Lee Johns first fell for Cafe2U in Australia. He discovered the mobile coffee shop while in the country and knew it was a concept that would find success in the US. So, he obtained the rights to set up franchises in the US.
Earlier this year, Johns and the company’s Portland-based CEO traveled to Australia to learn how Cafe2U International conducts business and makes coffee. They returned with plenty of information — and the rights to set up Cafe2U franchises in the United States under an independent company.
Now the small core of employees working in Bend’s NorthWest Crossing are promoting opportunities to manage or own independent franchises, which Johns’ company oversees and markets.
They have already started operations in Bend and Riverside, Calif. Seattle and Portland are next. Visiting business parks and other places where many people can take breaks is encouraged.
In the next few months, Lee said he would like to open a training facility in Bend for all new American franchise owners, to avoid sending each one to Australia to learn the Cafe2U way. It’s possible the company could also open a more traditional coffee shop in Central Oregon.