Cafe2U Conference Review 2020 | Cafe2U

Last Saturday this year’s Cafe2U Conference was held at the Coffeesmiths Collective HQ in London. The impressive venue was the perfect backdrop for our annual event and gave all our teams a chance to meet, mingle and celebrate another fantastic year.

The event also provided the opportunity to showcase the major projects we have been working on since last year's Conference, specifically:

• The brand refresh

• The new Cafe2U App

• Our new electric power generated Cafe2U vans

The Day Itself

As guests arrived, they had the opportunity to see one of our new battery-powered vans which featured our refreshed branding, and enjoy a cup of coffee - expertly made by Dumo and Richard of Coffeesmiths and Jon Skinner of Cafe2U.

Goodie bags were also handed out - which included complimentary Cafe2U branded tops and umbrellas - just before our CEO Martyn Ward kicked off the Conference with his opening speech. After giving a warm welcome to guests, Martyn went on to discuss the key messaging for 2020, declaring how we need to get ‘back to basics’ and refocus on doing what we do best. 

After Martyn’s speech, three workshops were run for our franchisees:

• An expert coffee-making skills class run by Dumo and Richard

• Appoly gave a live demonstration of the new Cafe2U app

• Guided tours of the new van

After this, the attendees had more opportunities to chat before the day was rounded off with a dinner and our awards ceremony at a local Italian restaurant.

Our Award Winners

We’d again like to pass on our huge thanks and congratulations to everyone in the Cafe2U family for their efforts this year and in particular to the following award winners:

Special Recognition

• Abi Ward - Cafe2U Castle Donington - in recognition of her charitable work through the year

• Sean Friedberg in recognition of his contribution and input to trialling battery power in Cafe2U vans.

Franchise Partner of the Year

• Matthew and Kelly Harrison - Worthy winners of this award, who can enjoy a trip for two to Vienna.

Outstanding Achievement Award

• Gary and Rachel Wilson - Cafe2U Bristol North 

Supreme Bean of the Year Awards

• Dan Elsey - Cafe2U Chesterfield West

• Gary and Jo Bonnick - Cafe2U Ashford

Most Improved Franchise Award

• Ian Esslemont - Cafe2U Guildford 

• Andrea Whitaker - Cafe2U Waterlooville

Barista of the Year

• Angela Bakun - Cafe2U Merton

• Runners up were Eduardo Calatayud and Jay Huang

Cafe2U Highest Grossing Single Event

• Tony and Carol - Cafe2U Milton Keynes Central

Cafe2U Top Launch of the Year 

• Awarded to FDM Mustafa Dol - Cafe2U Ashford launch 

Cafe2U Sets Out 2020 Vision

2019 marked an important year for Cafe2U. Not only were we officially recognised as the UK’s number one mobile coffee franchise, we were also listed in the country’s top 20 franchises overall. However, 2020 is set to take things to a whole new level.

Firstly, we will be investing heavily in our green credentials, building on the ongoing research into recyclable cups and our recent trial of moving from diesel to battery power. We are determined to lead the way in the field and with 2020 set to feature our third annual ‘Green Coffee Week’, it will be a key focus for us in the year ahead.

Secondly, we are excited to be launching our customer app. This investment is directly for the benefit of our franchisees, allowing them to engage with their customers like never before. The app will alert customers to where they are and notify them when they are arriving, feature a digital loyalty card and also allow customers to see the latest offers and drinks available. Delivering this state-of-the-art technology is just one part of the tools we develop to make our franchisees’ businesses so successful.

In 2020, we will also be rolling out a brand refresh for Cafe2U, taking the look and feel of everything, from website to cups to uniforms, to the next level. We have worked with a team of design experts to ensure our brand represents where we are as business in 2020, leading the way in both the coffee industry and franchising as a whole.

Our mobile coffee shops will continue to serve award-winning coffee to their customers, supported by our market-leading customer service throughout 2020. With our developments and dedication to push Cafe2U forward as a business, we will offer franchisees support like never before. 2020 is set to be a landmark year for the business which will be 15 years old - but we won’t just stand still - the best is yet to come.

Christmas Coffee Bakes

There is only one thing that can make Christmas even better… FOOD! That’s why we have selected our favourite Christmas coffee bakes to share with you, our amazing customers:

Christmas Coffee Cake

This Christmas Coffee Cake is the perfect addition to your Chrimbo brunch. We recommend that you prepare this cake the night before, so you can enjoy Christmas day with your family and this gorgeous cake.

https://joythebaker.com/christmas-morning-coffee-cake/

Espresso Martini Christmas Pudding Recipe 

A creative twist on a Christmas favourite! It takes a bit of time to make, but it is definitely worth it. This is a grown-up treat for the holidays.

https://www.waitrose.com/content/waitrose/en/home/recipes/recipe_directory/m/espresso-martinichristmaspudding.html

Cranberry Coffee Cake

Cranberry sauce is one of the main components of a Christmas roast, and with this recipe, you get to enjoy the nations favourite Christmas condiment in a coffee cake - the perfect way to get you in the festive mood this holiday season! 

https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/cranberry-coffee-cake/

Coffee Chocolate Crinkles

These crinkles are a perfect way to end Christmas day or a wonderful after-dinner treat! 

https://www.abakershouse.com/coffee-chocolate-crinkles/

Gingerbread Latte Cake 

Probably our favourite on the list, this Christmas showstopper is flavoured with fragrant spices and a gentle hint of coffee. Add some decorative edible Christmas trees on top to really impress your guests!

https://www.sainsburysmagazine.co.uk/recipes/cakes/gingerbread-latte-cake

So there you have it, just five of our favourite Christmas coffee bakes for you to make this festive season. And if you are looking for any last-minute Christmas gifts, make sure you purchase a Cafe2U eCoffee Cup and our very own coffee blend. 

Make sure you share your Christmas bakes with us on our social channels and have a very Merry Christmas!