LION Coffee, one of America's oldest major coffee companies, founded in 1864 (www.lioncoffee.com), is interested in expanding its presence in California with new LION Coffee Cafés in several California coastal areas.

LION is looking to partner with entrepreneurs to license our well known brand to facilitate our expansion into locations in Southern California.

The benefits of associating with the LION Coffee brand are clearly evident in the LION Coffee Café located in San Diego's downtown Gaslamp district. "I entered into my LION Coffee License in 2007 and we immediately witnessed the power of the LION Coffee brand,” Jill Wilkens, owner of the San Diego LION Coffee Café, said. “Not only is the coffee of the finest quality, but the consumer has a fondness for a brand that is rooted in their vacation experiences in the Hawaiian Islands. The San Diego LION Coffee Café has enjoyed 42 straight months of same-month store sales increases,” Wilkens pointed out.

LION Coffee Café licensees will provide customers a casual, friendly, upbeat Hawaiian atmosphere and treat customers to the highest quality gourmet coffee. Operating a LION Coffee Café offers the opportunity to go into business for oneself and to accelerate success by being associated with well-established and highly regarded brands. “We were fortunate to be able to license the LION brand, rather than franchising it—which has large fees, monthly sales royalties and marketing royalties,” said Wilkens.  When entrepreneurs obtain a coffee license, they can quickly get their businesses up and running and on the road to success.

LION Coffee Cafés feature a menu of World Famous LION coffees, espresso drinks, iced and blended coffee drinks and smoothies plus a wide range of pastries, breakfast items and deli sandwiches. In addition, the cafés offer a wide array of LION Coffee branded merchandise. LION Coffee Café also offers ground and whole bean coffee products for home-brewing.

LION Coffee Cafés serve Hawaiian Islands Teas, an in-house line of tropically-flavored tea bags. These premium teas are blended with exotic all-natural tropical fruit flavors that create a fragrant and flavorful drinking experience.        

For more information on a license that will allow your café to benefit from the LION Coffee brand, visit www.lionmainland.com, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 619-299-5466.

About LION Coffee
LION Coffee is America’s oldest major coffee company and has reigned as the “King of Coffees” since 1864. Today, LION is Hawaii’s favorite gourmet coffee and market-share leader in Hawaii. LION’s regal standards demand the finest beans, fancy roasting and an abundance of cheer. Hawaii Coffee Company is the parent company of LION Coffee, Royal Kona Coffee and Hawaiian Islands Tea and is the world’s largest purchaser of Kona coffee.

With over a century of wisdom in every roast, LION Coffee is Hawaii's leader in premium gourmet coffee. LION Coffee roasts delicious Hawaiian coffees from Kona, Maui, Kauai and Molokai, as well as environmentally friendly Organic coffee, exotic varieties from around the world, specially flavored coffees and perfectly-balanced international gourmet coffee blends. LION Coffee is also the world's largest purchaser of Kona Coffee.

FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about becoming a LION Coffee Café Licensee.

Who is LION Coffee?

Lion Coffee is America’s oldest major coffee company and has reigned as the “King of Coffees” since 1864. Today’s LION is Hawaii’s favorite gourmet coffee and market-share leader. LION’s regal standards demand the finest beans, fancy roasting, and an abundance of cheer. Hawaii Coffee Company is the parent company of LION Coffee, Royal Kona Coffee and Hawaiian Islands Tea and is the world’s largest purchaser of Kona coffee. You can learn more about Hawaii Coffee Company, their brands and products at  www.lioncoffee.com.

Is Hawaii Coffee Company a Public or Privately held company?

HCC is a privately held company that began business in July of 2000.      

What does a LION Coffee Cafe sell?

The license being offered is for retail cafes (coffee houses) offering a limited menu, including specialty coffees and teas, an array of hot and cold beverages (including fruit smoothies and blended coffee drinks) and baked goods, along with prepackaged coffee beans, packaged tea and coffee-related and Hawaiian-themed retail items.        

Do I need prior experience in the retail coffee business?

No.  Previous experience managing a retail business is a great advantage and the preferred route to becoming a LION Coffee Licensee.    

How much is the royalty and/or marketing fee?

There are no fees or royalties associated with the program. You will pay a normal wholesale price for our products only.    

What is the ideal size and location for a LION Coffee store?

LION Coffee can operate in a wide range of sizes and configurations. Typically, we look for traditional end cap locations that range in size from 1,000 to 1,200 square feet. It is important to have a patio area, strong visibility, visible sign age to the street, high daytime density/pedestrian traffic and ample and accessible parking. It may, depending on where the store is located, be necessary to be on the commute side of the street.       

Do I have a set menu and is there any flexibility?

Our licensing program calls for compliance to a core of required items. There is flexibility on additional items to be offered however, our license requires that you gain approval from Hawaii Coffee Company. Since we allow the use of our licensed trademarks we must maintain a certain level of standards.       

In What areas is LION Coffee looking to expand?

We are currently focusing on upscale areas in Southern California   

How soon after approval can I expect to open my store?

That is up to you and is dependent upon your site selection, design and construction processes.       

Can I run the store with a manager from afar?

We recommend that you be an owner operator but there is flexibility based upon your individual circumstances.      

Do you have opportunities for multi-unit development?

Yes.  For qualified individuals, we have multi-unit development opportunities. The qualified multi-unit licensee would have a proven business background (preferably in multi unit operations).

Will I be given a Protected Territory?

We do not grant exclusive territories. However, we want you to succeed and will do what we can to help.

How much money will I earn?

We do not make an any earnings claims, and thus cannot promise that you will earn a certain amount of money. We ultimately place the burden on you to project your own sales and profit.

Can I make money by selling LION Coffee outside my Cafe?

Yes, you can make money in at least 3 ways—catering, selling coffee bags and drinks at local street fairs and events and initiating fundraising programs at local schools, clubs, organizations, travel teams, charities, churches, etc. Catering can be a significant part of your revenue as morning business meetings can be spiced up with LION Coffee’s many flavors and roasts. The best way to promote your LION Coffee café is to get out and meet the people—street fairs and events are one of the best ways, plus you can make a profit selling bags of coffee and hot/iced coffee drinks. LION Coffee is also an outstanding fundraising tool—teams, clubs and organizations all need to raise money…what better way, than to sell bags of LION Coffee!

I already own and operate an independent coffee shop. Can I transform it into a LION Coffee shop and become a licensee?

Yes.

Can I sell my store and transfer my license?

You can certainly sell your store but you cannot transfer your license. The person purchasing your store will have to qualify for and obtain their own license.

If I am interested in licensing a LION Coffee Cafe.  What do I do next?

Contact LION Coffee at 619-299-5466 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .