Tipping the 100 mark is always a significant moment in the life of a business, as caf chain Jamaica Blue can attest.
Jamaica Blue has celebrated the opening of its 100th store in Australia, bringing the total number of outlets internationally to 134.
The company was in a reflective mood at the official opening with the latest franchisee who is taking up the reins of the milestone store (Miranda’s second Jamaica Blue outlet) joining the incumbent Miranda franchisee and the very first Miranda Jamaica Blue franchisee from 1992 over a cup of tea in the original pineapple-painted crockery.
The latest outlet is showcasing the newest interpretation of the Jamaica Blue coffee heritage which has driven the brand’s evolution over the years. National brand manager Drew Eide says “It’s critical to stay relevant to changing customer tastes and food trends. We are seeing changes in eating habits, with customers looking for healthier choices.”
The new Jamaica Blue store at Miranda, New South Wales
These trends are reflected in the menu with extensions such as the Light Blue range but also in the store design.
“We are incorporating crates full of fresh food,” says Eide.
The striking blue and white elements have been overtaken by a more subtle imagining of the Caribbean inspiration but the design retains the lobster lights and tub chairs.
“It’s about staying true to the essence of the brand, using the colours within the palette to create a connection with the Jamaican coffee heritage,” says Eide.
Celebrating the milestone is important for the network he adds; “franchisees can see the growth of the brand, see we are resonating with customers and building more brand awareness.”
Further growth is expected across the country next year.
Most recently the caf chain has extended into Malaysia and has plans for a UK opening in the university city of Cambridge pre-Christmas.