Forza Coffee to Honor Moms for Mother’s Day

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Forza Coffee and the Tacoma Rainiers have teamed up to honor mothers this Sunday at Cheney Stadium

On Sunday May 13th, 2012, Forza Coffee Company and the Tacoma Rainiers will be honoring all mothers in attendance at Cheney Stadium.

During the game, Forza Coffee Company will offer mothers a refreshing glass of iced tea and will be giving away nine $10 Forza gift cards.

As a fun way to honor mothers within its company, Forza has given the day off to its mostly female staff at the Cheney Stadium cafe. The shop will be staffed by men, affectionately referred to as “baristuds”.

“We’ve given the ladies the day off and 4 tickets to the game to spend the afternoon with their families. It is the least we can do for all they have done for us.” Shaun Nestor, Forza Marketing Director said. “Family is the lifeblood of our company, mothers play a very special role in that.”

In addition to honoring mothers, this event will serve as a way to promote the ongoing partnership between Forza Coffee Company and the Tacoma Rainiers, as well as the opportunity to raise awareness regarding the Forza Family Fun Pack to all in attendance. The Forza Family Fun Pack consists of four general admission tickets, four one dollar ice cream vouchers to be redeemed at the Forza café on site.

The price of this value pack retails for $22 and can only be purchased exclusively at any of the Western Washington Forza Coffee locations.

Forza Coffee Company is a Tacoma based specialty coffee company with nineteen locations across Washington State. Follow them on Facebook or Twitter for up-to-date information and details about special events.

Forza Coffee Company to Open Cafe at Lakewood, WA YMCA

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The public and YMCA members are welcomed to the grand opening celebration of the Forza Coffee Company cafe located inside the Lakewood Family YMCA on Friday, May 10th, 2012, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
An artist rendering of the Forza Coffee at Lakewood YMCA

On Friday, May 10th, 2012, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, Forza Coffee Company will be holding the grand opening of their nineteenth location at the YMCA in Lakewood, Washington. The public and members of the YMCA are welcomed.

Although this location officially opened on May 7, 2012 at 8:14am, the official grand opening will take place Friday May 10, 2012, from 4:00pm until 6:00pm. Festivities will include drink specials, giveaways, and a special visit from Tacoma Rainiers mascot, “Rhubarb”. Additionally, this store will be open for all YMCA Late Night events.

“We are excited, to partner with the Lakewood Family YMCA in their community outreach and family atmosphere.” Store owner, Gil Quante, said, “We believe that providing healthy snacks and tasty beverages will make the Y experience that much better and even a bit more fun!” Quante and his business partners own one other Forza store in Dupont.

In addition to featuring many of the same menu options seen at other locations within the company, this location will be introducing a menu containing a line of delicious and healthy food options. According to Forza Coffee Company Director of Business Development, Erika Lowery, “Chef Clifton Lyles was contracted for this site, just as all other new locations. He designed the menu to stay within the YMCA nutritional guidelines, as well as to fit the demographic of this specific location.”

This location is the first ever location to have gained funding through the Forza Franchise Funding program. While the economy remains in a state of turmoil and uncertainty, the reality is that it has become harder for potential franchise owners to receive a loan from the banks. This program allows potential franchisees the opportunity to receive partial funding through a private loan from Forza Coffee Company.

The specific 8:14am opening time is a subtle way to remember the four Lakewood Police officers who were killed while on duty at the Forza Coffee shop in Lakewood three years ago at 8:14am.

Forza Coffee Company is a Tacoma based specialty coffee company with nineteen locations across Washington State.

Forza Coffee working to return to full strength after three locations close

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By John Gille, Tacoma News Tribune

Tacoma’s Forza Coffee Co. says it is working diligently to return its chain of coffee outlets to full strength after the recent closure of three shops in its 21-store network.

Erika Lowery, Forza’s director of business development, said two of the three coffee shop closures came unexpectedly.

A fire destroyed a Forza franchisee’s shop in Silverdale early this year, and still-unexplained problems led another Forza owner to shutter his five-year-old store at South 12th Street and Union Avenue early this month.

“That Union Avenue closure caught both us and the landlord there by surprise,” said Lowery.

Forza said it had found jobs for the workers in the Tacoma store at other Forza shops.

A third recent Forza coffee shop closure, this one at 9715 Lakewood Dr. SW, was planned.

The franchisee there is opening a new Forza shop at the Lakewood YMCA to replace it.

“The two locations were too close together,” said Lowery, “so he decided to close one of them.”

