Starbucks® first UK franchised business partner, 23.5 Degrees, has opened its 100th store on 30 June in Tamworth (Tame Leisure Park, Ninian Way, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B775DL).The opening is part of an ambitious expansion programme for 23.5 Degrees, which has a strong pipeline of approved stores and plans to reach 300 stores by 2027.
23.5 Degrees is actively seeking both freehold and leasehold drive thru opportunities on main arterial routes, close to major retail destinations or on large industrial estates.
23.5 Degrees managing director Mark Hepburn said: ”In just ten years we have built this company from one store to 100 and are excited to have reached such a major milestone in our company’s history. We’re able to move fast on great new sites. Furthermore, our use of modular design and build enables our landlords to have our stores trading faster. We’re keeping our foot on the gas and will continue to create spaces that foster connection, build bridges between communities, and champion the values that define us – aiming to reach 300 stores in the next four years.”
23.5 Degrees opened its first Starbucks® store in Liphook, Hampshire, in February 2013.
These opportunities should be able to be designed into three standard sized units: 1,500, 1,800 and 2,200sq ft. They can either be modular or traditionally built.
23.5 Degrees will also consider retail park and drive-to destinations, as well as high street units in prominent high footfall locations with a minimum size of 1,500sq ft.
Hepburn added: “As we celebrate the opening of our 100th store, we look to the future with optimism and remain steadfast in our commitment to innovation, diversity and social responsibility. We could not have achieved our success and 100 stores across the UK without our investors, contractors and Starbucks® itself. Most importantly, I’d like to thank our partners who have delivered day in and day out to ensure we continue to serve our customers and build the business.”
23.5 Degrees now has more than 1,785 partners working in store, having started from scratch in 2013. The business will employ even more people as the Starbucks® stores currently in development are rolled out.
The Company has a proven track record of developing its people. Many current managers and area managers started as baristas. More than half of the firm’s managers have been promoted to those positions from within the business.
23.5 Degrees has invested more than £35 million in the UK economy to date through building and buying stores.
The business’s management team has a track record of success in food service franchise businesses and specialise in rapidly growing firms.
The new store is located in Tame Leisure Park, Ninian Way, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B775DL, and will open between 6.00 am and 9.00 pm, Monday to Sunday.
