• The Coffee Club's Jaen Bosch and Ruan van Eeden.
  • The Coffee Club's Jaen Bosch and Ruan van Eeden.
  • The Coffee Club's Jaen Bosch and Ruan van Eeden.

The Coffee Club Turns Ten

Ten years ago on 28 November, The Coffee Club opened in a prime position in Takapuna; it was the 14th of The Coffee Club franchised stores in New Zealand, and it remains one of eight flagship restaurant stores in the 63 store chain.

Ruan van Eeden and Jaen Bosch took over as franchisees in February this year, and are planning something special each week during November to celebrate the 10-year milestone. Watch out for innovations such as order-ahead takeaway picnic boxes for two that you can collect as you head down to the beach: perfect as we head into summer and aim to make the most of time outdoors.

Jaen and Ruan are real advocates of The Coffee Club. “It’s a great brand,” they say. As in all franchise operations, there’s a reliable consistency in the food. People know what to expect – and they can use the VIP Club privileges in any store, anywhere. Being a restaurant store, The Coffee Club Takapuna is fully licensed and able to offer chef’s specials as menu additions.

Until now, Jaen and Ruan have been focused on a mantra of “good food, great service and excellent coffee”.  As they approach their first anniversary in Takapuna, they’re ready to offer patrons a few more “out of the box” options and will start adding some  chef's suggestion dinner items.

“We want to become the number one store in New Zealand and set an international service level,” they say. To that end, they focus heavily on training their 18-strong team with emphasis on service delivery. “We don’t want to be just another eatery experience,” says Jaen, whose background is in hospitality management, both here and in in his native South Africa. (Ruan’s background is in finance; he focuses more on administrative and financial issues.)

Like other Takapuna cafés, The Coffee Club is busy during the 11am-2.30pm lunch period, and now that daylight saving is embedded and the weather warming up, dinners are also increasingly busy.

Most people order from the menu (rather than the cabinet offerings, which tend towards the sweeter end of the casual eating spectrum, and include various cakes and desserts). The menu includes a range of all-day breakfast options, sandwiches and wraps, kids’ meals, brioche burgers, pizza and nachos. Mains are also on offer, with various pasta dishes as well as variations on chicken, fish and beef fillet.

The Coffee Club stands out, says Jaen, because of its long trading hours (until 9pm every night), the consistency of its food, and its smart casual vibe which welcomes and appeals to all sectors of the community.  “We’re re-establishing The Coffee Club as the go-to place in Takapuna. We’ve put a focus on service, but it’s also about ensuring good, fresh food is available all the time. We’ll be decorating the store throughout November to celebrate the birthday, and will have special promotions during the month.”

The Coffee Club, Lake Road & The Strand, Takapuna, 09 489 3677 http://www.thecoffeeclub.co.nz Facebook: @tcctakapuna

Open 7.30am-9pm Mon-Fri, 8am-9pm Sat & Sun