Cooks Coffee (AQSE:COOK) CEO Aiden Keegan joins us following another positive trading update, with the Esquires estate reaching 110 stores across the UK and Ireland and systemwide sales up 19.3% over the 12 months to 30 June 2026. He explains why new store openings are driving momentum, how four fresh franchise agreements and further imminent launches could extend that growth, and how Esquires adapted its menu during the prolonged heatwave while preparing to put greater emphasis on its ESG credentials.
Key Moments
00:16 — Strong FY27 start: What is driving the latest sales growth
00:44 — 110-store milestone: New openings accelerate the growth trajectory
01:40 — Four new franchise deals: More store openings are already imminent
02:20 — Heatwave resilience: Esquires adapts its menu and keeps sales moving
03:42 — Outpacing the market: Why the franchise model gives Esquires an edge
04:49 — Franchise referrals: Success on the ground attracts new operators
05:06 — Pipeline stays busy: Expansion set to continue towards Christmas
05:44 — ESG moves centre stage: Ethical sourcing, packaging and community impact
Cooks Coffee Company is an international coffee-focused café group behind the Esquires Coffee brand. Its franchise-led model centres on locally owned cafés, with its core operations focused on the UK and Ireland alongside an international Esquires presence. Cooks Coffee is listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange under CCC and the Aquis Stock Exchange under COOK.