Saturday | February 16, 2008

Cuppy's/Java Jo'z/Elite Manufacturing Emerging Spirits

In 2006 Cuppy’s Coffee was formed and is hoping to capitalize on the thirst of specialty coffee drinkers. Dodging potholes and obstacles along the way Cuppy’s Coffee has won awards for its franchise. Building drive-ups, cafes, and kiosk Cuppy’s approved vendor, Elite Manufacturing is dotting the landscapes with coffee stores across America. Elite Manufacturing works closely with Medina Enterprises and Cuppy’s Coffee to facilitate the entire coffee concept experience.


To some people the confusion with Cuppy’s Coffee and another licensing company is understandable.  Assuming the leases, equipment and communications equipment from this licensing company was a complex transaction. Wanting to provide a stable work environment and relying on the knowledge of employees Cuppy’s Coffee also offered position to the staff. Licensees of Java Jo’z in this transaction have no financial or legal association with Cuppy’s Coffee, Elite, or Medina. The distinction between the two companies wasn’t clear by some who had relations with Java Jo’z that was defined in the transaction.


Doug Hibbing, president of Cuppy’s can see why the confusion exists. “We had the same location and phone numbers and a similar logo and this is why they think we are the same company

Posted by Cuppy's at 13:48:28 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Starbucks Closing While Cuppy's Keeps Growing

Starbucks may be closing stores and cutting back on new store openings, but Cuppy's Coffee looks to me to be making a move. If you've been keeping up, Cuppy's Coffee stores are opening at a fast pace around the country. So far I've noticed these locations:

  • Mechanicsburg PA
  • Oceanside CA
  • Temple TX
  • Edinburg TX
  • Longmont CO
  • Kennesaw GA
  • Tucson AZ

And that is all within the last 2 months. Do the math, that's 3.5 stores a month. At this pace look for Cuppy's Coffee to come onto the radar of many an entrepreneur and investor looking to secure their futures.

Posted by Cuppy's at 13:43:05 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Tuesday | January 15, 2008

2008: Cuppy’s Coffee Offers a New Cup Format in the Specialty Coffee Industry

Move over Starbuck®, there’s a new cup in town, offering a different experience and taste of specialty coffee. Cuppy’s Coffee, Smoothies & More, Inc. headquartered in Fort Walton Beach, FL is positioning itself to be the coffee shop of choice when it comes to coffee connoisseur’s taste buds. In the past, consumers had a relatively small selection of coffee houses in which to purchase a latte or fruit smoothie. Most industry experts and insiders agree that Starbucks® has a lock on the specialty coffee drinking segment of the population, this being fueled by their enormous growth both nationally and internationally. But in 2008 Cuppy’s Coffee is giving America a choice. Cuppy’s Coffee, Smoothies & More offers an exciting alternative to investors, entrepreneurs and those wishing to start their own business in the specialty coffee industry. From an investor’s point of view, those who were left out in the early days of Starbucks’® now may have a second bite at that bean.

Introduced on a small scale in the late 60’s, lattes, cappuccinos and espresso based beverages have made a tremendous jump in appeal to consumer looking for a product to satisfy their caffeine addiction. Over the next several years, thanks in part to Starbucks®, consumers were introduced and educated in mass to the delights that specialty coffee has to offer. One marketing slogan, Cuppy’s Coffee proudly shouts is ‘Taste the Difference’ which is reflected not only in coffee but in the service and quality of all their products. According to 2006 statistics from the Specialty Coffee Association of America¹, the percentage of American adults consuming specialty coffee drinks stands at 16%, up 3% from 2002. The specialty coffee market size has grown annually from and $8.3 billion dollar industry to $12.27 billion dollars during the same time period. Cuppy’s Coffee has seen a spiked interest in people wanting to be apart of this growing industry. Sales over the past year have steadily risen every month since the new company was formed. So what is it that sets Cuppy’s Coffee apart from their competitor?


“Taking highly selected beans and roasting them to perfection, and making sure our franchisees have the freshly roasted beans in a timely fashion, is one of the keys to our popularity and success.” states Amy Hiller, Vice President of Operations with Cuppy’s Coffee. “Our competition relies heavily on mass roasting low grade beans and then stocking this product on shelves for months. We expect our franchisees to use only beans that have been roasted within a two week period. The taste is very noticeable” she continues.

Cuppy’s Coffee chooses not to use fully automated machines, unlike many other coffee houses, but instead elects to train and educate its franchisees on the art of being a barista. Training to be a barista is not as easy at it seems and requires dedication and a passion for coffee. Franchisees learn on semi-automatic espresso machines, the nuances of the grind and the techniques of preparing a recipe for success as well as doing all of this in a timely fashion. This training allows Cuppy’s Coffee to stand out and avoid the pitfalls of its competition. For example, in a article printed in the Wall Street Journal Howard Schultz chairman of Starbucks® questioned in a memo ‘whether Starbucks’® drive for growth and efficiency has diluted that experience. In this blunt Feb. 14 memo, he warned executives that the chain may be commoditizing its brand and making itself more vulnerable to competition from other coffee shops and fast-food chains. The nearly 800-word memo questioned whether Starbucks’ automatic espresso machines, new store designs and elimination of some in-store coffee grinding may have compromised the “romance and theatre” of a visit.’²

“People want to feel they are special” Rachel Clark, Vice President of Marketing with Cuppy’s Coffee states. “Remove the human element and you in turn remove the experience and the very thing that makes specialty coffee special. Consumers will spend the extra dollars for a great drink but they’ll give you something more when you treat them special, their loyalty.”


