Barista boost for Cafe2U

LEEDS-based mobile gourmet coffee retailer Cafe2U has scooped three national award nominations for three of its Cafe2U mobile coffee franchises.

The Cafe2U vans are operated by franchisees across the UK who train as baristas and visit workplaces selling gourmet coffees, sandwiches and snacks from their exclusive custom-built mobile cafes.

Operators from Barnsley, Yeadon and Guiseley and Nottingham have been shortlisted as three of just four finalists for a prestigious Beverage Services Association (BSA) award.

Nominations were selected on quality of service, the range of products on the menu and value for money and the franchisees fought tough competition from all over the UK.

Cafe2U, originally formed in Australia, was brought to the UK by Leeds Metropolitan University hospitality graduate Tom Acland in 2005, when he fell in love with the coffees he bought from a Cafe2U van in Sydney.

“We are really proud of our three finalists and to have dominated the category for these prestigious awards demonstrates the excellence of our service, and the franchisee’s high standards and commitment,” said Mr Acland.

Cafe2U now operates more than 50 custom built Cafe2U vans selling gourmet coffee and other snacks and food to tens of thousands of customers across the UK each week.

The company employs seven head office staff at Thorpe Park, Leeds.

The winner of the BSA award will be announced at a black tie ceremony in the Autumn later this year.