Coffee Republic in major expansion drive

Coffee Republic has announced plans to roll out branded coffee and deli operations within Family Entertainment Centres (FECs) nationwide.

The company has entered into an agreement with CR Direct, a newly formed entity led by directors Danny Perkins and Heath Samples, who both have extensive experience across the sector.

There are more than 3,000 FECs in Britain, often in theme parks, holiday centres, bowling alleys and seaside resorts. The coffee bar and deli operator says the deal will open up locations that were not previously within reach of the brand.

Last month Coffee Republic founder, Bobby Hashemi, was ousted from the company following a shareholder revolt. Steven Bartlett, who mounted a campaign against Hashemi’s leadership of the company through an investor website, was appointed as new chief executive.

Founded in 1994, Coffee Republic was among the first retailers to bring American-style coffee bars to the UK.