The role of a franchisee: What it takes to succeed
Owning a coffee café franchise is rewarding, but it’s not a hands-off business.
A coffee café might be a warm, welcoming space for customers, but behind the scenes, it’s a serious business. As a franchisee, you’re not just pouring cappuccinos. You’re running a complete operation, from people and processes to performance and profit.
So, what does the role really involve, and what kind of person thrives in it?
Let’s have a look!
The franchisee’s core responsibilities
As a coffee café franchisee, your role is broad and hands-on. Here are some of the key responsibilities you’ll handle each day:
- Operations management
You are responsible to ensure your coffee café runs smoothly each day. This includes opening and closing procedures, product quality, cleanliness, and customer service. You’ll oversee workflows, stock control, and equipment maintenance.
- Team leadership
You appoint, train, and lead your staff. Successful franchisees create a positive work culture, motivate their teams, and set the tone for great service.
- Customer experience
Ultimately, you’re the face of your coffee café. From resolving complaints to greeting regulars by name, the customer experience is shaped by your presence and involvement.
- Financial management
You’ll monitor sales, manage costs, pay suppliers, process payroll, and make sure your coffee café is profitable. Even with franchisor support, these responsibilities are yours to manage.
- Local marketing and community engagement
While the brand handles national marketing, you’ll be expected to build visibility in your area through local promotions, events, or partnerships.
What it does not involve
While the franchisee has a hands-on role, there are several things you won’t need to be concerned with:
- No need to create your own brand or systems
You don’t have to design a menu or develop systems from scratch. The franchise provides a proven brand and operational framework.
- Never left to troubleshoot alone
Resources are there when you need it. The franchisor offers ongoing support to help you navigate challenges.
- Experience isn’t a must
While helpful, years of hospitality experience aren’t required. What matters is your willingness to learn and lead with enthusiasm.
- No reinventing marketing
National marketing is handled for you, and local strategies are already in place. You can focus on execution, not creation.
Traits of successful franchisees
Running a coffee café franchise is a hands-on commitment that calls for energy, focus, and a drive for excellence. The most successful franchisees consistently demonstrate the following key traits:
- Hands-on and committed
Franchising isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it business. Success starts with being actively involved, especially in the early stages, and staying focused on daily operations and growth.
- Positive and enthusiastic
A winning attitude fuels team morale and connects with customers. Enthusiasm creates a vibrant, welcoming environment that keeps people coming back.
- Setting high standards
Top franchisees know that excellence is built into every part of the business. They set high standards and follow through, from product quality to customer service and overall experience.
- Customer-focused
Service is everything. Building strong relationships with customers and staff drives loyalty, which in turn drives revenue.
- Organised and detail-minded
From scheduling to stock control, keeping things running smoothly requires structure, systems, and attention to detail.
- Resilient and proactive
Challenges are part of the job. Being adaptable, quick-thinking, and solution-oriented helps you keep the business on track.
- Relationship builder
Strong connections with your team, customers, the franchisor, fellow franchisees, and the local community are vital to long-term success.
- Independent and decisive
You’ll often need to make quick, confident decisions. Being proactive and self-reliant is a key part of running your coffee café effectively.
- Financially capable
You need to be financially independent and able to manage the financial side of the business, from budgeting to cash flow control.
- Adhering to systems
Following the systems and processes that come with the franchise is key. The model works, and sticking to it is what ensures brand consistency and operational success.
- Collaboration with the franchisor
As a franchisee, you’re part of a bigger brand family. Success is built through collaboration – regular communication with head office, shared goals, and a mutual commitment to growing the brand.
- Brand-aligned
Successful franchisees respect the brand’s standards while adding their own energy and leadership to bring it to life in their café.
- Eagerness to grow
Many franchisees grow beyond owning a single café, taking on more locations or stepping into leadership roles within the group. The opportunity is there for those who want to scale.
Being a franchisee and business owner is a demanding role, especially in the beginning. However, many franchisees find that the satisfaction, autonomy, and community connection that a coffee café franchise offers, make it a highly rewarding lifestyle choice.
How The Daily Coffee Group supports its franchisees
We understand the challenges franchisees face, which is why we equip you with everything you need to succeed, from start to finish, and ongoing:
- Franchise site location
- Rent negotiation with landlords on behalf of the franchisee to ensure a favourable rental deal
- All staff recruitment
- Comprehensive training before opening
- Operational manuals and support tools
- Introducing the franchisee to approved suppliers
- Ongoing mentorship and advice
- Brand-wide marketing and innovation
- Continuous support – monthly visits, 24/7 telephone and e-mail support
But we also know that success depends on the person at the helm. If you bring the energy, drive, and commitment, we’ll bring the tools, systems, and support!
Up next
In our next instalment of “Franchising unfiltered: Understanding the business behind the brew,” we’ll explore how a franchise reduces risk for business owners and why buying into a proven model often beats going it alone.
To learn more about becoming part of The Daily Coffee Group, visit www.thedailycoffeecafe.co.za
