Cooks Coffee Company is continuing to position Esquires Coffee as a larger presence in the UK and Ireland café market, with recent trading showing the benefits of a wider store base, rising customer activity and a franchise-led model.
For the year to the end of March, group revenue rose to £5.4 million, while group store sales across the UK and Ireland reached £43.1 million. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation also moved higher to £565,000. The key point is the way the company is building its platform. Growth is being supported by a broader estate, improving average store sales and a mix of established and newer locations that can help reduce reliance on any single market or site type.
The Esquires network reached 105 sites across the UK and Ireland during the period, up 18%. In the UK, the company operated 82 stores after opening 21 new sites and closing nine. Like-for-like sales increased by 1.8%, while average store sales rose to £368,894. Southeast England was highlighted as a particularly strong area, indicating that site selection and regional density remain important parts of the growth strategy.
Ireland also remains strategically relevant. Store numbers there increased to 23, while continuing store sales reached £13.3 million. Like-for-like sales in Ireland rose 4.9%, and franchised stores accounted for 80% of total Irish sales.
The company’s partnership with Tesco Ireland adds another potential route to market. Esquires is now operating five stores within Tesco outlets, giving Cooks Coffee access to a supermarket environment with established customer footfall.
Cooks Coffee Company Limited (AQSE:COOK) is building an ethical café group with great cafes owned and run by local people. The Cooks franchise model promotes ethical commitment, individual entrepreneurship and local community engagement.
