News

Seattle's Best Coffee expands U.S. franchise program

February 2, 2009

SEATTLE — Seattle's Best Coffee has announced it will expand its franchising program to offer cafe opportunities in the United States. The strategic decision to build Seattle's Best Coffee through franchising is designed to allow its parent, Starbucks Corp., to utilize a multi-brand strategy that leverages both brands, according to a news release.

The decision comes after nearly four years of successful development of the Seattle's Best Coffee brand, through a national licensing program, to more than 550 cafes across the U.S.

"The world of premium coffee has expanded, and customers now expect a great cup of coffee wherever they are," said Tom Ehlers, vice president and general manager, Seattle's Best Coffee. "We're excited that by offering a comprehensive franchise program we're able to grow the Seattle's Best Coffee brand, allowing us to fulfill the needs of more specialty coffee customers."

Seattle's Best Coffee offers potential franchisees a set of retail cafe concepts ranging from small space solutions to street-side coffeehouses. This includes customized cafes that are designed specifically for each location and cafe footprint. Additionally, the brand offers franchisees a program with complete training and operations experts for initial cafe set-up, as well as ongoing development and operations support.

Expansion of the franchise program in the United States will have an initial focus on Western states and Texas; however, inquiries from other regions nationwide will be considered. As part of broader cafe development rights, Seattle's Best Coffee has access to real estate in certain markets that may provide an opportunity to qualified franchisees. Interested franchisees can visitwww.seattlesbest.comfor more information and application forms.