Cuppy’s Coffee founded in May of 2006 bought the assets of a struggling brand and quickly turned the industry on its tail. Not only offering brick and mortar cafes, Cuppy’s Coffee went after a segment of the market that has tremendous growth potential, the drive thru. Concentrating on offering a complete package, Cuppy’s Coffee decided to bring all aspects of opening and operating a coffee business in house. Franchisees have assistance in real estate, finance, marketing, purchasing product and customer service all in one location. This business format principal sets Cuppy’s Coffee apart from other competitors and allows the company to keep better records on the growth and success of its brand.


“We no longer are at the mercy of third party vendors when it comes to assisting our franchisees, we now have the ability to monitor and track all stages of our franchisees openings and successes.” Doug Hibbing, President of Cuppy’s Coffee says. These differentiating factors have paid off in terms of recognition throughout the franchising community. In May 2007, Cuppy’s Coffee was awarded the American Association of Franchise and Dealers³ highest award for fairness and dedication to franchisees. Scoring the highest in the Association’s history with a 99.5% overall rating, Cuppy’s Coffee can proudly state, “There’s a New Cup in Town”.


Cuppy’s Coffee offers the drive thru modular building and cafes, and a line of products that are designed and marketed to reach the masses. Branding the name Cuppy’s Coffee can be found at your local Friday night high school football game in the form of Cuppy’s Coffee mobile unit, or in the main foyer of your executive offices with a Cuppy’s Coffee cart or kiosk. Also, look for your local Cuppy’s Coffee when you head into the mall for a little shopping.


The population, entrepreneurs and investors are ready for a new and exciting coffee house concept. In 2008 Cuppy’s Coffee, Smoothies & More is stepping up to be that choice when it comes time to satisfy the need for a refreshing specialty coffee experience.


For more information on Cuppy’s Coffee, Smoothies & More and/or to find a store near you, visit their website at www.cuppys.com


END


SOURCES:

Cuppy’s Coffee, Smoothies & More www.cuppys.com348 Miracle Strip Pkwy Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548 (888-241-4324)

¹ Specialty Coffee Association of America www.scaa.org 330 Golden Shore, Suite 50 Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: (562) 624-4100

² Wall Street Journal www.wsj.com online edition February 24, 2007

³ American Association of Franchisees & Dealers www.aafd.org PO Box 81887, San Diego, CA 92138-1887 (800-733-9858)

Posted by Cuppy's at 11:15:20 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Tuesday | January 08, 2008

Cuppy's Coffee First Annual Scholarship Essay Contest

Cuppy’s is proud to sponsor the First Annual Scholarship Essay Contest for your baristas. The Grand Prize winner will receive a $500.00 Scholarship Savings Bond towards the college of their choice and publication of their essay in the Bean Street Journal.

All Cuppy's Coffee high school seniors are encouraged to enter this contest. Cuppy’s has always been about our families, community and the education of our youth. This essay will not only encourage our baristas to succeed, but also promote a family atmosphere among all our open stores nationwide. Details for entry can be found online at Cuppys.net. Show your support for our young people by encouraging  them to enter.

Posted by Cuppy's at 12:54:13 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Monday | December 31, 2007

Cuppy's Coffee Going Global

In an era of dominance by Starbucks as the Goliath of coffee, Cuppy's Coffee is positioning itself to be the David and therefore the saviour of taste in the specialty coffee industry.

With more and more potential international franchisees looking for a market they can compete in, they are looking at companies such as Cuppy's to fill that need for variety. They are also looking for companies that will be able to assist and sustain that international growth.

Cuppy's Coffee and their South African partners have officially launched their campaign to open several locations in areas of the largest continent on earth. Talks are also underway to move into the Middle East and beyond with potential franchisees interested in taking on the giant. 
Posted by Cuppy's at 11:07:03 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

Thursday | December 27, 2007

Cuppy's Coffee Free Daycare Mentioned in Online Publication

In QSR Magazine, an article about Cuppy's daycare garnered honorable press in the quick serve industry's top publication. It also mentions the year in review with programs and projects geared towards franchisee assistance, training and operating procedures.
But noticeably our free day care and school was the primary focus of this exciting article. You can read about it at QSR Magazine's website. Also, you can read the article at Cuppy's Coffee corporate website.
Posted by Cuppy's at 14:48:00 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Tuesday | February 06, 2007

Cuppy's Coffee opens the forum for featured drink recipes

Cuppy's Coffee is offering an extra sweet temptation for this Valentine's Day. For the month of February Cuppy's Coffee customers can enjoy a French Kiss Latte. Available in all sizes, the French Kiss Latte is a blend of Caffe D'arte espresso, milk, white chocolate and vanilla.

