Esquires Coffee Plans Aggressive UK Expansion, Aiming to Double Store Count in Three Years
Esquires Coffee, a growing coffee chain in the UK, has announced ambitious plans to expand its presence significantly over the next few years. The company aims to double its UK store count to between 140 and 150 locations within three years, with a longer-term goal of reaching 300 stores by 2029.
Currently, Esquires Coffee operates more than 70 outlets across the UK. Its expansion strategy focuses on increasing its footprint in regions like South East England, the East Midlands, and Wales. The coffee chain has already made significant strides in recent months, opening 17 new stores in various locations across the country, with plans to open at least 10 more by the end of its financial year in March 2025.
Rapid Growth in a Changing Coffee Landscape
In 2023, Esquires Coffee saw a notable increase in sales, reporting a 20% rise to £17.5 million. This growth was driven in part by the success of newly opened stores, which now account for 12% of the company’s total UK sales. Esquires is capitalizing on the shift in consumer behavior, particularly the rise in remote and hybrid working. The brand is focusing on suburban locations where people working from home are seeking local spots for coffee, socializing, or working outside of their homes.
Esquires Coffee is known for its high-quality, organic coffee, sourced through a long-standing partnership with Matthew Algie. In addition to coffee, the brand offers fresh, made-to-order food, catering to the needs of local consumers looking for convenient and quality offerings.
Aiden Keegan, CEO of Esquires Coffee UK, stated: “We’ve got the largest pipeline we’ve had to date in the UK, and we see that the brand has really strong potential to reach more communities.” He emphasized the company’s commitment to focusing on suburban areas rather than prime city-center locations.
“We’re not going high street, we’re not going flagship. You’ll never see us on Oxford Street. We don’t particularly want to be in central business districts or city centres,” Keegan explained. “We’re happier in the suburbs where people working from home want to visit a café to work—or just for a break or to catch up with friends.”
Why Suburban Locations Matter
Esquires Coffee’s focus on suburban areas is a strategic response to changes in consumer habits. With many people now working remotely or in hybrid roles, the demand for local coffee shops offering a comfortable space to work or relax has grown significantly. This shift in working patterns means that more people are spending time in their local neighborhoods, creating a new demand for coffee shops that cater to these needs.
Keegan also highlighted the business advantages of opening stores in suburban locations. “This means we get bigger spend and longer dwell time than in more central locations,” he noted, adding that entry costs for suburban stores are typically lower than those in busy central business districts. Additionally, Esquires Coffee’s franchise model offers a more accessible path for potential franchisees, requiring a lower investment compared to other larger coffee chains. This makes it easier for individuals to open and operate a single store, without needing to commit to a larger-scale investment.
Sustainability and Community Focus
Esquires Coffee has long been committed to sustainability, sourcing its coffee from global farming cooperatives to ensure fair practices and environmental responsibility. The company’s stores are designed with sustainability in mind, using eco-friendly materials and practices. The brand has also adopted fully compostable and recyclable cups, aligning with its commitment to reducing waste.
In addition to its sustainable efforts, Esquires has partnered with Too Good To Go, a service that helps reduce food waste by allowing consumers to purchase surplus food from participating businesses. This partnership reflects the brand’s broader commitment to making a positive impact both environmentally and socially.
Matthew Algie, a key partner of Esquires Coffee since its inception nearly 25 years ago, emphasized the company’s dedication to quality. “We’re proud to offer one of the largest selections of coffee, coffee machines, café supplies, and expert barista training across the UK and Ireland,” Algie said. The company works with a wide range of clients, including Dobbies garden centres, Handpicked Hotels, Tinderbox, and the National Trust for Scotland, showcasing its broad reach within the coffee and hospitality industries.
The Path Ahead: UK Expansion and Beyond
Esquires Coffee’s aggressive expansion strategy comes at a time when the UK’s coffee culture is continuing to evolve. As consumers increasingly seek out locally-owned and high-quality coffee options, Esquires is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The company’s focus on community-based, suburban locations, combined with its commitment to sustainability and innovation, has given it a strong foothold in the competitive UK coffee market.
With plans to continue expanding across the UK and into new areas, Esquires Coffee is aiming to meet the changing demands of consumers while remaining true to its values of quality, sustainability, and community engagement. By focusing on the needs of suburban coffee drinkers and offering an accessible and sustainable product, Esquires is setting itself up for long-term success in an evolving marketplace.
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