We are incredibly proud of the quality of the franchise coffee brands that South Africa has built. If ever in conversation with international coffee people, it is always one of the markers that we use to describe the level of the coffee scene here. Having had the opportunity to travel, our franchise brands really do outstrip most countries and one of those impressive homegrown success stories is vida e caffè. They have been operating for the last 25 years, wow! In fact the founders Rui Estevez and Brad Armitage were on the cover of the first ever Coffee Magazine in 2012.
This week the brand reached a milestone 400 stores. We asked CEO, Darren Levy for his thoughts on this historic moment.
“We love making our brand a part of as many customers' daily lives as possible, every day, serving coffee and a shot of happiness across 400 stores and 8 countries. Obrigado to everyone who has been our customer and those that have contributed to our growth and journey for 25 years.”
vida e caffè has opened its 400th store at The Exchange, 15 Lower Long Street, Cape Town, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s journey from a single café on Kloof Street in 2001 to one of Africa’s leading coffee brands.
Located just minutes from where the first vida e caffè store opened nearly 25 years ago, the new location reflects innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, shaped by the collective efforts of franchise partners, team members, suppliers, strategic partners and customers.
From its beginnings as a single neighbourhood coffee shop, vida e caffè has grown into a premium coffee and brand operating across South Africa, Ghana, Mauritius, Zambia, Eswatini, Botswana, Namibia and Angola.
Through every stage of its evolution, one thing has remained constant: an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional coffee and a unique customer experience.
Darren Levy, CEO of vida e caffè, says: "Reaching 400 stores is a proud moment for us but what makes it truly special is an opportunity to recognize the people who made it possible. This achievement belongs to the thousands of individuals who have contributed to our success over the past 25 years — from franchise partners and store teams to suppliers, strategic partners and loyal customers.”
“I still remember enjoying my first vida as a customer in 2001 at our Kloof Street store. To now have the privilege of leading this remarkable business with an exceptional team has been an incredibly rewarding experience. We remain dedicate to further growth through continued investment in our people, coffee excellence, many more stores, innovation and sustainability while deepening our impact in the communities we serve every day,” concluded Levy.
