.

http://www.coffeerepublic.co.uk/news.php

A peak inside a McLeish Brothers store in Edinburgh

2008-04-23T18:45:00.004+02:00

23rd April 2008

These photographs are taken from McLeish Brothers, Edinburgh. Please click on the images to enlarge the photos.

http://www.mcleish.uk.com/

Coffee Republic signs IMF for Saudi Arabia

2008-04-22T10:14:00.002+02:00

21st April 2008

Coffee Republic signs International Master Franchise for Saudi Arabia.

Coffee Republic Plc ('Coffee Republic' or 'the Company'), the independent coffee
bar operator, announces that an agreement has been reached with Al Hadaf
(Adwest) International trading company ('Al Hadaf') for the granting of Coffee
Republic franchise rights for Saudi Arabia. The agreement provides Al Hadaf with
the right to develop Coffee Republic outlets and to recruit franchisees to
operate Coffee Republic outlets in Saudi Arabia, though it is envisaged that all
the bars will be owned directly.

Al Hadaf is a pioneering advertising agency based in Saudi and its owner, Tareg
Kheder, has interests in a number of other businesses in Saudi, covering a wide
range of industries. Al Hadaf has agreed for at least twenty stores to be opened
in the next 5 years.

Commenting Mr Kheder said 'We are delighted to be working with Coffee Republic
and look forward to introducing the brand to Saudi Arabia over the next few
years.'

Commenting, Steven Bartlett, CEO, said:

'We are pleased to be partnering Al Hadaf to develop Coffee Republic in Saudi
Arabia. They have the necessary skills and expertise to make a success of the
Coffee Republic brand there.

This brings to ten the total number of countries under international franchise
agreements. Discussions are in hand with counterparties seeking rights in other
countries which may lead to further agreements.'

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200804210701007109S

Another CR Deli arrives in Northern Ireland!

2008-04-17T20:11:00.001+02:00

17th April 2008

A second CR Deli opens in Northern Ireland!

A big welcome to two of our newest franchisees, Dermot Kelly & Trevor Mealiff. They had the pleasure of opening Northern Ireland's second Coffee Republic in Strabane, County Tyrone. Coffee Republic Strabane sits amongst numerous high street brands in the newly developed Pavillion retail park, providing Strabane's shoppers with all of the Coffee Republic food and drink favourites!

Unit 7, The Pavillion Retail Park, Railway Street, Strabane, Co Tyrone, BT82 8EQ.

Another CR Deli opening in London!

2008-04-16T17:33:00.001+02:00

16th April 2008

Coffee Republic Queensway opens it's doors

Congratulations to Rolf Julin who opened the new Coffee Republic in Queensway, west London today (16th April 2008). They opened their doors for business to serve their first cappuccinos at 12.30, just in time for lunch!

Coffee Republic, 126 Queensway, London, W2 6LU.

New CR Deli to open imminently in Romania

2008-04-16T00:23:00.002+02:00

16th April 2008

New Romanian Coffee Republic Deli opening on 18th April 2008!

In Baneasa Shopping City, the flavor of the most quality coffees can be tasted for the first time in this country, in coffeeheaven and Coffee Republic.

“We have chosen Baneasa Shopping City because it is the largest mall in Romania which offers both varied shopping facilities and diverse ways of spending spare time”, stated Cristiana Mateoiu, Managing Director of coffeeheaven Romania - Chir Cafe SRL. “coffeeheaven is a coffee shop concept created exclusively for the young, ambitious and full of life people, acknowledged as a leader among the coffee retail networks from Central and Eastern Europe.

Therefore, Baneasa Shopping City is the ideal location for us because it perfectly suites the concept that we promote”, added Mrs. Mateoiu.

Besides these prestigious international coffee shops, brands already present on the Romanian retail market will also be found in the Baneasa Shopping City: Cenro, Starbucks, Gloria Jean´s, Coffees, Cafe Nescafe and Mo Bar.

Source:
http://www.property-magazine.eu/wcom/apps/newsbase/addons/print/index.php?fuseaction_newsbase=print&news_ID=6887

Coffee Republic to offer free wi-fi

2008-04-14T18:52:00.003+02:00

14th April 2008

By Andy McCue

Latte lovers who like to surf and work from the comfort of a coffee shop will be able to get free wi-fi internet access at Coffee Republic cafes from May.

