Coffee News: Connecting Communities Through Local Advertising

Coffee News is a weekly publication franchise that delivers lighthearted content and community-focused advertisements to local restaurants, coffee shops, and other waiting areas.

Founded in 1988 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, by Jean Daum, Coffee News was created to provide a fun, easy-to-read paper that entertains readers while promoting local businesses. The publication quickly gained popularity for its upbeat tone, humorous tidbits, and strong community engagement.

Headquartered in Bangor, Maine, Coffee News has grown into one of the world’s largest restaurant publications, with editions in over a dozen countries. Its unique franchising model allows local entrepreneurs to license the brand and operate regional editions, offering advertisers a cost-effective way to reach customers in their immediate area.

Training

Coffee News provides a comprehensive training program for its franchisees, consisting of the following components:

1. Initial Virtual Training Program
   Upon signing the franchise agreement and payment of the initial franchise fee, all new publishers receive access to the complete virtual training materials. This includes a Zoom-based training program and a PowerPoint presentation. The virtual training is mandatory for all signatories to the agreement and is designed to prepare new franchisees for launch operations.
2. In-Person Training: Coffee News College
   An optional in-person training called "Coffee News College" is held every 8 to 13 weeks at locations such as Bangor, Maine, or other cities in North America, depending on the volume of new franchisees. This three-day classroom-style program involves both corporate staff and veteran franchisees. It covers topics including sales, advertisement design, billing, collections, distribution, marketing, and startup activities. Networking opportunities with experienced franchisees are also part of the agenda.
3. Operations Manual and Ongoing Support
   In addition to formal training, franchisees are provided with an operations manual that details procedures for publishing and distributing Coffee News. Support services from the franchisor may also include telephone conferencing, newsletters, business and marketing ideas, and form samples.

Territory Protection

Coffee News provides exclusive territorial rights to its franchisees, granting them the sole authority to distribute their editions within a clearly defined geographic area. These territories are typically selected based on population metrics and the number of active restaurants, with a target population between 25,000 to 50,000.

Upon signing the agreement, the franchisor agrees not to establish or allow another publisher to distribute within the franchisee's designated area. However, while distribution is exclusive, Coffee News allows all franchisees to solicit and accept advertisements from within and outside their territory.

Franchisees may also publish Coffee News online, but this digital version must be restricted to their licensed territory. The franchisor itself refrains from engaging in any direct or indirect business activity that would compete with the franchisee within their assigned territory.