Cafe2U delivers fresh espresso coffee, hot chocolate and a range of snacks to non-traditional locations in over 50 franchise territories across the UK. These locations are mainly work places, business parks and industrial estates located away from the high-street.
Antonio Petrosino, Cafe2U franchise partner of Merton London, has a total of 28 years’ experience in the hospitality and catering industry. In his last role, he was a Restaurant Manager for 13 years. He had always been happy in this role and was very good at helping to run a successful business. In fact, it was only after so many customers complimented his exceptional services that he considered setting up something on his own.
He tells us how he came to discover the Cafe2U franchise partner opportunity. “I worked all my life for other people and customers used to say to me, ’You are managing your restaurant very well!’ I would have to explain to them that I was not the owner I was just there all the time and liked to look after my boss’ restaurant as though it were my own. I would often reflect on such remarks but did not make any big decisions until one day I felt that I was ready – or had matured enough, just like blue cheese(!) – to challenge myself to be creative, learn and manage something new.”
I was greatly attracted by the Acceleration Package, as well as the quality beverages and food that they stocked.
Antonio was first made aware of the Cafe2U brand by his partner Angela, following her own experience as a customer. He then proceeded to visit the company website and watch some videos on their YouTube channel about their franchise partners, the annual conference and how they serve their customers. He also contacted Head Office and spoke to Tom Acland, UK Managing Director.
“I started doing some research online and heard about franchising. I liked that it offered a proven business model and the support of an established organisation. When I found out about Cafe2U, I was greatly attracted by the Acceleration Package, as well as the quality beverages and food that they stocked.”
Cafe2U is the largest provider of mobile coffee in the UK. The business has been operating since 2000 when the first prototype was launched in Australia and came to the UK during 2004. Now with 50 franchise partners across the UK and over 100 in Australia, the business also launched in the US in 2011. Cafe2U has won awards for its franchise business model, as well as for the quality of their coffee and service levels.
“After 1 month of decision-making, I used some savings and a loan to buy my franchise in May 2011. From there, I undertook a 4 week training course through the Cafe2U Acceleration Package and have since received fantastic ongoing support and advice, along with guidance and visits from my Franchise Development Manager.”
Cafe2U provide industry-leading training using the Cafe2U Accelerated Launch Programme, ensuring sales of £250 per day during the first two weeks of operation.
They have proven to be a great brand to work with and, although I am my own boss and I can use my own skills, I am not alone…
“I felt inspired by the ethos of Cafe2U, especially as their methods fitted in so well with my existing skills and experience. They have proven to be a great brand to work with and, although I am my own boss and I can use my own skills, I am not alone – I have the collective resources of the franchise network at my disposal.”
Cafe2U can also be booked to attend events and functions, thus ensuring that a fully contained quality refreshment service is available all day; a simple yet major bonus to any event organiser.
“In my last job I was starting to feel a kind of boredom, not only earning the same wage but also doing the same tasks. With Cafe2U each day is a different one! I’ve always loved serving people but I also figured that I would spend my life working for others. One day though I just realised, why not work for myself and do what I am good at. As a result, I am now enjoying the satisfaction of supporting something that I truly believe in – offering quality products to customers and providing excellent customer service.
“For anyone who is planning to buy their first franchise, I would recommend that you consider the ethos of the company in question. Do they align with your own ambitions? Can you see yourself as part of their network? I think I’ve definitely found my ideal partnership.
“My short term goal is to sell 100 cups of coffee each day, with a medium term goal to attend as many events as possible thus gaining further experience and customer understanding. In the long term, I would like to buy a second van and progress my Cafe2U franchise.”