Coffee Republic will become the first UK coffee chain to provide free wi-fi to customers when it launches the service across the majority of its UK chain from 1 May 2008.

The company says the new service is aimed at increasing the footfall in Coffee Republic shops from mobile workers, business people and students.

A recent survey of 1,000 business people found a quarter now take advantage of wi-fi hotspots to work remotely from a coffee shop at least one day per week.

Customers making a purchase at Coffee Republic will be offered a free wi-fi voucher giving them a login code to access the store's hotspot from any wi-fi-enabled laptop, mobile phone or PDA.

The free wi-fi service uses technology from hotspot provider Commsport, which was trialled in several Coffee Republic cafes over the last few months.

Ian McKelvie, IT manager for Coffee Republic, said two of the trials in Reading and Weybridge led to a noticeable increase in footfall.

He said in a statement: "In-bar technology is the way forward. Free wi-fi access, will help drive footfall to our bars and ultimately push sales, so our focus remains firmly in continuing to deliver these solutions to the business."

One of the ways the free wi-fi service will be subsidised is through advertising - the landing page when people logon will offer space to advertisers.

Rival coffee chain Caffè Nero launched BT Openzone wi-fi across 330 of its coffee shops across the UK, replacing the Surf and Sip service.

http://www.silicon.com/retailandleisure/0,3800011842,39187854,00.htm

CR Deli set for East Kilbride shopping centre, Scotland

2008-04-10T11:07:00.004+02:00

10th April 2008

Source:
http://iclanarkshire.icnetwork.co.uk/eknews/news/tm_headline=action-needed-to-halt-town-centre-exodus&method=full&objectid=20741450&siteid=50144-name_page.html

Coffee Republic are set to open in yet another shopping centre, but this time north of the border.

Chris Grundy (East Kilbride Shopping Centre Director) commented: “In the last 10 months we have brought a number of major high street stores and smaller independent shops to East Kilbride. In the past few months alone Retro, the Knitwear Gallery, Ladbrokes, St Enoch News, Coffee Republic, La Crepe Cuisine and Burger King have all come on board.

http://www.shopek.co.uk/content/default.asp?page=s1

CR Deli set for The Mall, Bristol

2008-04-09T18:10:00.004+02:00

9th April 2008

It appears that Coffee Republic are venturing more into the shopping centre arena with a Deli soon to open in The Mall, Bristol.

See the weblink below for more details:
www.mallcribbs.com/index.php

CR Deli arrives in St Andrews Square, Edinburgh

2008-04-07T13:30:00.002+02:00

7th April 2008

This week Coffee Republic Plc have pleasure in announcing the new opening of Coffee Republic St. Andrew Square in Edinburgh. The new Deli opened by Danny Anderson on Friday 4th April was part of the grand opening of St. Andrew Square Gardens, which had previously been closed to the public for the last 238 years. The new Coffee Republic sits amidst the garden surroundings in a newly built pavilion.

43 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2AD.

Exciting global expansion ahead for Coffee Republic

2008-04-07T12:20:00.004+02:00

7th April 2008

Source: The Irish Franchise Magazine

Coffee Republic Deli has opened its first Northern Ireland outlet based in Abbeycentre, Newtownabbey and plans to open a second in Strabane this month.

Chief Executive of Coffee Republic Steven Bartlett said: "Northern Ireland represents a crucial market for Coffee Republic as it possesses a vibrant, burgeoning café culture. The company is looking forward to introducing the Coffee Republic brand and becoming part of the Northern Ireland community. I am sure that this is a precursor to an exciting period of global expansion."

The duo responsible for bringing the brand to Northern Ireland is Coffee Republic's Master Franchisees for Ireland, Siobhan and Robert Mooney. They intend to sub-franchise five additional Coffee Republic Deli outlets this year.

Siobhan said: "We are delighted to launch a flagship Coffee Republic Deli and 'Centre for Training Excellence' in The Abbeycentre, one of Northern Ireland's longest established shopping centres.

"The Abbeycentre outlet has provided the opportunity to build a local supply chain for products and support services and will play a pivotal role in the future training and development of potential franchisees from all over Ireland. We are looking forward to developing the brand throughout Ireland and attracting new franchisees. The interest expressed to date from potential franchisees has been very encouraging."