The Featured Drink Program is new for 2007 and is aimed at creating customer interest by offering each selection for 4 weeks only. After the month is over, a new drink will appear on the menu board.

The featured drinks are selected from recipes submitted by franchisees and corporate employees. Cuppy's Coffee customers may also submit their drink recipes for consideration on the new Cuppy's forum at forum.cuppys.com.

Drink recipes considered to make the featured drink list are tested at the corporate office and approved through Cuppy's Coffee in-house marketing department before they are announced to the public.
Posted by Cuppy's at 11:06:03 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Thursday | February 01, 2007

Cuppy's Coffee Emerges with Spirit Undeterred After Mis-Association with Troubled Coffee Chain

(Fort Walton Beach, Fla.)--- When Cuppy's Coffee & More, Inc., was formed in 2006, it hoped to capitalize on Americans' never-ending thirst for specialty coffee. Cuppy's Coffee & More and its new associates, however, never expected to dodge obstacles intended for another company. Cuppy's Coffee & More awards franchises to its franchisees who purchase either a double drive-up building, an in-line coffee caf� or a "tow-behind your automobile" mobile unit from Cuppy's approved vendor, Elite Manufacturing, LLC. Elite Manufacturing is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Medina Enterprises Inc.

Medina Enterprises purchased equipment, telephones and assumed the leases from another company that licenses coffee businesses. Adding to the public confusion, Cuppy's Coffee leased offices in the same business complex and some of the employees from the former coffee business were offered positions and are now employed at Cuppy's Coffee. That's how Cuppy's problems began. Although the other coffee company, Java Jo'z, still exists as a licensing company, the owners of Java Jo'z have no financial, operational or legal association with Cuppy's Coffee, Elite Manufacturing or Medina. The legal relationship separating the businesses is clearly defined, but some individuals who have had disputes with Java Jo'z didn't readily understand the distinction.

"They would say we're at the same location, we have the same phone number and we have a similar looking logo, so therefore we must be the same company," said Doug Hibbing, president of Cuppy's. "But that's simply not the case. Whenever I talk to a CPA or an attorney and provide documentation, that CPA or attorney clearly realizes that we are two separate unrelated entities. This confusion even lead to the IRS initially thinking that we were the same business. Fortunately for us, even that initial perception was corrected by the IRS's review of our documentation. Hibbing and Robert Morgan (owner of Medina Enterprises, Inc.) believed that if the business model was operated as a franchise, the core ideas behind Java Jo'z would surpass all expectations. When the previous ownership decided to sell its assets, the two set out to build a viable, well-managed business with Hibbing at the helm of Cuppy's and Morgan at Elite Manufacturing. Even though Cuppy's Coffee has no legal liability to the previous licensees of Java Jo'z, Hibbing and Morgan have worked to accommodate their concerns. They have arranged a no-cost conversion option to former Java Jo'z licensees. In addition, Hibbing has offered a personal invitation and complimentary accommodations to licensees who want to visit the corporate headquarters in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. to see and learn first-hand the opportunities at Cuppy's Coffee. Hibbing candidly admits he should have performed better due diligence. But there is a calm and determined demeanor that emanates from his voice and one can sense it isn't the first time his determination has proved to be one of his strongest traits. "With the incredible staff that we have supporting our franchisees, I have no doubt that we can overcome any obstacles. We're doing that everyday." Hibbing said.

Hibbing's openness seems to mesh naturally with one of his primary goals with Cuppy's Coffee: Build a business with a reputation for integrity. "Despite inheriting the misdirected criticisms, the affable Hibbing hasn't let it affect his enthusiasm for Cuppy's Coffee. Cuppy's has opened 11 new locations since last May, has 70 stores in development and another 114 franchisees with leases or letters of intent. "I saw an opportunity that was phenomenal in the QSR (quick service restaurant) specialty coffee industry," Hibbing said. "It's one of the fastest-growing segments of the coffee industry. I wanted to step in and take a share of that market."
Posted by Cuppy's at 12:20:42 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Tuesday | January 30, 2007

Cuppys Coffee, Smoothies & More

Cuppy's Coffee & More is a specialty coffee and smoothie franchisor based in beautiful Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Cuppy's offers franchise opportunities including the Dual Drive-Up / Drive-Thru, Coffee Cafe, Island Walk-Up / Coffee Cart and Kiosk. Cuppy's takes pride in playing a part in helping our franchisees achieve their dreams. By working shoulder-to-shoulder with our family of franchisees, Cuppy's is leading the way in the Specialty Coffee Industry.

Serving up great attitudes, premium products, speedy service and the best tasting coffee drinks and smoothies is what brings Cuppy's customers back again and again!

Posted by Cuppy's at 12:13:32 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |