The Canadian coffee chain is seeking to regain lost ground in the UK’s 10,200-store branded coffee shop market after closing all but two of its stores over the last six years
A Second Cup Coffee Company store in Helsinki, Finland | Photo credit: Second Cup Coffee Company
Canadian coffee chain Second Cup Coffee Company is seeking a master franchise partner to rebuild its store presence in the UK.
Second Cup entered the UK with a store in Manchester in July 2014 and grew to 11 stores over the next three years before closing sites in London, Sheffield, Cardiff and Southampton from 2018. The Toronto-based coffee chain currently operates two UK sites in Birmingham and Swindon.
In a press release, Second Cup said granting exclusive rights to a master franchisee rather than partnering with multiple licensees would enable it to deliver stronger growth and profitability.
“The UK has a vibrant café culture, and we believe that Second Cup’s distinctive offerings and inviting atmosphere will resonate with café lovers across the country. We look forward to partnering with passionate individuals or organisations who share our commitment to excellence and are eager to bring the Second Cup experience to the UK market,” said Jim Ragas, President & CEO, Second Cup Coffee Company.
The UK branded coffee shop market comprises more than 10,200 outlets and is forecast to exceed 11,620 outlets by 2029.
Founded in Toronto in 1975, Second Cup split into two business entities in 2009 – with Second Cup Café managing stores in Canada and Second Cup Coffee Company managing international locations.
The latter business now operates 180 stores across 20 markets, including Pakistan, Ghana, Egypt, and Cyprus. In October 2023, Second Cup Coffee Company announced it was seeking multi-unit franchise partners to facilitate its market entry in the US.