1989 until now...
In 1989, founding directors, Emmanuel Kokoris and Emmanuel Drivas, were out searching for a late night cup of coffee in Brisbane, Australia, and not just a 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.
The Coffee Club first opened in 1989 in Brisbane's magnificent Eagle Street Pier complex on the banks of the Brisbane River. The founding Directors' hard work paid off because it met with instant success. Today, The Coffee Club has expanded its presence to a franchise chain of almost 220 outlets throughout Australia & New Zealand, all working towards one mission: to provide good food, great service and excellent coffee! The Coffee Club offers two types of experiences - the 'Club' and the 'Café Bar Restaurant'.
All Club stores are predominantly located in shopping centres and strip locations providing an extensive menu and excellent coffee, whilst the Café Bar Restaurants are open for dinner, offering table service, a wider selection of alcohol and 'Chef's Choices' - an extension of The Coffee Club menu that is ever-changing and provides new tastes and flavours to tempt you.
And 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 on year.
It was in its 18th year that the three Directors started looking at expanding their chain at the forefront of the fledging café societies of Asia, including Beijing, Bangkok, Dubai & Thailand. With the sale of half of the company to Minor International (one of Asia Pacific's largest hospitality & leisure groups) in November 2007, this vision became more than a possibility.
As the company begins to grow throughout Australia, New Zealand & Asia, and continues to provide good food, great service and excellent coffee, it's no wonder it's the answer to the question "Where will I meet you?".