Zarraffa’s Coffee celebrated the remarkable achievements of a number of franchisees last week at Port Douglas, as part of the specialty coffee company’s 2023 National Franchise Conference.
The 2023 Franchisee of the Year Award went to ‘dynamic duo’ franchisees, Ashley Byers and Jordan Wyborn, owners of five stores across southeast Queensland located in Greenslopes, Redbank Plains, Pacific Pines, Toowoomba North, and the company’s first drive thru only store in Beaudesert.
“A first-time win for Mr Byers and Mr Wyborn, their unwavering commitment to both brand and operational excellence set them apart as this year’s winners.”
Zarraffa’s Coffee CEO Marnie Sheldon commended the efforts of Mr Byers, Mr Wyborn, their store teams, and all that they have achieved.
“The boys have come a long way from operating one store in Toowoomba back in 2017, to today directing a team of over 100 while servicing a huge geographical area in the heart of our brand’s footprint in Queensland,” says Ms Sheldon.
“It is through the support and investment of franchisees like Ash and Jordan that we are shaping the future of our brand; operators who are ready to tackle opportunities head on, while still keeping our customer service and experience front of mind.
“Whether it’s taking over existing stores in a short space of time, or opening a brand-new store, including pioneering the very first ever drive thru only store concept in March this year, the boys have managed things exceptionally well and deserve this recognition.”
Held in the tropical climate of Far North Queensland at the picturesque Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas, the 2023 Gala dinner and Awards also recognised the following achievements of Franchisees and stores.
Rookie of the Year Award
Cosi and Jarrod McKenzie – Zarraffa’s Coffee Ballina
CEO Encouragement Award
Elissa and Chris Hutton, and Bruce Fullerton – Zarraffa’s Coffee Riverlakes | Pimpama | Upper Coomera
Store of the Year
Zarraffa’s Coffee Morayfield Road – Ben Old
Brand Ambassador Award (joint win)
Robbie Hicks – Zarraffa’s Coffee Capalaba | Cleveland | Victoria Point
Candice Fioretti – Zarraffa’s Coffee Lawnton.
Other accolades included 2021 Franchisee of the Year winner from Zarraffa’s Coffee Cairns Showground and Edmonton, Paul Brierley, who took out the Franchisee – People’s Choice Award.
The brand also celebrated significant service milestones, including:
- Kelly Daswani, Zarraffa’s Coffee Eagleby – 11 years
- Brett Kochner Zarraffa’s Coffee Richlands, Heathwood and Booval – 10 years
- Terry Fleming Zarraffa’s Coffee Richlands, Heathwood and Booval – 10 years
- Melissa Willet, Zarraffa’s Coffee Acacia Ridge – Five years
- Kelly Batty, Zarraffa’s Coffee Morayfield – 15 years
- Hiren Patel, Zarraffa’s Coffee Grovely, and Boondall – 10 years
- Dylan Zack Zarraffa’s Coffee Head Office – 15 years.
With a new operating model and serious momentum to grow the brand in new locations over the next 12-24 months, the Aussie-owned specialty coffee company is looking at long-term growth.
“We are ready to expand in a measured way to establish Zarraffa’s nationally as we head toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympics,” Ms Sheldon said.
“With our store operations top of mind, it will be in how we treat our customers – through memorable service, exceptional product and enhanced convenience – that will really distinguish us over time from our competitors and ensure that we continually add value to our customers’ day.”
