After 30 years in the business, café franchise powerhouse Jamaica Blue has begun rolling out an exciting stylish new store design concept across Australia. Fans of the brand – and great coffee – can see it on display in the new Jamaica Blue store that’s just opened in the arrival hall of Perth International Airport’s busy Terminal 1.
Set to be rolled out across all new Jamaica Blue stores and refits, the design is thoughtfully curated with tech to balance great looks with operational efficiency and an enhanced customer journey, ensuring a seamless experience even in high-traffic areas like airports and hospitals.
Designed for the Conscious Consumer
Founded in the early 90s, Jamaica Blue has become an Australian staple for great coffee and classic dishes with a delicious twist. While the coastal theme of the stores has always been attractive, it was time to update it for the next generation of Jamaica Blue lovers. The clean flow of the design allows for quick and easy service for both new and returning customers.
As Foodco’s Chief Development Officer Matthew Williams says “Store designs evolve with the brand. It was time for a vibrant new look and refresh.”
The striking new Jamaica Blue store design reflects their brand personality – vibrancy, fun and upbeat, celebrating Jamaican provenance by making coffee the hero, delivering a brand
promise. A space which appeals to the wider customer base through a unique, contemporary and refreshing design.
Mixing refreshing tones and accent colours, creating a warm, comfortable and inviting atmosphere through contrasting architectural elements and warm finishes and materials. It’s a look that’s contemporary and polished and one that will appeal to a diverse audience, cementing the brand’s reputation as a modern urban oasis.
Tonia Barnes Foodco’s Design Manager states “The design intent was to create a new store concept reflecting elements which make Jamaica Blue unique. One which speaks to our customer, highlighting core values, personality and the strategic direction of the brand.”
“Providing clear communication of the Jamaican provenance being authentic and celebrating coffee. Creating a place of respite offering a chance for our customers to relax and walk away feeling satisfied and looking forward to their next visit or take a piece of Jamaica blue home.
The store layout is designed to maximise customer flow and provide clear communication on where to order, wait and pick up. Dedicated zones for short, medium and long stay. Short stay
standing area close to pick up and merchandising, a place for a quick chat and coffee. Medium stay sit down general dining. Long stay zone for extended dining and gatherings with banquette seating offering more privacy and comfort. Blue continues to be part of the colour scheme, with the addition of warmer tones in the finishes. Clear, bright signage and graphics reinforce the brand and coffee messaging.”
The new fit outs are also specifically designed for longevity with sustainability gestures, minimising waste. Materials are ordered in bulk, repeat specification in ongoing projects, standard material sizes are considered when designing joinery and modular joinery items all ensure minimal wastage. The Refurbishment evolution allows for the extended life span of a tenancy, by applying recycled materials, fittings which can be disassembled, retreated or repainted in refurbishment sites.
Tech Innovation to Meet Customer Expectations
Today’s customers expect efficiency on demand, particularly in airports and high transit areas. In addition to the new look, improved customer experience with the ordering process through the implementation of clear self-service options and way finding. Jamaica Blue is integrating customer-focused technology to enhance convenience. Self-ordering kiosks and optional dual POS are being introduced across select locations, offering a seamless takeaway service while still maintaining the option for personalised counter service.
Technology is also instrumental in the preparation of Jamaica Blue’s signature blend and
seasonal single-origin coffees, which earned six medals at the 2024 Australasian Golden Bean Awards.
With this in mind, the franchise is also rolling out a premium equipment package, to ensure quality of product, consistency and efficiency, including top-of-the-range Ubermilk frothers providing steamed milk at the push of a button, PUQpress automatic tampers ensuring precision and consistency in every cup of coffee and high speed convection ovens.
Location, Location – And Continual Diversification
Adaptability has also been key. With Jamaica Blue cafés ranging from large dine-in spaces to kiosk sites and compact espresso bars, the new design system ensures a cohesive brand
identity while allowing flexibility for different formats and locations, both in Australia and internationally.
Backed by Foodco, one of Australia’s most experienced food retailers, Jamaica Blue has made smart decisions when it comes to location, forging into high-traffic transport spaces and hospital sites.
For example, the latest store at Perth Airport serves travelers in a major international transit point which also connects travelers to marquee destinations like the Margaret River.
The high foot traffic and diverse customer base creates an ideal audience for Jamaica Blue’s award-winning coffee and freshly prepared contemporary dishes.
Future-Proofing a Beloved Brand
The refreshing design reflects Jamaica Blue’s commitment to innovation and growth – future proofing the design with the integration of technology to optimise sales and offer convenience. Design with flexibility in mind so elements can easily be updated with the lifecycle of the store. The new look and tech are being rolled out across both new and refurbished Jamaica Blue sites, with a strong pipeline of store openings planned over the next 12 months.
As Jamaica Blue expands both domestically and internationally, it is committed to sustainability, quality, and in-depth franchisee support. This ensures that the brand is future proof, to continue its success in the competitive café market.
Limited-time Offer for New Jamaica Blue Cafes
Foodco, the parent company behind beloved Australian café brands Jamaica Blue is excited to announce a limited time offer to potential franchisees. Starting December 1st, 2024, those who sign on to purchase a new franchise before March 31st 2025, will receive a generous $30,000 ex GST credit to help kick-start their business.
New franchisees will benefit from the $30,000 credit, which will be applied directly to their account, reducing royalty payments for the early stages of their franchise journey.
Terms and Conditions apply.
Jamaicabluefranchise.com.au
About Foodco
Foodco is a leading Australian franchisor with 35 years of experience in building and growing successful café and retail brands. Their portfolio includes Jamaica Blue, Muffin Break, and other popular brands, with hundreds of franchises operating across Australia and internationally.
Foodco is committed to supporting its franchisees with exceptional training, marketing, and operational resources to ensure long-term success.