Esquires
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| Public | |
| Industry |
Restaurants Retail Coffee & Tea Retail Beverages Entertainment |
| Founded | 1993, Canada |
| Headquarters | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Products | Made-to-order beverages Bottled beverages Baked Goods Merchandise Whole Bean Coffee Boxed Tea |
| Website | www |
Esquires also known as Esquires Coffee, or Esquires Coffee Houses is an international coffeehouse chain comprising more than 130-plus stores in Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Middle East, China and Australasia.
Founded by Doug Williamson and Gary Buckland in Canada in 1993, the intellectual property and trademark rights for the business are now owned by New Zealand-based Cooks Global Foods Limited globally and by Retail Food Group in Australia
The first Esquires Coffee House opened in the suburb of Sunshine Hills, a residential district of the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 1993. The business was started by Doug Williamson and Gary Buckland, 24 year old entrepreneurs and local business graduates. 37 branches were opened across Canada, primarily on the west coast of British Columbia, before the company went international on a franchise basis.
Esquires expanded to the United Kingdom in 2000, followed by Ireland in 2001. Peter Kirton purchased the master license rights for Esquires Coffee U.K. Limited, which he held until purchased by Cooks Global Foods in 2013. Tony McVerry purchased the master license rights for Esquires Coffee Ireland, which he held until purchased by Cooks Global Foods in 2013.
In 2002, brothers Stuart and Lewis Deeks established the Esquires brand in Australasia through a master franchise agreement with the Canadian parent. Under the name Franchise Development Ltd, they grew the business to become the leading branded chain in New Zealand by store numbers.
In 2011, the Deeks sold the Australia and New Zealand franchise rights to Retail Food Group while retaining the rights to the Middle East, China and a number of other jurisdictions.
In 2013, the Deeks merged their business into NZX-listed Cooks Global Foods. In April 2013, Cooks acquired the intellectual property and master franchising rights to Esquires Coffee Houses worldwide - excluding New Zealand and Australia. The company also owns wholesale businesses in related industries. Cooks immediately hired Doug Williamson, one of the original founders, to re-join the organisation and run the United Kingdom business. Under Doug's leadership, Esquires Coffee U.K. have rebranded most of their estate, have implemented new food programs and are aggressively marketing Esquires Coffee as a solid franchise investment opportunity. Esquires Coffee U.K. are currently focused on securing multi-store franchise partnerships with investment groups and are aggressively promoting Esquires Master License opportunities in Scotland and Wales. The company plans to open 8 new outlets in the U.K. by March 31, 2017, and expect to have 200+ shops by 2021, which it will achieve through multi-store partnerships, joint ventures, cooperate partnerships, and acquisitions.
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Wikipedia