Cafe2U Story 

Have you ever dreamed of owning a café without being tied down in one location? Have you ever dreamed of not having to pay rent for your business or negotiate with landlords? We have, and this is how the Cafe2U concept was conceived.

There has always been the need for great quality espresso coffee and complementary food items in areas such as industrial parks, office buildings, sporting events, corporate functions, school fetes, or anywhere where a more traditional solution is not available. Cafe2U identified this need and provides the ideal opportunity to those longing to own and operate their own successful business in the hospitality industry.

Cafe2U is the fastest growing mobile café franchise launched in the UK in the summer of 2005 it now has more than 45 franchises in England, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Cafe2U truly is the pioneer of the growing mobile coffee industry.
To understand Cafe2U you must also understand franchising.

What is franchising?
Franchising is a business arrangement where the owner of a business, the franchisor, supplies a proven business concept to an operator, the franchisee, who then uses the franchisors name, system, product and structure in running their business.

There is no doubt that the Cafe2U franchise opportunity is one of the more exciting opportunities to have arrived in the UK in recent years.  Cafe2U is in a unique position of having a proven business model that is profitable, successful and very popular with its current franchisees. We also have the benefit of knowing that we are the UK’s No.1 mobile cafe franchise – a good place to start.

This presents a fantastic opportunity for people who can see this and want to share in it.  Many of our franchisees are showing excellent month on month growth and hitting and quite often exceeding their targets.

Why are you considering in investing in a franchise?
“With one in five small businesses failing within their first year of operation, it’s obviously far from an easy option.  But many of the risks associated with a start up are offset if you buy into an established franchise with a proven business formula to follow” Cathryn Hayes, National Franchise Manager, HSBC Bank.

What should a good franchisor be doing for you?
A good franchisor like Cafe2U will provide training in all aspects of business management.  The franchisee will benefit from centralised marketing campaigns, the purchasing power of a large organisation, the good will and reputation of a recognised brand.  Plus the ongoing support – more training, regular assessments, and help with target setting, as well as the emotional support provided by people involved in and understanding your business.

Will the franchisor interfere in my business?
You should see a franchise as acting as a safety net for first time owners, stepping in, where necessary to help identify and solve problems, and provide the sort of environment that encourages independence and flair, whilst still providing some structure and guidelines.  Remember though franchising isn’t a soft option, you will have to work hard to build your business, particularly at the start, and then ensure you keep your business fresh and always be on the look out for growth opportunities.  Make sure you have the support of family and/or friends, and the determination and focus to make a success of working for yourself.

How does the Cafe2U franchise work?
Cafe2U sees franchising as a partnership between franchisor and franchisee alike.  Since inception in Australia the Cafe2U franchise has held this very dear in all aspects of the development of the franchise, and the expansion to the UK has continued this approach.  Regular newsletters, and franchise meetings are held to allow the exchange of ideas, opinions and news between the Cafe2U Community.  Cafe2U is able to provide and facilitate training in all aspects of the franchise including operational, technical, marketing and bookkeeping disciplines.  Our team of experienced support personnel are able to evaluate where further training or support is required. And most importantly you have access to like minded operators who know your business inside out.

What do I do now?
Take as much advice as you require from your advisors around you. We have worked tirelessly to improve and maintain our product over here in the UK for the last four years (One year as a pilot and a further three selling the franchises to date).

Don’t forget this was already a proven business model from Australia who now have been trading for over eight years and have more than 75 Cafe2U vans on the road.

The franchise must feel right for you. We can arrange for you to spend time with one of our franchisees. You will want to sit down with us as your potential franchisor. Remember we’ve got to get to know you as well so we can start to build a profile too – we do not just sign up every interested party. You’ll need to show us you’re right for our business. We have a responsibility to protect our brand and build effectively within the continual growing coffee industry. Please visit our enquiry form to request further information.