Puccino's:
A brilliant business model

Behind the jokes and cafe banter inherent in the Puccino's brand is a very important message, discovers Rachel Spaul. By embracing the Puccino's philosophy and proven business system you can become the owner of a highly rewarding business supported by a dedicated and friendly team.

Like a breath of fresh air with a faint hint of speciality coffee, Puccino's breezed onto the franchising scene in 1995 committed to delivering quality products and service with a free smile. Its quirky image and philosophy - 'Service is our pleasure' - has differentiated the brand from competitors and assisted the development of more than 100 Espresso Bars, Deli Bars and Café Bars in Italy, the UK and Ireland.

Alastair Spink, Master Franchisee for Ireland, sums up the appeal of Puccino's to potential franchisees: 'When I was looking for a coffee bar franchise, I wanted a place that I would be proud to own, enjoy working in, and happy to invite my friends to. It's a brilliant business model; a really nice place and friendly staff means customers keep coming back and bring their friends.'

With three investment levels available ranging from approximately €70,000 upwards to €170,000 upwards, depending on size and location, there's something to suit every depth of pocket and ambition. Puccino's Espresso Bar Kiosks cater for people on the move in busy stations, while the Puccino's High Street Deli Bar targets 'working humans' looking for a fresh coffee, pastry or panini to take away. The third option, Puccino's High Street Café Bars, are fully licensed restaurant coffee bars with a continental feel.

All three concepts serve 'Segafredo Zanetti coffee, fresh juices and cold drinks, imaginative and interesting continental menus delivered to the customer with a massive smile.' Puccino's adds: 'The fresh food concept is nothing new. However, while most food outlets are looking to buy in pre-made products to de-skill their operations, Puccino's is endeavouring to make fresh wherever possible. By embracing this, franchisees have the potential to generate a greater margin.'

To appeal to people who want something that little bit different, Puccino's aims to create a particular ambience in all locations. Explains Puccino's: 'This is achieved through layout, décor, lighting, furnishings and music - all designed to create that special Puccino's effect - while humour also plays a central part in differentiating Puccino's from the rather sterile environments common in today's coffee bars.'

More opportunities exist throughout Ireland for ambitious and enthusiastic individuals who love serving people to join in the fun at Puccino's. 'Quite simply, we are looking for owner operators who have personality, a passion for what they do, are not afraid of hard work and have realistic expectations,' adds Spink.

'We provide a turnkey business format franchise with the unit fully fitted out and ready to trade - right down to the cups. This includes three days of training at the UK training centre and hands-on training for as long as you want in one of the Irish units. An operations team will then work with you for the first two weeks of opening to help recruit and train staff and to support you through those early scary moments. For additional reassurance you will also have access to Irish specialists to provide the paperwork and forms for all aspects of employment law, HACCP and food hygiene and safety.'

Thanks to a decade of experience you will have the security of knowing the concept is tried and tested throughout the UK and finetuned in Ireland to suit Irish tastes. In addition, you will have the support of a team dedicated to helping you prior to opening, during opening, and ongoing as your business grows.

If you want a bite of this oversized croissant call today for an initial discussion and join in the fun at Puccino's.