Coffi Lab Ltd reposted this
Most coffee chains try to out-Starbucks Starbucks. But Coffi Lab Ltd took a different route—and it’s paying off. 📈 1102.3% growth in two years. Expanding from 1 to 9 stores since 2021. Here’s why: 🐾 Dogs aren’t just allowed—they’re celebrated. A brand that gets what pet lovers really want. “We partner with Guide Dogs UK and we invite all local puppy trainers and Guide Dog owners to our store openings, giving them a place to gather and a safe place to bring their dogs," says James Shapland, CEO of Coffi Lab Dog-friendly businesses are 9.97% more likely to receive "excellent" reviews. 🌍 Coffee with a conscience. Small-batch, sustainable, and proudly ethical. “Last year we opened our Coff Lab Roastery and Bakery as well as a central kitchen which has enabled us to deliver seasonal menus and develop relationships with wonderful producers across Wales," Shapland explains. 🏡 Community over convenience. Each location feels like it belongs, not like it was dropped from a corporate blueprint. “We have ambitious plans to grow. We believe 50 Labs in five years is achievable. But we won't grow for the sake of it. With each new store, we must retain our integrity and remain true to Coffi Lab's values” Shapland affirms. While Starbucks leans on global consistency, Coffi Lab thrives on local soul. And that’s why they’re the coffee challenger brand to watch.
Interesting growth story and great to see Coffi Lab embracing a strong ethical and community focus! That said, I can’t help but wonder—why the push to become a chain? One of the things I loved during my time in Australia was the abundance of independent coffee shops. These one-off stores created unique experiences and became true community hubs, often offering better coffee and a more personal touch than chains. Is there a risk that scaling up could dilute that local soul Coffi Lab values so much? I'd be curious to hear how the brand plans to maintain its unique identity while expanding. The coffee landscape in the UK could definitely use more individuality rather than another chain.
Thank you Luke Bristow A really interesting posts on how brands can differentiate in what feels like a crowded market
Fantastic to read this and wishing you every success in opening your next branch in 2025
If I can walk into this coffee shop and order a “large black coffee” without being looked at like I have three heads, then I’m all for it.
That's interesting. I never go anywhere that allows dogs in (I'm allergic to them.)
Love this!
Keep taking over the coffee world James Shapland & Hannah Gillard FCA💪🏼💪🏼
Listen to the consumers, focus on the experience.. focus on excellence... Recipe for success! 👏🏼
Prep Cook, Plating Cook, Appetizer Creations, Dishwasher, Light Line Cook
3moGood for them; they've selected a target market, they've created a business plan around the target audience; they've executed the plan; it's working. I presume they're a private company, so growth is at the discretion of the owners, and not public shareholders wanting instant wealth. It sounds like a cottage industry company, based around a business plan concept that is not trying to stencil coffee houses already in business