December 3, 2007 – Scottsdale, AZ – US Franchise News – What makes Sonoma Coffee Café one of the best new coffee franchises around? “What we hear time and time again is that many choose us over other coffee franchises because we offer greater flexibility,” explains Sonoma Coffee Café founder Ron Wermes. This measure of flexibility is unique compared to what other specialty coffee franchises offer and is found in everything from décor theme to product choices.

“As opposed to being set in cement,” Wermes states, “the motif for each store can vary. We offer a general outline that can easily blend with the local flavor or the owner’s specific desires.” For example, a shop owner in a coastal community may opt for a beach theme, while someone who owns a unit in a city known for pro sports may select a sports-related theme.

Sonoma Coffee Café began selling franchises in February 2007, and has since sold more than 70 franchise units throughout the nation. Exclusive territories are  available in every state except for Washington. From the start, the team at Sonoma Coffee Café designed the business model to offer franchisees several alternatives, including an optional entertainment area to showcase local musicians and other talent, and drive-thru accessibility in locations that can accommodate an additional lane and a drive-up window.

A franchisee is free to serve award-winning specialty coffee only or to add other menu selections such as Italian Gelato, breakfast items, a high-end dessert line, or a wine bar. “We offer a great degree of flexibility regarding the products you can sell,” says Wermes, who’s been in the franchise industry for more than 30 years.

“For example,” he continues, “we have a franchisee whose first question was, ‘Can I sell Jamaican coffee beans in a bag in my store?’ I asked him why he wanted to do that. It turns out he was born in Jamaica, has access to Jamaican coffee beans, and lives in a community with a large population of Jamaicans. I told him that yes, we would certainly allow this as a separate line item. If it’s going to help him make a profit and bring in more customers, then it’s a great idea.”

With the Sonoma Coffee Cafe company’s complete turnkey system, franchisees receive plenty of support at every stage. The support team carefully guides each owner through financing, site selection, facility design, store building, and onsite training. Many see Sonoma Coffee Café as the best new coffee franchise available today because of its low cost franchise investment compared to other specialty coffee franchises. “We are $50,000 to $100,000 less expensive than our nearest competitors,” Wermes points out. Initial investment runs between $85,000 and $220,000, depending on store type and size. Royalty fees are a low 4%. Franchise fee is $25,000 for a single unit, and less for each additional unit.

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Sonoma Coffee Café is a new concept in the lucrative specialty coffee industry offering an exciting ground-floor franchise opportunity with great flexibility and freedom of choice. With headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona, the company offers single unit coffee franchises and development territories throughout the United States. The expert team at Sonoma Coffee Café works with franchisees through every step of the process, from financing to opening day and beyond, providing a complete turnkey system with plenty of ongoing support.

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Staffwriter: Graciela Sholander

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