FranSynergy Acquires Cuppy’s Coffee, Smoothies & More

Business is a fast paced and sometime difficult road to manuever. It is also a series of evolutions from startup to completion. And it is in that process that Cuppy’s Coffee is proud to announce that FranSynergy has acquired our fast growing coffee company to navigate it thru the next stage in that evolution. Below is a copy of the letter sent to all franchisees acknowledging the transition and welcoming the new management team to Cuppy’s Coffee.

Dear Franchisees,

Cuppy’s has grown leaps and bounds since our humble beginnings in May of 2006. We currently have more than 231 franchisees nationwide and 73 open stores, with many more stores in the works!

It’s our ultimate goal to see the Cuppy’s brand grow strong and be successful. In order for this to happen, change is inevitable. Our objective is to always keep you, our franchisee, up to date as these changes occur.

With that in mind, we have some really exciting news! We are pleased to announce that FranSynergy Inc., lead by Dale Nabors, CEO, has acquired Cuppy’s Coffee & More, Inc.

Dale Nabors has over 25 years of franchising experience and worked for the Dwyer Group from March, 1995 to August, 2000….

To read the entire letter follow this link.

McDonald’s Foray into Specialty Coffee

     The McCafe. The McDonalds® hamburger empire has for some time been interested in serving espresso based drinks in its stores. This year there has been considerable press concerning the financial impact this venture will have on the specialty coffee industry. Although mainly targeted at Starbucks® the nation’s leading coffee company, the questions still begs to be asked: How will McDonald’s venture into the specialty coffee industry affect your store sales?

      McDonalds has always had a very lucrative morning breakfast rush with coffee accounting for 5% of the ticket. Their coffee has somewhat been palatable to the consumer in a rush to get to the office. But with more and more consumers willing to spend the extra money for a premium coffee, McDonald’s tactics makes for a very good reason to capitalize in this segment of the coffee industry. In a recent interview in the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution columist Leon Stafford asked Don Thompson, president of McDonald’s about their venture into the specialty coffee arena:

Q: McDonald’s is upgrading its coffee products, rolling out more

premium blends. Some have even speculated that McDonald’s could be taking on Starbucks. What are your thoughts?

A: Espresso-based drinks [are] a huge market opportunity. Our efforts in this arena are not focused on any competitor. What they are focused on are our customers and what their drinking habits are. And when you look at the espresso-based drinks, it is a category that is growing tremendously.

   The remaining interview focused mainly on McDonald’s business strategy and relationships with its vendors. It may be to early to gauge the impact that this move will have on smaller coffee shops around the country. But the announcement may have impacted stock market shares for both McDonalds and Starbucks.

      Other analysts and consultants have a different take on McDonald’s move. In an online interview with columnist Kristen Cole for WCBSTV.com Judy Ganes had this to say:

     “For the consumer it’s a win-win,” said coffee consultant Judy Ganes. “There’s better coffee at more locations.”

     Ganes tracks production and pricing of coffee and says Starbucks first poached from McDonalds’ playbook by offering drive-thrus and breakfast and lunch. Now the roles have reversed.

    “McDonalds is hoping this brewing competition will add a billion dollars to its bottom line and is also promising consumers their coffee will cost 60 to 80 cents less,” she said.

     But one thing is for sure, consumer’s will have more choices for its specialty coffee needs. To compete for those choice demands, smaller coffee shops will need to start building a loyal customer base today. When McDonalds roles out en-mass its McCafes, coffee houses will have already established their customer base. As the novelty of the McCafe wears off, this will be one of the best opportunities to fill a void left during and after the Starbucks/McDonalds battle for coffee dominance.

     Creating an atmosphere where your customers want to be is very easy to obtain. Customers want to feel special, make that happen. Get to know your customers by their first name and their choice of coffee. Customers want a quality cup of coffee for the prices they’re paying. Other ways you can build and keep your loyal customer is to educate them to the subtleties of espresso based drink. Today’s connoisseurs are more than eager to take in information about what’s going into the preparation and production of their coffee. Offer your customers loyalty cards for their patronage. It doesn’t have to be a lot, it’s the gesture that makes all the difference. Select a few loyal customers and teach them how to make an espresso based drink. Occasionally offer a class on the nuances of coffee in your store.

     The ideas to build and sustain a customer base are numerous. Acting now will ensure that whenever McDonalds does roll out their national cafes, you will have already secured your niche in this competitive market.

Cuppy’s Coffee Franchise System Managers – Your Coach, Your Mentor, Your Best Friend!

Calling into a company to get answers can sometimes be a daunting task itself, from being put on hold or being shuffled around the office to get the correct answer. Maybe you reach a person only to find out the information given you is not the right answer you were seeking. Medina’s Franchise Systems Managers (FSM) are here to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

The advantages may not be easily recognizable at first, but your FSM will work to your benefit. The FSM’s are trained in every aspect of the franchising process and will guide you through from beginning to end. One advantage of having a personal FSM is that you only have to make one call; speak to one person to get the answers you need. This is a key factor in saving you time and trying to remember which department or person you need to reach. FSM’s realize that you have enough contacts to keep track of and as a business owner your time is valuable. Everyday your FSM works towards being your “one stop shop” for all the questions and answers that arise while opening your store. Another advantage is the relationship you and your FSM establish will lead to a long lasting friendship. A friendship developed by working closely together to see your dreams come true.

Your personal FSM is the angel on your shoulder from coordinating with your Real Estate Specialist and Elite Project Managers to your building delivery. Need answers about purchasing, marketing or field training your FSM is trained to get you the correct information you’re looking for. Your FSM will be there every step of the way to answer your questions and concerns.   During the process of opening your business questions, problems or unforeseen events may arise, your FSM is your “go to person”.

