Coffee is definitely the way forward," says Esquires Coffee Houses Maynooth franchisee John Dunne. "There are many advantages in buying a franchise which has a great support network and the competitive edge of working with a successful management team and drawing upon its knowledge and expertise."

John now boasts a growing trade in morning coffees and drinks, with customers commenting on the nicest coffee they've tried in Ireland. "Customers also love the idea that all our coffee, tea and hot chocolate is exclusively Fairtrade," reports John, "something that no other coffee chain offers in Ireland."

John heard of Esquires, an established North American Coffee House franchise, when he was researching franchise options and was immediately taken with the concept which he could see had the potential to become something big in Ireland. He was impressed with the comprehensive range of benefits offered by Esquires including a turnkey operations package, branded design concepts, marketing and promotion, supply management and site selection. "The training Esquires gave me was extremely thorough and intensive", John reveals. "They located the premises for me, organised full fit out, ordered the stock and trained my staff."

John is delighted with the back-up service provided by Esquires to franchisees. "Ongoing support is essential not just in terms of training but also in the whole area of developing different products and keeping abreast of market trends. When I started out, I looked at all the coffee and food franchises but the one that stood out for its professionalism and back-up services was Esquires Coffee Houses. I got tremendous help from the Esquires team starting off and two and a half years later I am still getting the benefit of their back-up team."

The business has met and exceeded John's expectations and he is now looking forward to opening his second Esquires outlet as soon as a suitable location is identified. "I love it," says John. "I like the nature of the work. I love meeting different people in a lively atmosphere. I would certainly recommend an Esquires franchise to others as I really think this business is going to take off big time in Ireland. At Esquires we combine the very best in coffee shops with great food - and it works."

Esquires now has 11 locations throughout the North and South of Ireland in Belfast, Carlow, Dublin, Ennis, Gorey, Kilkenny, Maynooth, Lisburn, Limerick, Newtownards and Wexford. In addition, Esquires is currently working on a number of new outlets some of which will be up and running in 2008 while others will open for business in early 2009. Ireland Master Franchisee Tony McVerry adds: "Esquires is now well positioned in Ireland to maximise growth opportunities by targeting traditional high street locations, shopping centres and business parks. In deciding who to give franchises to, we look for somebody who is prepared to work hard in the business and is a good communicator with staff and customers alike.

A business background, though preferable, is not essential as Esquires provides all the training required. "If somebody has a genuine interest in the coffee business I would recommend they make an application straight away," says Tony. "Otherwise they will be missing out on an opportunity in one of Ireland's fastest growing business sectors."

Text: Esquires Coffee