Web Source: http://www.irishfranchisemagazine.net/franchise/Coffee-Republic/Coffee-Republic-Deli-launches-in-Northern-Ireland/3136

New CR Deli set for Bucharest, Romania

2008-04-07T12:13:00.003+02:00

7th April 2008

A new CR Deli appears to be opening very shortly in Bucharest, Romania. Click on Image to enlarge.

Coffee Republic featured in Investors Chronicle

2008-04-03T22:28:00.004+02:00

2nd April 2008

Case study two: Wake up and smell the coffee

"I didn't even want to be a director. I just wanted the Plymouth franchise." So says Steve Bartlett, a private shareholder who became chief executive of café chain Coffee Republic in October 2006 after a protracted boardroom battle.

"I already ran a Subway and Wimpey franchise in Plymouth, so I applied for a Coffee Republic franchise, too," he explains. "I liked the company, and I've always dabbled in the stock market, so I bought 1m shares for £11,000. But then they stopped me from becoming a franchisee because they didn't like shareholders to do so."

Questioning the management's stance, Mr Bartlett probed further into the loss-making company's financial records and became concerned about the way the business was being run, and high levels of director remuneration. He then set up a hotmail e-mail address, and started posting messages on ADVFN, a website for private investors.

"The responses flooded in from disgruntled small shareholders, but the sheer number of people contacting me made it a full-time job," Mr Bartlett recalls. He then obtained the shareholders' register, and sent out letters to garner support for an EGM. Fellow shareholder and experienced businessman Peter Breach instructed a solicitor to guide them through the process. With 25 per cent of the share capital between them, and support from the company's small investors, Coffee Republic's executive chairman and founder, Bobby Hashemi, decided to step down. Mr Breach became chairman, and Mr Bartlett the chief executive.

"We hope the company will go cash-positive very soon," says Mr Bartlett, who has signed deals to install outlets in Travelodge hotels, Greene King pubs and motorway service stations, as well as launching an international franchise operation.

"Any company out there that is underperforming, and underestimates its ragbag of small shareholders - you better watch out."

Source: http://www.investorschronicle.co.uk/InvestmentGuides/Shares/article/20080402/5657c004-fff0-11dc-b9f5-0015171400aa/Small-shareholders-Advice--case-studies.jsp

Coffee Republic looking to end year in profit

2008-04-01T23:17:00.003+02:00

1st April 2008

Source: Food and Drink Exec
Publication date: 17/03/2008

Since opening the doors to its first coffee bar in London in 1995, Coffee Republic has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Exec finds out more

Written by Lucy Mowatt and produced by Hannah Edwards

Since 1995 Coffee Republic has gone through a significant number of changes, with the most notable coming in 2006; the company’s shareholders ousted founder Bobby Hashemi from his role as executive chairman and set about changing the company’s run of luck under new management.

Steven Bartlett, the current CEO explains that in nearly 13 years Coffee Republic has yet to end a year in profit. “We were the first coffee chain really and I think there is a disadvantage of being the first. We really over expanded and at the same time Vodafone shops were popping up everywhere and from what we can understand there was great demand for these premium sites, especially in London. The company really paid too much for these, overfitted them and didn’t really concentrate on the model.”

Since 2006 Coffee Republic has readressed these issues. “It’s all about the brand,” Bartlett explains, saying that it is looking to meet the competition that’s appeared in the market, including Starbucks and Caffé Nero.

“Speed of service is one of our key drivers too,” he continues, saying that the company is working hard to strike a balance between customers that just want to grab a coffee and go and those that want to relax or use the wi-fi facilities available at every Coffee Republic store.

The secret recipe

In line with these plans, the chain places a lot of emphasis on the training of its staff, not only to ensure that customers get an efficient service, but also so that they are able to make good coffee. “It’s amazing the number of people that think they’re doing a good coffee and they’re burning the milk,” he points out.

And with a selection of 20 different coffee beans from around the world making up its “secret blend”, it is easy to see why Coffee Republic places such an emphasis on training the staff in all of its own and franchised outlets.

In fact, the company has built very strong relationships with all its suppliers since 1995 and is still using the same company in Milan to brew its beans. “We’ve been through the wars, but people have stood by us, and I think that is testament to the brand,” Bartlett says. This is even true of its catering companies, with whom Coffee Republic has a strong history.

