A Fresh Start For Cuppy’s Coffee

Cuppy’s Coffee was purchased by Dale Nabors, CEO of Fransynergy, on Friday April 18. This new acquisition has positive implications underway for all Cuppy’s Coffee franchisees and owners. The new management team, led by Nabors, has already commenced certain initiatives to increase the profitability of each existing franchisee.

Dale Nabors said, “Our number one priority is to get our stores open. Our number two priority is to make them profitable.” The new regime is curtailing franchise sales to focus on the long-term growth of a great brand. To increase the profitability of existing Cuppy’s locations the corporate offices will focus on increasing the retail segment of the business, educating franchisees on how to move products in their stores, and increase food item sales.

One of the first exciting changes Cuppy’s franchisees will undergo under Nabors’ leadership is a new national distribution system designed to save each franchisee 20 to 30 percent. Additionally, Cuppy’s will begin private labeling syrups, sauces and powders used for drink recipes in May of 2008. The new private label products are delectable and comparable in taste and quality to the brand’s original product.

Nabors initiated the development of new cups for Cuppy’s franchisees when he was consulting for the company. Now Cuppy’s franchisees can benefit from a cup that can serve hot and cold drinks, saving franchisees money and inventory space! Franchisees can also expect a new 24 ounce cup to be available soon. The new cups are not only less expensive for franchisees, but they are also environmentally friendly. They take less energy to produce and are recyclable. Most companies use paper cups coated with wax which cannot be recycled.

Cuppy’s franchisees are thrilled with the transition of the company’s management. Nabors listened to the franchisees requests as he consulted for Cuppy’s and honed in on their needs. The new distribution system and cups are just two examples of positive changes that are impacting Cuppy’s franchisees’ bottom line.

To ensure that the corporate office and franchisees are able to communicate effectively, Nabors has been instrumental in developing a Franchisee Advisory Board. The board consists of a variety of franchisees representing different regions and different Cuppy’s units. (The Cuppy’s franchise offers a dual drive-thru unit, stand alone or inline café unit, kiosk, coffee and smoothie cart and mobile unit.) The board’s role in the company is to provide the franchisee perspective on any upcoming changes and serve as a voice for the franchisees.

“I expect the Cuppy’s brand to grow into the number one specialty coffee franchise in America. I purchased this company because I believe in it, and I am strategically placing the right people to take this brand to the next level,” said Nabors. “I will focus on slow, controlled growth to build a profitable brand with profitable franchisees.”