Retail Food Group to grow Gloria Jean’s in the US and Europe

Retail Food Group currently operates 607 Gloria Jean’s stores across 33 markets, including 141 in Australia | Photo credit: Bahadır

Retail Food Group (RFG) has outlined plans to scale its international network of Gloria Jean’s stores following steady full-year trading. 
 

The Australian food and beverage group currently operates 607 Gloria Jean’s stores across 33 markets. 

The coffee chain achieved 6% revenue growth in international markets in the 12 months ended 30 June 2023 to reach AU$12.4m ($8m), alongside EBITDA of AU$2.8m ($1.8m). 

RFG opened 15 net new Gloria Jean’s outlets outside of Australia, its largest market internationally, during the year to reach 466. The business plans to open 100 new cafés in the US over the next three years, adding to its 47 outlets in the country. 

Additionally, RFG outlined opportunities to expand its European presence by opening drive-thru stores at petrol station sites and will explore launching self-serve kiosks next year, although no detail on trial markets has been announced. 

Queensland-based RFG also operates 141 Gloria Jean’s stores across Australia. The group’s domestic coffee retail division, which also comprises Cafe2U and The Coffee Guy, achieved 12% year-on-year revenue growth to reach AU$31.6m ($20.4m). 

“We understand the retail dynamics of our brands and are focused on providing franchise partners with a clear picture of success supported by the systems, processes and tools necessary to maximise their businesses. We are excited to now focus on unlocking growth opportunities,” said RFG CEO Matthew Marshall. 

Founded in Illinois, US, in 1979, the first Gloria Jean’s opened in Australia in 1996. RFG acquired the coffee chain for AU$163.5m ($105.3m) in 2014. 

RFG also operates Brumby’s Bakeries and Michel’s Patisserie alongside the Pizza Capers and Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar fast-food brands.