Coffee Republic now has 100 stores across the UK, a number which the CEO states is set to increase rapidly in the next twelve months. Having recently signed deals with Greene King, WH Smith and Cineworld, Coffee Republic concession outlets are set to open quickly.

“And there is a new company called McLeish which started up in Scotland and they have 49 stores to open in two years. There are going to be Coffee Republics in those too,” he adds, stating that it will add “critical mass” to the company and improve its finances.

Overwhelmed with enquiries

Since developing the brand, the company has been “overwhelmed” by franchise enquiries. “We have about 250-300 enquiries every week for franchising,” Bartlett explains. This has resulted in a lot of extra work for Coffee Republic, while they try to identify which enquiries are serious and which are less so. The company now holds a weekly franchise open day so that potential franchisees can go along and find out more.

In line with this, Coffee Republic has taken part in the One Life Exhibition at Olympia, as part of the Be Your Own Boss zone. A recent survey revealed that, when people were asked what they would do if they gave up their jobs, many said that they would like to open their own coffee bar.

“We tell people that you can go out and do it yourself, but unfortunately everybody is demanding branded coffee,” Bartlett points out. And Coffee Republic is in a position to help with those aspirations. Not only that, but Coffee Republic can offer training and branding for the outlet, making the venture much more secure.

International appeal

These potential franchisees are not just based in the UK either. Coffee Republic has appointed an international director in order to manage its coffee bars in eleven different countries, several of which are in the Middle East. “Our highest number of enquiries, internationally, was from Dubai and we have done a deal with the largest retail group there, the Paris Group,” says Bartlett.

He goes on to say that Coffee Republic has a competitive advantage in these markets too, ahead of companies such as Starbucks. “We tend to listen a little bit more to what our store operators are saying [about the menu],” he says. “For example, in India there is a vegetarian society, but there are some areas that are quite heavy meat eaters; you go to some countries and they won’t allow certain meats, so we make sure we’re flexible. Not everybody wants a croissant or a muffin.”

In addition to the flexibility of the menu, the service available can vary from market to market. “In the Middle East they very much like waitress service and we’ve got some areas where that has been half and half, as in the Dubai area; there’s a pick up point where you can help yourself or there is waitress service. It’s those kinds of things that companies like Starbucks don’t tolerate. It’s only a small point, but it’s very relevant.”

Owing to the popularity of the brand the company is now in the process of protecting the brand with trademarks too. Steven Bartlett points to a number of other Coffee Republic stores around the world with no link to the UK company - one store in Tasmania even has full branding. Bartlett makes it clear that this is on the agenda for 2008, as it is something that Coffee Republic given priority to in the past.

An internal branding exercise is also being launched this year, which will sit alongside its brands like Tea Republic. Caffe Republica will see the introduction of organic, Fairtrade coffee to its offering, along with recyclable bags. “We’re also looking at setting up a charity fund very similar to the Costa Foundation, but we’ll probably pick one country to focus on, probably Nicaragua,” Steven Bartlett says. The company will support the communities that supply its beans and build upon its infrastructure while offering customers ethically sourced coffee.

With such a strong focus on branding and turning the company around, it is sure to be an exciting year for Coffee Republic. “It’s been a very exciting journey and there has been a lot of work to do, but we’re starting to see the fruition of that work coming through now and we expect the international side of it to be even bigger than the UK,” he concludes. For the first time in 13 years Coffee Republic is looking to end the year in profit, which is testament to such hard work.

New CR Deli set to open in West Kensington, London

2008-03-28T10:52:00.002+01:00

28th March 2008

A new Coffee Republic Deli outlet is due to open in West Kensington in the coming weeks.

94 North End Road, West Kensington, London W14 9EX

www.gumtree.com/london/48/22023248.html

New CR Deli open in Liverpool?

2008-03-24T18:46:00.000+01:00

24th March 2008

http://www.qype.co.uk/place/121288#163215

New CR Deli open in Bayswater/Queensway

2008-03-24T18:39:00.001+01:00

24th March 2008

http://www.gumtree.com/london/29/21896029.html

CR and McLeish to take a bite out of England

2008-03-24T18:33:00.002+01:00

24th March 2008

By William Lyons
www.scotsman.com

McLEISH Brothers, the fast-growing chain of New York-style delicatessens, is planning expansion into England in a bid to grow 10 times its size within five years.

