As Clear As Black & White

Julie and Alesha: creating the mayor's favourite café

Co-franchising makes getting into your own café affordable with Black & White Coffee Cartel

Two Christchurch thirty-somethings have a hit on their hands as cofranchisees of Black & White Coffee Cartel, New Zealand’s first and only on-premises micro-roasting café franchise. It’s an approach that the brand encourages to get the right people into business ownership.

Black & White Coffee Cartel grew out of the rubble of Christchurch earthquakes when the brand’s founder arrived in the city to contribute to the rebuild with a series of vibrant coffee shops featuring on-premises micro roasting; the secret to the amazing coffee served in street corner cafés of France and Italy.

The first Black & White Coffee Cartel opened in 2014, and customers came so thick and fast the brand was developed as a franchise by Raphael Garcia and his business partner Alan Win, with Tony Yin as Chief Operating Officer.

The first franchised café opened in 2017 and there are now sixteen throughout the South and North Islands, with five more already confirmed and opportunities for many more. Depending on the location, investment starts at around $350,000 for a turnkey business that includes all training, staff employment and ongoing support.

Contrasting style

So what makes Black & White Coffee Cartel so different?

‘Our franchise business model delivers higher margins than your average café,’ explains Tony. ‘Part of that is down to our on-site micro roasting, which not only gives us a unique point of difference, but also a cost benefit, on average contributing around $25,000 per year to a franchisee’s bottom line. That makes a big difference.

‘In addition, rather than taking a cookie-cutter approach, we encourage franchisee input: when it comes to food, each café can adapt its menu to its local market and customer base.’

Pictures also add a truly local feel to each café

Having met through their respective partners, Alesha and Julie had often talked about going into business together. Having worked at the Black & White Coffee Cartel in Oxford Terrace, Alesha knew how good the franchise was, so when she was offered the chance to own her own café in Avonhead, she combined forces with Julie to make it happen.

‘We bring complementary skills and experience: mine is over 10 years of experience in Christchurch cafés, from kitchen through to staff management, while Julie has the business background you need to stay in control as you grow.’

Freedoms for franchisees

Alesha is a long-time Black & White fan. ‘When the first one opened in Victoria Street, I was immediately attracted to the cool and funky fit-out, and the sight and smell of the micro roasting taking place right there in front of customers,’ explains Alesha. ‘Later, as a staff member, I became aware of the emphasis on ethical business and the freedom for franchisees to add their own flair to both fit-out and menu. I couldn’t wait to have my own one day!

‘The site the team found for us couldn’t have been better. Avonhead is popular with everyone from young families through to retirees, and we are situated near the Avonhead Mall and next door to Merrin Primary School.

‘One of our first contributions to the fit-out was a huge photo of Avonhead’s Memorial Avenue, named in tribute to those who died in the Second World War. It immediately shows our connection to the local community and fits nicely with the amazing and eclectic range of framed photos and prints. Knowing that parents and caregivers would be customers, we included a kids’ play area and, being dog lovers, we created a “puppichino” for visiting pooches.’

Opening in January 2020 turned out to be just in time for Covid, but Avonhead has shown massive support for its own Black & White Coffee Cartel café. ‘We now have 14 part- and full-time staff, and nowadays we’re quite often at capacity with around 100 customers inside and 30 in the outdoor area,’ says Alesha. ‘We’ve even had mayor Phil Mauger say we’re his favourite Christchurch café.’

Co-franchisees welcome

Alesha and Julie say they owe a lot to the support not just of Tony and the franchisor team but also their fellow Black & White franchisees. ‘Our cafés may all be different, but we share a passion for what we do and we phone each other all the time. I think that’s a real plus for any new franchisee, wherever they are – there’s always someone to turn to and someone looking out for you.’

Raphael Garcia is a big fan of co-franchisees. ‘Partnering with friends or relatives is a great idea to help younger people get into a Black & White Coffee Cartel franchise.

‘As well as Alesha and Julie, we have another two couples in a franchise partnership, while in Auckland there’s a team of eight couples who are co-franchisees. We’d particularly love to see more take this approach to investing in a fun, funky and financially rewarding future –especially in the North Island where we have lots of locations planned.

‘Hospitality experience isn’t necessary, enthusiasm is. Contact Tony Yin today for a career decision that really is Black & White.’

Advertiser Info

Black & White Coffee Cartel

www.blackwhitecoffee.co.nz

Contact Tony Yin

M 022 630 6622

tony.yin@blackwhitecoffeee.co.nz