How Java House is Remaining Relevant Through Expansion and Reimaging

Restaurant chain Java House, popular for coffee drinking, is reimagining its branches to appeal to urban consumers. 

The Junction, Sarit and Galleria malls, will be the first to have a new Java store look that will bear attractive new design and décor elements, which include Java’s latest interior seating options, new exterior design.

“We will be reimaging three of our biggest stores in Junction, which is due to open mid-October, Sarit and Galleria all of which will be the first of the new concept Java stores,” said Java Chief Executive, Paul Smith.

Java House, which also owns the 360 Degrees Artisan Pizza, Kukito and Planet Yogurt food chain brands has a total of 77 stores in the region. 

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In the Africa Outlook September edition, Paul Smith said, “We’ve spent the past two years re-energising the foundations of the business and are now in a good place to begin the next fruitful chapter in the company’s story.” He noted that emphasis is being laid on brand development and numerous reimaging projects at many of the firm’s famed restaurants.   

The Group says its East African growth strategy will be propelled through the franchising model. The restaurant chain plans to open 14 more express branches by June 2020 in its Ksh1 billion strategy is aimed at positioning itself as the leading coffee chain in East Africa.  “We are excited to capitalize on the growth potential we see in front of us. We believe in the strength of our business, the continued growth of the food industry, and the actions that we are taking to ensure continued success,” reads part of the franchising model presentation.

Java House opened its first store in 1999 at Adam’s Arcade in Nairobi.

According to Cytonn Investments, the strategy will ensure the retailer reaches a wider market by targeting clientele from multiple income levels especially as competition in the local retail sector continues to grow following the continued entry of foreign retailers. 

David Indeje

David Indeje is Khusoko’s Digital Editor, oversees Khusoko.com’s digital presence across all platforms.

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