Stanley Morrice, who took over the Dundee-based chain in 2006, has given the go-ahead for an enlargement understood to be worth around £11m that will see it open more than 100 stores in the UK by 2014.

The move comes on the back of an aggressive expansion drive in Scotland, where it plans to open 25 stores by the end of this year.

Morrice, who came up with the idea for the chain after visiting his cousin in New York, said the first phase would see the firm open a central kitchen in Birmingham where it can service the catchment areas of London and Manchester.

Morrice said: "It's an aggressive expansion. The response from the public has beaten all our expectations.

"We have ambitious plans to grow to at least 25 stores by the end of this year and have legally tied up new sites in the centre of Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow.

"By the end of 2008 we will be ready to move into England and we are already looking at creating a central hub in Birmingham."

Later this year Morrice will open a new headquarters in Dundee that will house around 30 office staff and an investment of up to £4m will provide state-of-the-art kitchens for 50 chefs and food preparation employees. The chefs produce their own meals range including Chinese, Indian, Italian, other European, traditional British and Scottish cuisine that is sold throughout the chain.

Morrice previously ran Aberness, which operated more than 120 convenience stores throughout Scotland, but became frustrated at being unable to compete with larger chains on ready-to-eat or take-home meals.

In 2006 he bought out McLeish, which then had just four stores in Dundee, Broughty Ferry and Glenrothes, and teaming up with John von Sprekelsen, former non-executive chairman of confectionery giant Thorntons, raised £5.5m of private equity to grow the chain.

As well as serving fresh food Morrice is also keen to grow its whisky portfolio and is planning to introduce his own label into the market very soon.

"We have been taken totally by surprise with the sales of our malt whisky," he said. "Later this year we will be bottling our own whisky which we plan to sell throughout the chain."

The firm has also signed a franchise deal with Coffee Republic that will see the coffee shops have an outlet in all its stores.

The news follows announcements of expansion plans from coffee shop chains including Costa and Scottish brand Beanscene. The latter wants to launch a further 25 outlets in Scotland over the next 18 months.

The coffee shop market is forecast to reach £691m by 2009. This has precipitated an influx of imitators from the high street. McDonald's has also been getting in on the act.

But branded food-focused players such as Pret A Manger and EAT have grown rapidly in recent years and are looming in the background waiting to snatch market share.

Allegra Strategies says these "food-focused" outlets are growing at 6.4% per year and they can certainly compete on price. A quick comparison shows that whereas a cup of coffee costs on average £2.20 at Caffè Nero and £2.19 at both Costa and Starbucks, it comes in at only £1.70 at EAT and £1.79 at Pret.

FIve more CR Delis set for Ireland in next 12 months

2008-03-24T18:24:00.001+01:00

24th March 2008

HIGH FLYERS
By Staff reporter, The Irish News online
18/03/08

Siobhan Mooney, Coffee Republic’s Master franchisee for Northern Ireland and the Republic is responsible for bringing the premium international brand to Northern Ireland with the recent launch of the flagship Coffee Republic Deli at the Abbeycentre. A second deli will open in Strabane in April with an additional five outlets launching across the island of Ireland over the next 12 months. To read interview click here.

Coffee Republic Master Franchise advert for India

2008-03-24T18:11:00.003+01:00

22nd March 2008

www.franchiseindia.com/newsletter/cr/

CR and McLeish Bros to open in Edinburgh's financial district

2008-03-24T18:04:00.002+01:00

22nd March 2008

By MICHAEL BLACKLEY
www.scotsman.com

A NEW York-style delicatessen, a coffee shop and a chocolatier are to open in Fountainbridge as the expansion of the city's financial district continues.

Scottish deli firm McLeish Brothers and coffee chain Coffee Republic have secured the ground floor space at the £50 million Lochrin Square development. Chocolate retailer Thorntons will also set up a franchised shop.

The new retailers are expected to open at the former Scotmid headquarters in April, around the same time as Bank of Scotland Corporate moves into its new base on the site.

Business leaders today claimed the move would bring more of a "Venice lifestyle" to the canalside area around the former Fountain Brewery.

The Lochrin Square office development is now on the verge of full capacity, only four months after it was completed. David Robinson, development director at Gladedale Capital, which worked on the project as a joint venture with Scotmid, said: "McLeish Brothers will provide the perfect retail complement to the corporate tenants already at Lochrin Square.

