Fast Casual Nation

Cali Coffee grinds away at Starbucks, Dunkin'

Join Fast Casual Nation host Paul Barron as he interviews Craig Avera, founder and CEO of Cali Coffee, a Florida-based drive-thru coffee chain that's doubled from 13 to over 20 locations by focusing on exceptional customer service and operational excellence.

July 2, 2025

Join Fast Casual Nation host Paul Barron as he interviews Craig Avera, founder and CEO of Cali Coffee, a Florida-based drive-thru coffee chain that's doubled from 13 to over 20 locations by focusing on exceptional customer service and operational excellence.

Discover how Cali Coffee competes with Starbucks and Dunkin' through strategic real estate positioning, achieving an impressive 85% drive-thru sales mix and 90% loyalty program participation. You'll also learn about the company's unique "lid love" customer experience, a relay ordering system inspired by Chick-fil-A, and an expansion strategy that prioritizes regional dominance over scattered growth.

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