With around 400 coffee shops in the Lower Mainland, it takes something special to stand out from the competition. Long-time restaurateurs and brothers Dean and Steve Punzo think they have done just that.
Throughout August, seven Metro Vancouver Take Five Café locations reopened with a new look - highlighted by a revamped logo and in-store rebranding. "We've changed the look and feel of the cafés but the much-loved coffee and Italian-inspired foods remain the same," said co-founder Steve Punzo.
Having experience with consulting agencies for creative and business decisions in the past, the brothers worked together to come up with the chain's first rebranding since opening in 2003.
"What really separates Take Five Café from the rest of the competition is the quality of our coffee," said Steve. "It's a balance - not over-roasted - right through the espresso to the drip coffees and decaf … and the food is top notch."
While at first it was a challenge to explain the entire scope of the rebranding to franchisors, "everyone has embraced the new look and is excited for the future of the company," Steve said.
Take Five Café opened a café kiosk in Richmond Centre in January and will open a ninth location at the Brewery District re-development in New Westminster this fall.
The European-style coffee houses evolved from the Punzo family's original business, the upscale Caffé dé Medici restaurant on Robson Street, a recipient of the Distinguished Restaurants of North America and several Wine Spectator Awards. Dean and Steve started working at Caffé dé Medici in the early 1980s and took over the business in 1995 when their father retired.
Asked about expanding Take Five outside of the Lower Mainland, Steve responded, "We want to grow, but grow responsibly."
Take Five franchise prices were not available as of press time.
from Western Investor September 2011
