AUSTRALIA | Central Queensland is now home to the latest Zarraffa’s Coffee store, with the brand opening its 79th outlet in Gracemere on 7 April.
The launch brings Zarraffa’s innovative Drive Thru model to the Rockhampton region for the first time, marking another key milestone in the company’s national growth strategy.
The new store will be operated by Franchisees Madyson McCall and her partner Lachlan Beirne, who are graduates of Zarraffa’s internal Manager Programme – a structured pathway that supports existing team members to transition into ownership.
Designed to reduce the financial barriers of entry, the programme offers a lower initial investment and increased lending support from financial institutions and the Franchisor, while helping new franchisees build their business acumen.
Prior to taking the leap into ownership, McCall worked as a Store Manager for over four years at Zarraffa’s Caloundra and Currimundi locations. With a background in QSR and hospitality, she brings both passion and experience to the new venture. Beirne, who has worked in mining and plastering for the past 16 years, has spent recent months training under Madyson in-store in preparation for their next chapter.
“As soon as I found out about the Manager Programme, I applied the very next day. I knew I wanted to take the leap, and this incredible opportunity was a way I could realise the dream of owning my own store, and get to do it alongside Lachlan,” said McCall.
“To me, this is a forever job and one I am so excited and passionate about as I love the culture of the Zarraffa’s brand. I was inspired by my mentors and the Franchisees of the stores at which I worked. They have allowed me to learn and grow over the years and I am so grateful for this opportunity thanks to their support,” she said.
The Gracemere store is the eighth to launch under Zarraffa’s new drive thru evolution model, introduced in 2023. This streamlined design offers a smaller footprint compared to traditional stores, while maintaining the brand’s full menu and commitment to quality. Focused on convenience, the model services customers predominantly through its drive thru, but also includes a walk-up window and outdoor seating area for those wanting to linger.
“As a brand, we’re constantly reviewing market demands and customer trends to align with our strategic growth strategy and this drive thru evolution supports our plans to expand into untraditional locations, as well as regional and untapped markets,” said Zarraffa’s CEO, Marnie Sheldon.
“This newest iteration of the model has been a huge success, so far making up just over 10 percent of the brand’s footprint across the country with a pipeline of new sites set to open as part of our expansion plans in the lead up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics,” she said.
“Madyson is an exceptional brand ambassador, and in fact, won our Game Changer Award at the brand’s Manager’s Conference in 2023. Alongside Lachlan, they have packed up their lives and moved their small family up north, showing their commitment to the brand and what it means to be a Zarraffa’s Coffee Franchisee,” Sheldon added.
The store will offer Zarraffa’s signature coffee blends alongside a full menu of food items including pastries, breakfast options and savoury snacks. Around 30 new jobs will be created through a recruitment and training drive, supporting the local economy and providing fresh opportunities for the Gracemere community.
“Lachlan and I are grateful for the opportunity to be introduced to the close-knit Gracemere community, and that we get to do it together with our children. We look forward to creating meaningful connections with locals and welcoming everyone to our new store as we get to know our regulars over the coming weeks and months,” said McCall.
With more than 70 stores already trading and a strategic plan in place to grow to over 200 locations nationally by 2032, Zarraffa’s Coffee continues to evolve its retail model and bring its unique offering to coffee lovers across Australia.
More news here.