While the Tacoma-based coffee chain is looking for another owner to reopen the central Tacoma shop, its main expansion emphasis is in Olympia and in Seattle where the coffee chain plans to open new stores this year.

The Silverdale store will be rebuilt, said Lowery.

Forza is rolling out a new financing option for franchisees to open new shops that will give them an alternative to seeking financing from banks that have become exceedingly cautious in making loans to small business owners, she said.

Read more here: http://blog.thenewstribune.com/business/2012/03/19/forza-coffee-working-to-return-to-full-strength-after-three-locations-close/#storylink=cpy

 

Forza Coffee featured in the Business Examiner

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Business Examiner features Forza CoffeeIt seems like a dream come true for many business owners: Franchising.

Yes, their brands become so big that others want to pay them to just use their business model. And what might be the best part is that the risk and financial responsibility mainly falls upon the franchisee.

But during the recession, many franchised businesses have seen their dreams turn into  nightmares. Some franchisees close, while interested parties often struggle to find a business loan.

“Access to capital is definitely the No. 1 challenge facing the franchise industry,” said Matt Haller, spokesman for the International Franchise Association. “The lending environment has improved, but we are not fully back to where we were pre-recession.”

But some franchise owners have decided enough is enough and are taking control of their company’s ability to grow.

The owners of Forza Coffee Co., for example, decided that rather than simply working with potential franchisees to secure a traditional bank loan, they would put their money where their mouths are.

Last month the company announced that franchisees could access in-house financing options from the local coffee shop company.

“The problem was, as we went down the path with these banks, the chief credit officers that hold the strings of assessing risk would basically shut down any opportunity for first-time business owners to jump into the game,” said Rich Jennings, CEO and managing partner of Forza. “We were faced with a lot of frustration. We decided it was time to take the bull by the horns and set up a fund.”

[Read the full article on BusinessExaminer.com]

Forza Coffee Establishes Funding Arm For Hopeful Entrepreneurs

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Even without considering the financial implications, the stresses surrounding starting a business are plentiful. The recent economic collapse in America has made funding for many first-time business owners nearly impossible. Where banks and government agencies historically offered assistance, today’s entrepreneur is stuck looking for alternative ways to obtain funding to pursue their dream of owning a business.

Forza Coffee Company, a specialty coffee franchisor in the Seattle-area, has taken matters into its own hands. Frustrated with the lengthy and – seemingly insurmountable ad-hoc requirements imposed on first time business owners, the company has established a financial funding arm to help would-be franchisees interested in owning a coffee shop franchise.

The company anticipates lending nearly $3 million to first-time business owners or those looking to expand their investment portfolio across the country.

As specialty coffee sales skyrocket, organizations like Forza stand ready to serve the growing demand.

Over the last 18 months, Forza — which means ‘strength’ or ‘unity’ — has refocused their business model in preparation of franchise growth. The 7-year-old company has built its model around creating the “neighborhood gathering place” – a comfortable and safe environment for neighbors to gather throughout the day. Perhaps for a morning business meeting or a glass of wine with friends in the evening.

Forza serves beer and wine in several locations throughout the Puget Sound to cater to today’s busy and active lifestyles. The atmosphere does not resemble a bar or tavern, making it a safe and friendly place for families and professionals.

The company is anxious to find passionate and driven individuals who may have been turned down by banks and lending institutions that are active in their community. Forza’s model – to be the gathering place of the neighborhood – hinges on people within the community being involved in the business.

The community stands to benefit, as well. According to the company, each new café generates employment for 10-15 baristas; work for general contractors and construction companies; and a boost to local economies through sales tax revenue.

In tough economic times, the company has created its own path to secure financing for individuals looking to start their own business and take control of their destiny.

More information about the company and franchising opportunities are available at www.ForzaFranchise.com

Forza Coffee Company coming to Lakewood YMCA

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The nonprofit recreational facility conducted a poll and discovered that many of its members would like a coffee and sandwich shop. Plans are to open the Forza inside the Y by March 2012.

Forza Coffee Company is opening a new cafe in the Lakewood, WA YMCA

The architecture rendering of the new Forza Coffee at the Lakewood YMCA

Forza Coffee Company and the Lakewood YMCA have reached an agreement to open a café in the lobby of the non profit.

Members and guests of the YCMA can expect hand-crafted espresso drinks, fresh sandwiches, smoothies, and several snack choices in early March of 2012.

“We don’t want people to just go to the Y and leave,” said Mike Johnson, executive director of the Lakewood YMCA. “We’d like for them to stick around even after they’ve purchased their coffee.”