Communications plays a key factor in your relationship with an FSM. Being in constant communications with your FSM will ensure that you’re always in the loop regarding new marketing ideas, new products and exciting events happening in the franchising community. Importantly, being open and honest will help assist you in areas that you feel are important as well as keeping the amount of information flowing in both directions to getting your store open successfully.

New CFO Joins Medina Enterprise Executive Branch

Medina Enterprises, a Fort Walton Beach based holding company, announced today the newest addition to its executive management team with the hiring of Don Ochsenreiter as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Ochsenreiter brings significant financial and operational leadership to Medina Enterprises. With Medina anticipating tremendous future growth, Ochsenreiter’s primary objectives are to establish optimal capital structure for the company to facilitate its imminent growth, and to help Medina achieve this growth building a solid financial foundation.

Before joining Medina, Ochsenreiter was President and CEO for Burton Golf, Inc. for the past 13 years. At Burton Golf, Ochsenreiter repositioned and grew the leading golf bag brand to the number one market share position in golf course shops worldwide. Before recently selling the company to a strategic buyer, he managed every aspect of the company through operational and industry change. Ochsenreiter holds a B.A. in economics from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an M.B.A. from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas.

A New Cup For Cuppy’s Coffee Owners

Rising costs and economic forecasts has led Cuppy’s Coffee to find a more reliable and cost effective cup for its franchisees. Currently, Cuppy’s orders 3 different cup sizes and 3 different lid configurations causing confusion within the company and its franchisees. (this is just the hot cups)

Now Cuppy’s Coffee is set to release a cup that works for both hot and cold drinks. The cup is also recyclable, giving cause to the environmental waste concerns of both the company and the public it serves.

The new cups features the IMx technology meaning that beverages served in the new cups maintain the ideal serving temperature of 155F to 175F longer than a single paper hot cup with sleeve. The new cup will also adorn the new revised company logo.

Now instead of using two cups, one for hot and one for cold, the new cup can be used for both. An all in one cup! The insulation properties keep cold drinks cold without the need for a sleeve and while eliminating condensation from the outside of the cup keeping it comfortable to the touch. One size is all that is needed for new cup. No need for different sized lids for the various sizes. This reduces cost to the franchisee by having a cup that can accommodate flat lids, dome lids and hot lids on all 3 sized cups. In other words each lid type is universal and fits all 3 size cups, allowing the franchisee to stock just one size, while simplifying the ordering process.

The new cup is fully recyclable which eliminates the need to double-cup requiring twice the energy, twice the waste, and emits twice the amount of greenhouse gases. This news will be great for customers and communities that are mindful of the waste management issue. At Cuppy’s Coffee the hope is that everyone will recycle the new cups.

Looks Who Here! New Cuppy’s Cafe in Wilmington NC

Wilmington, NC is the home to one of our newest locations. The owners were very pleased with the entire process from the build out to the grand opening. “Store sales are steadily rising everyday.” the owners have reported. “I know that we have been putting some of your advice to work and we are getting some positive feedback!” Look for this location to steadily increase their store sales.

A Letter From The President

Prepared to be WOW’ed. The New Year not only ushers in a new look for our franchisees, but also a new attitude. An attitude of care and service for our franchisees, vendors and staff. Everyone at Cuppy’s has committed themselves to providing a level of care and understanding, unmatched in the quick serve industry. From our receptionist to our store trainers, you will find that attitude in every aspect of your communications with us.     

We’ve planned our strategies, laid out our foundations, now the winds of the WOW factor will fill our sails to launch us into a very successful year and beyond. This success will also be your success. Name and brand recognition, customer loyalty and much more will be evident in the new attitude we’ve incorporated into our daily lives. You, our valued franchisee, can also contribute to the success of the brand by doing what you do best; provide your customers with an experience they will not soon forget.

Doug Hibbing

President 

Cuppy’s Coffee, Smoothies & More

Cuppy’s Franchisees Real Estate: What You Can Do To Help Find the Perfect Location

Location, location, location – plays a key factor in the success of most businesses. Whether you are looking for your first location and/or working on opening your second or third location, our dedicated Real Estate Specialists are here to assist you in your search for that A+ location. You, as a franchisee, are a part of this team, so here are a few things you can do to help in the search for that perfect spot. The input and resourcefulness you provide will be an invaluable tool your specialist can use to secure a location for your Cuppy’s Coffee location.     

1.  Drive through your search area – your eyes are the most important factor in determining the validity of a location. Make sure to look for the criteria that makes a winning location: Accessibility, Visibility, and Demographics!    

 2.  Write down any contact information on sites you think will work. Your specialist will follow thru with the brokers to gain more information.    

3.  Take along your Site Scorecard and pay special attention to sites that meet most of our requirements. Do this for every location you have in mind.    

4.  Ask your Specialist to send you a copy of our new Real Estate Flyer and pass it out to local brokerage firms. Start establishing a rapport with area brokers. This will also help owners and developers learn more about our superior product and compel them to want you in their developments.    

5.  Check with your local Chamber of Commerce and find out about any new developments coming to your area.  Doing this, you will increase your opportunity to become the first coffee store in the newest and best developments.     It is vital that you keep the lines of communication open with your specialist. Your feedback on locations is priceless and helps to fine-tune the search based upon your preferences and needs.  We’ve found that working together with your assistance on a local level in the search for that A+ location and the proprietary tools and data our Real Estate Specialists use, we are more successful in finding that perfect location.