Franchise chain Cooks Coffee’s latest expansion plans have got off to a slow start, as it begins its efforts to hit 305 stores across the UK and Ireland by 2035.
The owner of Esquires Coffee set out plans last year to open around 25 new stores a year to try and meet the target.
In its first two years, however, it looks set to fall short, with 16 stores opening in 2024 and another 13 predicted for 2025.
There are currently 87 stores across the two markets, with another six set to open by the end of the March. This would bring the total to 93, behind the target of 98 set out by the company last year.
Despite the slow start, CEO Aiden Keegan said “the pipeline of new stores is solid”.
Cooks was one of several café chains to launch expansion plans last year. Starbucks targeted 35 new stores in 2024, Gail’s went for 35, and Paris Baguette is aiming for 200 UK stores by 2036.
Cooks’ plans come amid a strong sales performance, with group revenue up 26% to £25.5m in the nine months to 31 December 2024.
While this growth is primarily driven by the new stores, like-for-like sales are also growing by 2.8% in the UK and 5.1% in Ireland.
“We are proud to see strong sales growth across our existing coffee stores and newest locations,” said Keegan.
“Given the strong trading momentum in the business, we remain confident about the future prospects of the Group and view the future with optimism.”
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