Australian Jamaica Blue caf franchise opened its third outlet in Beijing last month. This new caf, located at the Oriental Plaza — the largest shopping centre in the nationÕs capital — is the 10th Jamaica Blue caf to open in China since 2005.
Open seven days from 7am to 10pm, the Beijing caf caters for a range of customers from surrounding office buildings, residential apartments, hotels and neighbouring Tiananmen Square.
The Jamaica Blue venture in China is the outcome of a Regional Licence Agreement between Foodco Group Pty Ltd (Foodco), which owns the brand, and Wear and Kare Inc Shanghai, which is owned and managed by Wang Yang (Peter) and Gu Ting (Julia).
Peter Yang said “We felt the Jamaica Blue brand would cater to the growing expat community and increasing demand from local residents for a good quality, western style caf. We genuinely believed in the Jamaica Blue concept of ÔFine Coffees with Simply Beautiful FoodÕ and thought it would be the perfect fit in developing regions of China. We are very pleased to now have 10 outlets.”
FoodcoÕs international project manager, Sarah Bolton-Hall said, “From the start, we were impressed with Peter and JuliaÕs enthusiasm, entrepreneurialism, business experience and knowledge of the region and felt they had the capacity and backing to take the concept to China. With FoodcoÕs ongoing support with operations, store and graphic design, marketing and training, the licensees are successfully developing a strong brand reputation in China. We are proud to have them representing our Australian brand overseas.”
Yang said the food offering is very similar to that in Jamaica Blue cafes in Australia.
“We use fresh seasonal produce and offer a la carte options and cabinet items which are prepared daily. The menu includes freshly baked cakes, slices and tarts, plus baked savoury goods, wraps, toasted Turkish sandwiches and paninis, pastas and gourmet burgers.
“We also regularly update the menu with new seasonal recipes.”
The couple launched the Jamaica Blue concept in China with the opening of their pilot outlet in the Summit Building in Shanghai as an espresso bar in 2005 and have since opened caf and restaurant style operations. In addition to the three outlets in Beijing, they also have six locations in Shanghai, one in Wuhan and plans for many more.