After a record-breaking year of expansion in 2015, Scooter’s Coffee is positioning itself for even more growth in 2016. The national franchise announced significant changes to its executive team, which will equip the company with the industry expertise and resources it needs to accelerate its strategic growth plan.
“We’ve spent the past couple of years establishing a solid foundation to support strategic and targeted rapid growth,” says Don Eckles, cofounder and chairman of Scooter’s Coffee. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see our plans come to fruition and watch as Scooter’s continues to gain brand recognition and customer loyalty across the country. The new executive team structure bolster’s the company’s long-term prospects for continued growth.”
Todd Graeve will assume the role of CEO. Graeve has been a key member of the Scooter’s management team for more than seven years, most recently serving as CFO. The company has enjoyed an average annual same-store sales increase of 10.96 percent for the past five years. In addition to financial expertise, he brings to his new position a unique understanding of the coffee industry, business development, and the complexities of franchising.
“It has been exciting to watch this company grow from a small Midwest-based coffee chain to an emerging national franchising brand,” Graeve says. “It’s a tremendous honor to be given the opportunity to lead Scooter’s Coffee through the next season of growth.”
Rob Streett, who joined Scooter’s Coffee as senior vice president in early 2015, has been promoted to president and COO. In this role, Streett will assume direct oversight of franchise expansion efforts, day-to-day operations, and overall brand marketing and development. Streett’s resume boasts more than 20 years of experience in both the coffee industry and national franchising. He has held senior leadership positions with well-known national brands, including Starbucks, Cold Stone Creamery, and Mrs. Fields.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to learn from some of the most innovative leaders in the coffee and franchising industries,” Streett says. “To be able to use that knowledge to help such a promising company take it to the next level is a true honor. While there are several great coffee chains in the country, Scooter’s possesses many unique characteristics that will help differentiate the company on the national playing field.”
In addition to these pivotal changes to the internal team, the company has also brought in Chad Hartnett as CFO. Prior to joining Scooter’s, Harnett spent 17 years at HDR, Inc., most recently serving as the company's treasurer, vice president, and corporate controller. Hartnett brings a wide range of comprehensive financial expertise and leadership to the Scooter’s brand.
With more than 130 stores in soon-to-be 14 states, Scooter’s recently signed a large area representative agreement in Phoenix, Arizona, along with several other Multi-Unit Agreements in Florida, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. In late 2015, the company opened its first location in Roswell Georgia (Atlanta metro) and plans to build several more stores in the Atlanta area. At the same time, Scooter’s will continue to build locations in the Midwest region, with several stores slated to open in Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, South Dakota, and Missouri.
The company also added depth to its product profile in 2015, with the release of its toasted Gouda cheese ciabatta and bagel breakfast sandwiches, along with the Southwest Breakfast Burrito. Scooter’s, which handcrafts its pastries and roasts its own 100 percent shade-grown coffees (sourced through the Arbor Day Foundation), at its Omaha headquarters, will add several innovative items to the menu in 2016, including a comprehensive iced tea program and more breakfast options.
