Achievement
Gloria Jean's Coffees Wins Gold - 12/10/2005
100% Australian owned and operated Gloria Jean's Coffees scooped the most highly coveted franchising industry award, Franchisor of the Year 2005, last night at the Price Waterhouse Coopers and Franchise Council of Australia's Excellence in Franchising Awards.
"We are delighted to receive this Award, as it truly recognises the hard work of all our franchisees and staff across our 300 stores in delivering one of Australia's greatest franchise systems," said Mike Devlin, CEO Australia of Gloria Jean's Coffees.
"2005 has been a special year for the Gloria Jean's Coffees family. Following the purchase of the international brand and roasting rights, we now operate in 18 countries and plan to replicate the success we enjoy in Australia across the globe."
"These Awards are the Olympiad of the franchising industry and recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations in the growth and development of their businesses and their contribution towards franchising in Australia."
"This achievement is a testament to the fact that our key business areas are operating effectively, ensuring that the growth Gloria Jean's Coffees has recently experienced will be sustained in the future," added Mr Devlin.
Over 100 industry identities involved in all aspects of the sector, including media, academia, politics, government, service providers, suppliers, Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) volunteers and other stakeholders, were invited to submit to a list of the 10 franchise systems they believe are most worthy of the honour of being named Franchisor of the Year 2005.
"The calibre of nominations for the Franchisor of the Year award this year were simply outstanding. The ultimate winner, Gloria Jean's Coffees, is deserving of this prestigious award due to the high level of activity that they have undertaken in the last 12 months, which has seen the brand primarily taking over the world," said Richard Evans, Chief Executive Officer of the Franchise Council of Australia. "It's a fitting accolade for a good system with good people."
The other franchise systems in the Retail category included Baker's Delight, Boost Juice, Domino's Pizzas, Fernwood Women's Health Club Australia, Gloria Jean's Coffees, Michel's Patisserie, and Poolwerx. As part of the judging process, each company was invited to address seven key criteria including franchisor and franchisee relations, franchise system development, franchisee service, marketing, leadership, staff and franchisee development and business development.
The Franchisor of the Year award also recognises community support which is an important part of Gloria Jean's Coffees culture. In 2003 Gloria Jean's Coffees commenced a significant community partnership with Mercy Ministries, a charity that helps young women deal with eating disorders, unplanned pregnancies, abuse and other life controlling issues and recently held the second annual fundraising drive Cappuccino for a Cause through its stores for Mercy Ministries, in what is now an annual fund raising appeal.
Gloria Jean's Coffees is the largest specialty coffee retailer and one of the fastest growing franchise organisations in Australia. Australian owned and operated, it opened its first coffee shop in 1996. In September 2005, Gloria Jean's Coffees opened its 300th store in Kalgoorlie, WA. Through its 300 coffee houses, it sells hand crafted signature hot and cold coffee drinks, traditional espresso drinks, a range of single origins, blends and estate whole bean coffees and specialty teas, along with pastries and coffee accessories.
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