Part of the Foodco franchise group, Jamaica Blue has gained a loyal following for award-winning coffee and seriously good food, made using the freshest ingredients available.
Now with around 100 franchises across Australia and 60 internationally, the brand has expanded its footprint yet again with two new stores in Yanchep Central and Joondalup, Western Australia.
The new stores mark a significant elevation of the brand’s visual identity and integrated tech, reflecting its commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Redesigning for the Contemporary Customer
While Jamaica Blue has always been known for its stylish stores, it was time for an update. Founded in the early 90s, over the past 14 years Jamaica Blue has further cemented itself as an urban oasis, with its coastal blue and white theme.
However, it was time for a rejuvenation and a vibrant new colour palette, says Chief Development Officer Matthew Williams.
“Store designs evolve with the brand and we have continuously updated colour palettes, signage and adjusted uniforms over the past 14 years,” says Matthew. “However, a year ago we decided to completely refresh the design.”
The fresh palette draws from a blend of warm apricot and refreshing pistachio tones, with highlights provided by a gorgeous yacht race blue. It’s a modern, sleek aesthetic which will appeal to a broader customer base while maintaining the brand’s signature style.
Sustainability is at the Core of the New Fitouts
One of the standout features of the new store design is its emphasis on sustainability.
Jamaica Blue is committed to minimising its environmental footprint, and this is reflected in the materials and furnishings chosen for the new stores, including booths and banquettes made from recycled materials.
Designing for disassembly is also a huge part of sustainable commercial fitouts. The brand has reduced its use of stone, opting for finishes and panels that can easily be retreated or repainted rather than replaced. This will ultimately reduce waste going to landfill and also prove more cost-effective for franchisees.
Adaptability for Diverse Locations
Jamaica Blue operates in diverse markets, both domestically and internationally. This geographic diversity necessitates a flexible design approach that can be adapted to various settings and customer expectations.
The new stores in Yanchep Central and Joondalup will be large, 100-seat dine-in cafés, with Joondalup also offering a dinner service—a feature available in only a select few Jamaica Blue locations.
However, the new store design also needs to be versatile enough to suit smaller scale locations, such as espresso bars and kiosks, as well as international locations.
Jamaica Blue is targeting 15 new store builds across Australia over the next 12 months, with another 24 existing sites undergoing refurbishment with the new look. You can see current available opportunities here.
International expansion is also planned, with four new sites on the radar for the UK and 5-10 across New Zealand, UAE and Malaysia.
Tech Advancements Will Enhance Customer Experience
This expansion and redesign aligns with Jamaica Blue’s goal of becoming a globally recognised café brand, known for its innovation and sleek design.
Today’s customers expect choice and speed. New tech integration is an essential part of this, enhancing customer experience (CX) with self-ordering kiosks that provide a quick and efficient option for customers looking for an easy takeaway service.
The new Jamaica Blue kiosks are designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing point-of-sale systems, ensuring they are cost-effective and easy for both franchisees and customers. Customers can still choose to order at the counter and have a friendly experience with staff, while the kiosks provide an additional layer of convenience.
Jamaica Blue has the advantage of following the experience of supermarkets and fast food franchises that were early adopters of the technology.
“We want to be sure the system works and the bugs are ironed out before we ask franchisees to spend their money on technology,” says Williams.
Continual investment in technology and equipment is a cornerstone of the brand. Along with the new look and self-serving kiosks, Jamaica Blue is also upgrading its equipment to ensure the brand retains its reputation as a purveyor of high quality coffee.
This includes the introduction of the Ubermilk premium milk frother and the PUQpress, an automatic tamper that ensures consistent coffee compacting.
These innovations are part of the overall streamlining in operations, which will improve product quality and ultimately boost franchisee profitability.
An Award-Winning Commitment to Franchisees
Jamaica Blue and Foodco recently won the 2023 ‘Established Franchisor of the Year’ award and the ‘Field Manager of the Year’ award at the Franchising Council of Australia (FCA) awards.
It reflects the brand’s dedication to supporting its franchisees and maintaining high operational standards. The ‘Established Franchisor of the Year’ award, in particular, recognises the hard work of the marketing, product development, and operations teams in evolving the brand.
James Wadsworth, a Victorian-based field manager, was honored with the Field Manager of the Year award, underscoring the critical role of on-the-ground support in franchisee success.
“This award is excellent recognition for James, who interacts with franchisees daily, offering support and guidance. Field managers are essential in ensuring that our standards are met across all locations,” says Williams.
A Bright New Look For a Bright Future
As Jamaica Blue rolls out its stylish new look and expands both domestically and internationally, it is committed to sustainability, quality, and in-depth franchisee support. This comprehensive approach ensures that the brand is well-positioned to continue its success in the competitive café market.
If you’re looking for a seriously good franchise opportunity, check out the latest Jamaica Blue opportunities here or get in touch with the team today.