By Vikki Bradbury | Business Franchise Magazine
In March 2026, Zarraffa’s Coffee celebrates a remarkable milestone of 30 years in business and 25 years in franchising. From humble beginnings in the back streets of the Gold Coast to becoming one of Australia’s most recognisable drive thru coffee brands, Zarraffa’s has been defined by more than just great coffee. It’s a story built on passion, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to community connection.
Founded in 1996 by Founders Kenton and Rachel Campbell, Zarraffa’s Coffee remains proudly 100% Australian owned and operated. Over three decades, it has grown to 85 stores across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, supported by over 100 groups of franchisees who live and breathe the brand’s values every day.
“Our philosophy has always been simple,” says Campbell. “We built Zarraffa’s on product quality, service, freshness, convenience, and a genuine love for coffee and community. That’s what makes the Zarraffa’s experience more than just a cup of coffee.”
A Passion for Coffee and People
At its core, Zarraffa’s is a specialty coffee retailer dedicated to freshly roasted, barista-made coffee that delivers consistency and quality in every cup. Over time, the brand has evolved alongside its customers, expanding its menu to include a curated food range designed for convenience without compromising quality.
“Coffee has always been at the heart of what we do, but our growth has been fuelled by innovation and listening to our customers,” Campbell explains. “Our drive thru model transformed the coffee experience, giving people speed and convenience without losing the human touch.”
Whether it’s a traditional store or a drive thru, Zarraffa’s service model is defined by consistancy, warmth and reliability, a formula that has positioned the brand as a leader in Australia’s competitive coffee market.
Building the Zarraffa’s Family
Behind the Zarraffa’s brand is a network of dedicated franchise partners affectionately known as ‘Zees’ a nod to their shared passion for product, service, and community. Campbell credits the franchisees as the “driving force behind the brand,” bringing its values to life in local communities every day.
“We look for franchisees who genuinely love coffee, have a head for business, and a passion for hospitality,” he says. “Loyalty, hard work, and belief in our proven model are what make a great fit.”
Many franchisees have been part of the network for a decade or more, with a strong representation of multi-site owners and store managers who’ve progressed into ownership roles. This longevity speaks volumes about the strength of the system and the sense of belonging the brand fosters.
“Our franchisees are local business owners, people who care deeply about their customers and their communities,” Campbell says. “That local ownership, combined with a strong national brand, is a powerful differentiator for us.”
A Proven System with Strong Support
Zarraffa’s provides franchisees with a turnkey operation and a comprehensive support system designed to set them up for success from day one. New franchisees undergo a 12-week onboarding program, which includes in-store shifts, modular training, and hands-on operational learning.
Once their store is open, franchisees receive regular support from a dedicated Business Development Manager and Operations team, who provide guidance on business performance, operational processes, and strategic growth.
A specialist Marketing team works alongside franchisees to optimise local marketing efforts and leverage national campaigns. Zarraffa’s also hosts Brand Advancement Workshops each quarter, providing opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and brand updates.
In addition, the brands annual National Franchise Conference brings the entire network of franchisees, management, and suppliers together to celebrate achievements, share insights, and align on the company’s vision for the year ahead.
“Our success is directly tied to the success of our franchise partners,” Campbell says. “We never lose sight of that. We’re here to ensure they have every tool, resource, and system needed to thrive.”
Innovation at the Core
Innovation has been integral to Zarraffa’s journey from day one. Long before drive thru coffee became mainstream, the brand was pioneering ways to combine convenience with café-quality beverages. Today, that commitment continues with ongoing investment in digital infrastructure, data, and operational efficiency, ensuring that every Zarraffa’s experience is as seamless as it is satisfying.
“We’re constantly brewing new ideas,” says Campbell. “Our focus is on scalable, future-proof systems that support both franchisees and customers. Whether it’s menu innovation, store design evolution, or improved drive thru efficiency, it’s all about enhancing experience and sustainability.”
The brand also embraces purposeful partnerships, such as its collaboration with Australia Zoo and Wildlife Warriors, reflecting a shared mission to protect wildlife and support the broader coffee ecosystem from bean to cup.
“These partnerships embody our ethos of being more than just a coffee brand,” Campbell adds. “They allow us to give back and create meaningful impact beyond the counter.”
Growth with Purpose
Looking ahead, Zarraffa’s Coffee is poised for strategic and sustainable growth. While the company has set its sights on reaching 200 stores by the 2032 Olympics, Campbell emphasises that growth for Zarraffa’s is “about quality, not just quantity.”
“Our next five to six years will be focused on strengthening existing markets, expanding into natural-fit regions, and supporting multi-site owners,” he explains. “We want to continue building a franchise system that’s sustainable, profitable, and built to last.”
Franchise opportunities currently exist in regions across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, with priority territories in regional areas across the States.
Prospective franchisees are encouraged to research the industry, visit local Zarraffa’s stores, speak to current owners, and seek professional advice before applying. “We have a two-week vetting process to ensure each candidate is the right fit for the brand,” Campbell says. “It’s about partnership, we want people who share our values and commitment to excellence.”
A Legacy of Leadership
After 30 years in business, Kenton Campbell remains as passionate about Zarraffa’s future as he was when he first started roasting coffee in the 1990s. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to doing things “exceptionally well” have created a legacy that extends far beyond coffee.
“The key to longevity is staying true to your purpose while continuing to evolve,” Campbell reflects. “We’re proud of what we’ve built, but even more excited about what’s ahead. There’s still so much opportunity to grow for our franchisees, our customers, and our communities.”
As Zarraffa’s Coffee prepares to mark its 30th anniversary, one thing remains constant: the belief that a great coffee experience is about connection, consistency, and care. And for Zarraffa’s, that’s something worth celebrating, one cup at a time.
