Former BIGGBY COFFEE employee to franchisee, Elijah Schoonard, opened his first BIGGBY COFFEE, the 385+ unit coffee franchise focused on enriching communities and helping people build a life they love. Last year, the brand awarded 88 franchises and opened 48 additional stores to include units in emerging markets such as Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Florida and Georgia. Now, they are expanding again with their recent opening in Ocala, FL on March 5th at 9570 Southwest 62nd Ave, Ocala, FL 34476.
A highlight of the brand was crossing the 350-unit mark with 385 stores opened as it continues to close in on its goal of 1,000 units open by 2028. The Ocala location marks the 3rd BIGGBY® COFFEE to open in the state of Florida.
“We are thrilled to announce additional expansion within Florida. There’s a tremendous amount of opportunity in the coffee and cafe space,” explains Bob Fish, co-chief executive officer. “No one else is doing what we are on the same scale, and that’s attracting a lot of attention.”
The agreement was signed by Schoonard, former BIGGBY employee who is pioneering the additional growth. During the seven years that Schoonard worked at a BIGGBY COFFEE location in Michigan, he dreamt of owning his own store some day. As he wasn’t in a position to do so at the time, he continued working and eventually moved to Florida and worked for AT&T. Even though Schoonard achieved great success while working in multiple different sales positions at the company, he never gave up on his passion to open his own store. While working at AT&T, Schoonard developed a friendship with his coworker, Xavier Marquez, who will now be his business partner.
“I always enjoyed my time working at BIGGBY COFFEE,” says Schoonard. “It wasn’t until I left that I realized how special the atmosphere was, and I have been missing the warmth of the customer experience the brand offers ever since. I look forward to bringing that energy and positivity to my community in Florida, not only to customers but also to employees.”
The grand opening took place on March 5th with a week full of activities:
Tuesday 3/5 – $1.99 16 oz. lattes with upgrades
Wednesday 3/6 – $1 donation from every cup to Best Friends charity, a local animal shelter
Thursday 3/7: BOGO specialty drinks
Friday 3/8: 50% off bragels
BIGGBY COFFEE’s new Ocala location is the latest addition to the franchise brand’s fast-growing roster with ample opportunity for more locations across the state. The brand aims to continue offering franchisees like Schoonard the opportunity to be a part of a unique franchise model designed to support the lifestyle most entrepreneurs want.
Looking ahead, BIGGBY COFFEE aims to have 1,000 locations opened by 2028 and is focused on cultivating a BIGGBY Nation team culture that helps people build a life they love.
