The Founders

It all started with a spur-of-the-moment idea late one night in Brisbane.

In 1989, founding directors Emmanuel Kokoris and Emmanuel Drivas were out searching for a late night cup of coffee – and not just any coffee, an Excellent Coffee. After an unsuccessful journey and hours of chatting, the pair planned a new business venture: The Coffee Club.

Their idea was to create more than just a place where people could meet for coffee; it was to provide a relaxed meeting place that is casual yet sophisticated, stylish yet affordable. In short, their plan was to meet an untapped need in the Australian hospitality market.

With the help of a new director in 1990, the flamboyant and outrageous John Lazarou, awareness of The Coffee Club not only grew exponentially, but became a much-loved brand focused on not only providing a great place to meet, but a brand that contributes to and involves the Australian community year after year.

Together, the three passionate directors have driven The Coffee Club to all-time highs, with the company now sitting at 273 stores strong in four different countries and growing.