"It's a fantastic result to have the final space in No.1 Lochrin Square snapped up less than four months after practical completion.

Dundee-based McLeish Brothers is to take a 15-year lease, worth £90,000 a year, as it continues its Scottish expansion.

Coffee Republic announced its return to Scotland last year. It has an espresso bar at FountainPark and is planning a unit in St Andrew Square Gardens.

As well as HBoS, which recently leased 62,000 sq ft of space at No.1 Lochrin Sq
uare, legal firm Biggart Baillie LLP and financial services support company Watson Wyatt have also moved to the block.

Stanley Morrice, managing director of McLeish Brothers, said: "Lochrin Square is a marvellous development and its location as well as its quality, infrastructure and general spec, made it the ideal choice for us."

The new deals were also welcomed by business leaders. Ron Hewitt, chief executive of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said:

"There is no doubt the rejuvenation of the Lochrin Basin is one of the most welcome developments in Edinburgh. It brings that Venice lifestyle that changes it from an undesirable nightspot to a place people want to be."

CR's UK & Ireland coverage via CineWorld

2008-03-14T18:52:00.004+01:00

14th March 2008

The image below provides some idea of Coffee Republic's domestic coverage via the CineWorld link-up, once all of the 73 recessions are rolled out. Cineworld is also investing in its portfolio - opening more cinemas throughout 2008 and 2009.

Click on image to enlarge.

New Openings Galore!

2008-03-14T14:15:00.005+01:00

14th March 2008

This week we have great pleasure in welcoming the following new stores to our fleet; Coffee Republic Served Here at Travelodge, an exciting new trial for Coffee Republic and Travelodge situated at their City Road Hotel, in east London. Coffees and other CR favourites will be available all day, and a specially selected deli menu between 7am and 5pm.

We are also very excited to announce the opening of our first store in Dubai with the Paris Group, our third concession with the McLeish Brothers in Edinburgh and also in Scotland we have the pleasure of welcoming new franchisee Vijay Lakhanpal, who opened his doors to the public on Friday 14th March in Merchant Square, Merchant City, one of Glasgow's most prestigious locations, just minutes away from the city's busy shopping centre - with so many Coffee Republic's to choose from why not pop in and sample our delights for yourself!

www.coffeerepublic.co.uk/news

CR Deli open on The Strand, London

2008-03-10T18:03:00.003+01:00

10th March 2008

Serving it up on the Strand

Coffee Republic is excited to be back on the Strand with Khaled and Hani who had the pleasure of opening their new Coffee Republic on Monday 3rd March. The site marks a return to the Strand for Coffee Republic after the closure of a previous site there in December 2006.

www.coffeerepublic.co.uk

Coffee Republic, 79a The Strand, London, WC2R 0DE.

CR to open in Perth, Scotland

2008-03-10T17:44:00.001+01:00

10th March 2008

Perth mall attracts retailer trio

Publication date: 11 January 2008

BAE Systems Pension Funds Trustees, advised by Kitchen La Frenais Morgan and Reith Lambert, has let three shops at St John’s Shopping Centre in Perth to Jane Norman, Coffee Republic and 3 Mobile.

http://www.propertyweek.com/

CR to open in Slough

2008-03-10T17:38:00.001+01:00

10 March 2008

The market in minutes - Berkshire

Article dated: 01 Feb 2008

By Aditi Shah

Fashion retailer Next will open a flagship store at Criterion Capital’s Queensmere Observatory shopping centre in Slough next week.

Next will join Primark, Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, Empire, Virgin Active, H&M, New Look, Footlocker and TK Maxx on Curzon Mall in the centre.

Selling womenswear and childrenswear at ground-floor level, and menswear and homeware at the lower-ground level, Next is relocating from its 3,500 sq ft High Street store.

Criterion Capital has just let unit 25 to Gloria Jeans and has units under offer to Coffee Republic and Nando’s. Cushman & Wakefield is the letting agent.

Criterion Capital expects to submit a planning application early this year to expand Queensmere Observatory opposite the Tesco Extra in Slough, from 595,000 sq ft to 650,000 sq ft and build 500 flats.

A planning application for a new 20,000 sq ft store at the west end of the Queensmere Centre was heard by Slough Planning Committee this month.