George Bias may be new to the coffee game but he reckons there’s plenty of opportunity in convenience
THERE has been a lot of fuss over coffee in convenience this year, but is the opportunity as big as it’s made out to be?
George Bias of Pathway Solutions Services definitely seems to think so, which is why he recently made the leap into the coffee machine market, with his sights now fixed on convenience stores.
“Coffee to go is a huge market that continues to grow,” said George. Having recently teamed up with Italian coffee machine manufacturer Espresso Essential, George now spends his days demonstrating the bean to cup machines – while highlighting the margin opportunity that exists for retailers – and so far he said the feedback has been “tremendous.”
“Our machines are suitable for any store with decent footfall. We have a couple of different machines that fit well with convenience stores.
“The Revolution is a slightly larger machine offering 11 different drink options, and two cup sizes; and the slightly smaller Kronos offers eight different drink options.
“We also offer three different sizes of cabinet display to help retailers promote their coffee to go,” he said.
Espresso Essential offers a wide selection of coffee machines, but the Revolution and Kronos models look like the two best suited to convenience operators.
Measuring up at 350mm wide, 510mm deep and 780mm tall, the Kronos is the smaller of the two bean to cup machines. It operates on a one touch fully-automated system, and is said to be able to produce a coffee in 25 seconds.
Kronos’ big brother, Revolution, offers more options than the smaller machine, including Flat White programmes and Hot Chocolate. While larger, the Revolution is still a compact unit at 405mm wide, 460mm deep and with a height of 780mm.
Both machines are fitted with a cup sensor as standard, but can be fitted with a coin mechanism and have the option of being plumbed in or tank fed.
George’s Espresso Essential may have plenty of options, but choice alone might not be the thing to do it in today’s market.
With more and more outlets switching on to coffee to go, shoppers have no shortage of options when hunting for a coffee on the high street.
However, if it’s quality that consumers are after then George reckons his offer can put retailers ahead of the competition.
“We offer top quality bean to cup machines that are hand built and tested by the Italian manufacturers, along with free installation and training – and 90% margin.
“We only use the best quality beans from all over the world, roasted daily to ensure the freshest taste on the market.”
For retailers interested in coffee to go but not prepared to make a huge investment, George said he can offer a lease option, which is proving to be “by far the most popular option.”
“Rather than tie up cash flow, it lets the machines pay for themselves. Four cups sold per day covers the cost of the lease.
“We also provide point of sale, including street signs, posters, and loyalty cards.
“The ordering process is simple and quick, once I receive a call I can arrange to visit the store and demo the product.
“Demonstrations allow owners, staff members and their customers to see the fantastic range and quality.
“This is great for retailers who are unsure about coffee to go as it gives them their own customer feedback,” said George.
