Piccolo Me to steer towards drive-thru model ‘soon’, unveils new Pumpkin Spice range

The coffee brand also plans to increase its cafe locations to 45.

Australian cafe brand Piccolo Me will be moving towards drive-thru models, co-founder and CEO Roy El Hachem said.

In this quick Q&A, QSR Media asked Roy about their latest menu innovation, where the brand introduced their new Pumpkin Spice range and their future plans for the business.

QSR Media: Why has Piccolo Me chosen Pumpkin Spice as its new flavour? What can you tell us about the development of this flavour?

Roy: Pumpkin spice has always been something the team has wanted to launch within Australia. Every year we have seen brands activate this flavour in the USA and we wanted to be the first Australia brand to not only try it but activate it across our 35 stores. 

We will be launching this Limited time range from Wednesday the 21st of June, to help celebrate the launch of our exciting product range we are also offering the Pumpkin Spice Latte for $1 as an App exclusive for one week! 

What is your process when developing new flavours? What are your considerations?

The process begins with the question "Is this something our customers are going to love?" We always want our customers to have fun and try something new. But before we are able to launch we need to believe in it as well. Does it have the right flavour profile? Do we like it? Is the texture and quality to our standard? Then finally will our team and the customers see the value for money in launching this product? 

With the cost of living crunches affecting consumer spending, how are you developing your menu to create more value for your customers?

We are focusing on meal deals and new products at lower price points.

Why are continued menu innovations important for QSRs?

To continue to be relevant within the industry we need to continue enticing new customers. There will always be the classics, the OG's and the favourites however every day we find each industry growing and moving forward so we need to make sure we are staying relevant within our space. 

What are some of the recent trends you have noticed in Australia's coffee market?

Over the years coffee within Australia has continued to grow and evolve. From launching different flavours of coffee i.e. matcha, taro, etc but with the emergence of people being aware of their beliefs and allergens we have seen the emergence of different milks to accommodate. If a venue doesn't offer these different allergens and move with the times there is a risk of their brand being phased out. 

What are some innovations you have done in your store? Any new technologies or new partnerships we should be aware of?

We know technology has constantly been evolving in this market, especially with Uber during covid. We have launched self-order kiosks at most of our venues so that customers can walk in and order on screen without needing to wait in line. They're also able to log into our app and pre-order whilst making the most of any deals we have on offer at each venue. 

What are your plans for Piccolo Me before the year is up?

Our goal by the end of the year is to have 45 locations, with a possible move into a drive-thru model.