Coffee chain Zarraffa’s is backing drive-thru-only stores as an important addition to its portfolio. It has opened its first drive-thru-only store in Beaudesert, with plans to introduce the model nationally.

At 90sqm, with an indoor space of 65sqm, this is a more compact and affordable footprint than the full drive-thru store.

Zarraffa’s managing director and founder Kenton Campbell believes drive-thru will drive the company’s growth.

Kenton said drive-thru-only stores’ convenience will also boost the customer experience.

Drive-thru coffee market new for liquor retail

Another new player in the drive-thru marketplace is the corporate business Double Shot. A Tasmanian outlet is the first in mega brand BWS’ portfolio, in partnership with local coffee firm Oasis Griffiths Group.

The new format aims to leverage the store’s existing four-lane drive-thru facilities.

The franchised Zarraffas’ and corporate-owned Double Shot will join brands like Muzz Buzz in offering drive-thru-only outlets.

Muzz Buzz, a Western Australian-based business, is a pure drive-thru chain.

Online orders for coffee beans on the rise

Warren Reynolds, Muzz Buzz executive chairman, agrees that consumers are keen on their coffee – and convenience.

But with cost of living rises right now they are purchasing more coffee beans online for home use, he says.

“Last year we sold more than 500 kilograms of retail coffee beans, a rise of around 50 per cent on the previous year,” he says.

“Rather than buying a coffee five days a week, I think some of our customers have cut back to two or three times instead, once again to save money.”

He expects to see the cost of living will continue to have an impact on the coffee market this year.

In mid-2022 a Cafes and Coffee Shops report by IBISWorld indicated changes in discretionary incomes impact on coffee sales. It suggests however that coffee can be seen as a daily affordable luxury item.