Having been at the helm of the UK coffee and food-to-go chain for 17 years, Manuel is to step down and says the company is ‘poised to grow’ under new leadership
Under Manuel's leadership, SOHO Coffee Co. has grown to 40 outlets globally | Photo credit: SOHO Coffee Co.
Penny Manuel has announced that she will step down as Managing Director of UK-based coffee and food-to-go chain SOHO Coffee Co. at the end of January 2023.
Manuel, who has led SOHO Coffee Co. since acquiring the business in August 2006, will remain at the company in an advisory capacity to support its next phase of growth.
Under her leadership, SOHO Coffee Co. has grown from four stores in the south-west of England to 40 outlets globally, including outlets in Spain, Portugal and Qatar.
“I am extremely proud of what my energetic and enthusiastic team has achieved – their openness, trust and pride have and continue to inspire me. Resilience and continued investment in innovation over a tricky three years ensures Soho still has its wings and is poised to grow under new leadership,” Manuel said.
A successor is expected to be announced soon.
In August 2022, SOHO Coffee Co. launched SOHO PICCOLO, a new smaller format store at Northampton Railway Station. Manuel said the concept will target commuter footfall and marked the next stage of SOHO Coffee Co.’s travel hub expansion plan.