Gloria Jean’s Coffees announced an expansive franchise growth strategy to significantly increase its U.S. presence in 2016 and beyond. The gourmet specialty retail concept, currently with 58 locations in 22 states, already has its expansion plans percolating.
“We’re entering 2016 with a ton of momentum,” says Brian Balconi, vice president USA of Gloria Jean’s Coffees and a seasoned franchise industry executive. “Ending the second half of 2015 with four U.S. openings, and with new locations planned for key markets across the country, the stage has been set for Gloria Jean’s Coffees to continue capturing the attention it commands from qualified franchise investors and operations teams.”
Emboldening the aggressive franchise growth is Retail Food Group (RFG), which acquired the brand in December 2014 and has been instrumental in designing the franchising strategy now being executed. RFG is Australia’s largest multi-brand retail food franchisor and a leading wholesale coffee roaster with a track record of accomplishments across all corners of the world.
“The impact of RFG is immense,” Balconi says. “RFG brings significant global expertise in both franchising and coffee to the table.”
Franchisees joining the Gloria Jean’s Coffees system benefit from such expertise, with the company’s proven methods in training, marketing, procurement, and menu innovation—all lending themselves to supporting franchisees in their Gloria Jean’s Coffees operations.
Currently, there are more than 2,500 locations amongst RFG’s restaurant and café brands. Gloria Jean’s Coffees now makes up more than 800 units in 40 countries across the globe.
“Gloria Jean’s is synonymous with quality,” Balconi says. “The brand is treasured as one of America’s original specialty coffee shops. To this day, nearly four decades since opening our first shop, we continue to innovate with new blends and flavors that coffee lovers can’t find anywhere else.”
Roasting all of its own coffees at its facility in California, Gloria Jean’s Coffees maintains a strong commitment to offering fresh, premium blends ranging from light to dark varieties for its guests. Gloria Jean’s Coffees farm sources coffee beans, which originate from all parts of the world. Gloria Jean’s Coffees has a longstanding relationship with the Rainforest Alliance, which supports a healthier planet, stronger forests and an improved quality of life for farming communities where its coffee beans are grown.
In addition to its award-winning origins and blends, the brand is also well known for its flavored coffees and specialty beverages such as its signature chillers, mochas, lattes, and hot cocoas. For those looking for a snack to accompany their coffee, Gloria Jean’s serves baked goods, including sweet pastries.
Available to single and multiunit franchise operators, Gloria Jean’s Coffees is primarily based in shopping malls. The brand also has standalone locations, several of which have drive-thru service.