The 98,000 square-foot nonprofit recreational facilities in Pierce County is scheduled to have the new interior look by early 2012. Design plans have been finalized and construction is scheduled for next month, Ketcham said.

The Lakewood Y chose Forza because of its relationship with the community, adding there were two other interested companies including Starbucks, Ketcham said. It’s the second Y with a Forza Coffee and food bar. The Gig Harbor location was the first.

Forza Coffee Company is opening a new cafe in the Lakewood, WA YMCA

The architecture rendering of the new counter area of Forza Coffee at the Lakewood YMCA

Forza will pay for the design, structure and installation of their project and then will lease the space.

Christy Matson, the upcoming manager for the Forza Y, has worked for several different coffee companies. She wants to carry over Forza’s quality customer service over to the Lakewood Y.

“I want everyone to feel like any barista at all times give a genuine greeting and genuine concern to give the best service possible,” Matson said.

Since opening in 1992, the Lakewood Y has grown to more than 11,700 members. Marcus Freeman, a member for more than a year, said he likes the idea of having a coffee and food shop in his recreational establishment.

“It’s not that different from having a Subway like they do at other locations,” Freeman said. “I like the smell of coffee. Maybe I can get a little espresso or mocha on the way out.”

The Forza menu, however, will be modified at the Y location said Gil Quante, the store’s operating manager. The company will adhere to the nutritional guidelines set in place by the Y.

“Coffee drinks will remain the same, but we are looking for healthy smoothies and fresh-made sandwiches,” Quante said.

Christi Hill, senior director of health and well-being, hopes that people use Forza as a replacement meal or a protein shake, not for the high-calorie coffee drinks.

“The excitement has been tremendous,” Hill said.

The Lakewood Y is located at: 9715 Lakewood Drive Southwest, Lakewood, WA 98499-3980

The Lakewood Patch contributed to this article.

Forza Coffee Company Coming to Circa Green Lake

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An “extension of home” is coming to Circa Green Lake as Forza Coffee Company expands into the Seattle community with its ‘next generation’ of coffee shops and neighborhood gathering places.

Forza Coffee Company is opening a new cafe in Green Lake this Saturday, January 21st at 8:14am.

The new store is part of what FORZA calls the “next generation” of coffee shops. It will feature a much wider variety of food offerings, a full compliment of local beer and wine on tap, and a regular schedule of live music events each weekend.

As we get close to our opening date, we welcome you to experience the next generation of neighborhood coffee shops – the community gathering place.

The food is prepared on-site using local products. FORZA has partnered with many Seattle-area companies to provide a wide assortment of vegan, gluten-free, and organic menu items for those with restricted diets.

The Green Lake store, which is located at 6900 East Green Lake Way N, aims to extend that close-knit feeling already evident in the Green Lake area with late-night events, including live music, wine tasting, and many other community-based activities.

Store owners Murray and Debbie Macdonald are passionate about the community and its active lifestyle. They call the shop an extension of their home.

This is the third store in the Seattle metro area for FORZA and they hope to have at least 3 more open in 2012. Expansion to the Eastside is also earmarked in 2012.

For more information on FORZA or the Green Lake store, visit them on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/ForzaCoffee

Forza Coffee partners with Special Olympics of Washington

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Forza Coffee supports the 2012 Special Olympics Polar Plunge

Forza Coffee is proud to partner with the Special Olympics of Washington for their 2012 Polar Plunge in Seattle and Medical Lake / Spokane.

The Polar Plunge is a fundraising effort organized by law enforcement agencies throughout the state benefiting Special Olympics Washington.

Polar Plunge is a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations and businesses to support local Special Olympics athletes by collecting pledges and plunging into various frigid water locations across Washington State.

Forza Coffee is proud to support the 2012 Special Olympics Polar Plunge

FORZA to advertise on Fisher Radio in Seattle

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As a part of our growth and expansion campaign, Forza is advertising with Fisher Radio in Seattle to find new franchise partners!

We are looking for passionate business owners to open Forza Coffee shops in Bellevue and the East Side; Federal Way, Olympia, Puyallup, Queen Anne, and West Lake in downtown Seattle.

Invest in yourself and partner with Forza! We are a growing brand committed to serving local communities. Start the next chapter of your life and invest in yourself as a Forza Coffee franchise partner.

Listen for our radio ads on KOMO Newsradio 1000 AM, STAR 101.5 FM, and KVI Talk 570 AM.

Forza Coffee is looking for Franchise partners and is advertising on KOMO, STAR 101.5, and KVI radio