TEA TIME! Majestic Tea Bar is proving that an old favourite is a hot new trend
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orking in his wife’s SpecSavers business in Auckland’s NorthWest Shopping Centre, Richard Hatfield couldn’t help but notice the success of a neighbouring café called Majestic Tea Bar. Offering something different from the usual chains, the stylish store opened in 2015 and combined a range of classy teas with quality coffees, decadent hot chocolate and a range of freshly-cooked food throughout the day. ‘We soon became customers and got to watch progress first-hand,’ Richard says. ‘We were so impressed, we ended up opening our own Majestic Tea Bar in Takapuna in November 2018 and it’s been the same story there – we have been much busier than we hoped or expected.’
just a little bit different Majestic Tea Bar was founded by Chris Cox, who is passionate about his creation. ‘Tea used to be the drink of choice in New Zealand but the espresso machine rather took over for a while. Tea is making a big comeback internationally, though, and I think that people now appreciate the vast range of flavours available. At Majestic, we offer over 35 different varieties of tea, all correctly brewed and served, and that’s a big draw.’ So is the history. Majestic Tea Bar is breathing new life into the café scene by reintroducing people to the tea culture of the past. ‘We have developed a business that is themed to the Victorian, and later period, when tea was at its sophisticated peak, and coupled it with a fit-out which is modern, contemporary but just that little bit different, to make it stand out like a magical oasis,’ Chris says. ‘We draw inspiration from the glory days of palm courts, tea rooms and glamorous railway stations. Our research has shown people are really drawn to the romance of the era and love to experience it for themselves so everything we do reflects that. A touch of glamour with a modern twist
Majestic Tea Bar: a premium café that has it all
‘At the same time, we’ve created a genuine business opportunity with a real competitive difference for franchisees like Richard.’
universal appeal Richard’s Takapuna business is a day café with its own stylish seating (the franchise also offers a metro kiosk in locations with more limited space). ‘Of course we live in a world dominated by coffee, but Majestic is a premium café that has it all – a wide variety of teas, hot chocolate made from real Belgian chocolate and, of course, all the best types of coffee. Then there’s the food …’ Richard has two chefs working for much of the day to provide fresh eggs benedict, pancakes, open-grilled sandwiches and much more besides. ‘It’s not just about dropping in for a quick cuppa,’ he laughs, ‘there’s something for everyone to cover every hour of the day. As a result, we have universal appeal with our clientele coming from all ages, all ethnicities, all backgrounds. Our job is to deliver excellence every time.’ Originally, Richard decided to surprise his family and friends with his decision to open a Majestic Tea Bar. ‘I wasn’t at all sure what their reactions would be, so I spent time bringing them to NorthWest, buying them tea or lunch and just letting the atmosphere soak in. When I told them I was opening one of my own, they were universally positive. I believe the Majestic Tea Bar is going to be a very successful franchise, and I’m more than happy to have got in on the ground floor.’
transparent system Chris has a long background in hospitality franchising, both as a franchisee and having worked on the recruitment side. As a result, he’s put a lot of effort into testing and developing the Majestic Tea Bar system. ‘You can’t expect potential franchisees to part with their money unless they can see exactly what they are getting and buying into,’ he says, ‘so our system is absolutely transparent. Our experience with our company outlets has created a profitable and sustainable model for franchisees to follow, and to prove it Richard is off to a flying start in Takapuna. I want more people like him to take Majestic Tea Bar throughout the country. ‘If you’re interested in joining this proven, New Zealand-owned business, I’d love to sit down with you over a cup of tea and discuss how we can help you achieve your goal,’ Chris invites. ‘Costs are very much dependent upon location, but between $350,000-$450,000 will see advertiser info you into your own Majestic Tea Bar, fully Majestic Tea Bar trained and equipped to surprise and www.majesticteabar.com delight the locals. ‘Contact me today to find out more – there are suitable locations all over the country where our unique appeal is ready to take off.’
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Majestic Tea Bar 53.indd 1
Contact Chris Cox M 021 521 669 P 0-3-423 9760 chris@majesticteabar.com
53 21/03/19 10:25 AM