Presse Cafe gives go-ahead to its first franchisee

The brand has now grown to 7 outlets.

Presse Café, first established in Quebec, Canada, has grown into a brand enjoyed by six cities across the globe, including Australia. The brand has grown to seven outlets since it first opened in Sydney last 2009.

It has just signed its first franchisee this year and will be participating in franchise expos to further the brand’s growth and expansion.

Below is a Q&A with Charlie Hachem, Operations Manager at Presse Café.

QSR Media: Tell us about the brand and its heritage.

Charlie: Presse Café started in the French province of Quebec Canada in 1995, Presse Café is now found in France, Morocco, Cyprus, Libya, Dakar & most importantly Australia.

It is Presse Cafe’s simple and adaptable menu that is able to satisfy the needs of even the most particular diners as well as the ‘no compromise’ attitude to having the best coffee available.

So if you’re serious about quality and want the confidence of a proven team then come BREATHE - EAT – DRINK at Presse Café.

QSR Media: Tell us about your background?



Charlie: Presse Cafe Australia is headed by Halim Hachem, who has been in the hospitality business for over 30 years. When Halim was first employed in a café, he realised that his passion was in the hospitality industry. His love of fresh food, great coffee and the ever-changing café environment pulled him in. Halim discovered that he had a sixth sense for the industry and has been at the forefront of development ever since.

From a tiny doughnut shop in Alexandria to a large, full facility café in the Sydney CBD and everything in between, Halim was ready to be the Master franchise holder of Presse Café Australia. 

Following a trip to see family in Montreal, Halim fell in love with the Presse Café brand and concept. Presse Café opened the doors in Sydney for the first time in 2009 and has since grown to a total of 7 outlets with several more opening in the coming year.

2013 has been a milestone for Presse Café Australia, signing the first franchisee. Presse Café Australia will also participate in the Sydney franchise expo for the first time.

QSR Media: You have 3 outlets in Sydney CBD, what kind of traction are you getting with these? 

Charlie: We have sites that range from 12 sqm to 100 sqm, our core menu remains consistent through out the locations, but we have the flexibility of adding to, or simplifying the menu to suit the location’s market as well as it’s facilities.

Stores vary from an owner/operator model with a couple of additional hands for busy times through to multi leveled staffing operations with turnovers in excess of 1 million dollars p/a.

QSR Media: Tell us a bit about your franchise execution strategy.

Charlie: The international execution strategy has grown from word of mouth experience. We will engage in local franchise trade shows as is done in ( Romania, Dubai, France, Morocco & Canada) . We advertise in franchise magazines, newspapers, easy to access pamphlets in store.

Most of the potential candidates know us, from them having spent time at our cafes and enjoying the experience. We want to develop the concept locally & organically. We strongly believe that we must be able to build the brand with a local approach. Respect the people and local communities.

QSR Media: How do you think your brand will fare in the Australian market?


Charlie: The beauty of the Presse Café concept is that the model is flexible and adapts to the local market. Our development plan evolves with the people we meet. We pair with passionate business people, who want to bring the greatest Presse Café experience to their communities.

Our track record proves the brand’s stability in the Australian market. We are Australian. We have been born and bred in this country so we understand the sophisticated palate of our customers. The key difference in the Australian market is our willingness to mix different cultural traditions and flavours. Ours is still a young culture and therefore still developing. Presse Café caters to this perfectly.

Presse café is a real oasis for people on the rush, it always feels good to make a stop, be it to relax, or to drink a coffee in little eager sips while reading your favourite magazine.

Between two meals, Presse Café is where you stop to re-energise in a relaxed ambiance whether it is for an indulgent snack or a more healthy one!

QSR Media: How can you differentiate your brand from the other cafes in the industry?

Charlie: The difference Presse Café offers, is the strong business system coupled with flexibility for each location. A proven combination, that can flex with the market itself.

Presse Cafe believes in being the innovators of the industry. We don’t wait for trends or follow others but strive to be better, first.

Presse Cafe are not only about coffee, we have an impressive food offering, from morning snacks, lunches, afternoon grazing products, to a vast catering menu we also provide our signature drinks. Our customers can enjoy their coffee and food offering in a very relaxed and comfortable environment, where they can take time for themselves.

We vary the menu on a regular basis, asking the franchises to adapt locally to new trends, or try items that are offered in other Presse café locations around the world. For example, Freddos from Cyprus, Salmon Salad from Canada, homemade bagels, or exotic items like a pulled duck & cranberry sandwich.

QSR Media: Any other comments?



Charlie: From morning to evening, sandwiches, coloured wraps, presswiches, salads, pastries as well as specialised coffees are all served well and fast. For a dash of freshness, fruit juices are perfect...And just for a pleasant change, new products are regularly added to the exclusive menu to make Presse Café the center of the "café bistro" world. Not to forget, local favourites, which we are pleased to also include in our Presse Café menu.

Connoisseurs ask for more! Our barista will prepare you the perfect espresso with a thick and flavorful crema to help you start your day on the right foot. Perhaps a Piccolo Latte? The best choice for the 3:00 o’clock break with a delightful macaroon!

In brief, Breathe, Eat, Drink... an experience that one would really like to repeat.