The Esquire Coffee Houses Master Franchise for New Zealand and Australia has been sold to Retail Food Group (RFG).


Business partners and brothers Stuart and Lewis Deeks previously owned the Master Franchise before selling it to RFG and they still own the Esquire Coffee Houses development rights for the rest of the world outside Europe and the Americas.

Since the Deeks purchased the Master Franchise rights in 2001 they have grown the chain to 46 locations in New Zealand and will now concentrate on growing the brand in other areas outside Australasia.


Esquires Coffee Houses is a Canada-based coffee shop chain and RFG, which already owns the franchise rights for five food-based brands, will be able to use its experience to grow the concept across Australia and New Zealand.

Stuart Deeks said: “The entire operations team led by Lewis will continue to run the business and RFG has stated that its intention is business as usual for the Esquires brand in New Zealand. We will be doing all in our power to support RFG during the coming months so as to provide continuity for our franchise owners. For now, I will be assisting with the sale of new stores before handing over at a suitable juncture once new store delivery obligations to RFG have been concluded.

“RFG and the Esquires New Zealand team have been working very efficiently together and will continue to do so over the coming months. I foresee only positives for our franchise owners in becoming part of what is a very successful group indeed.”

Published: 24 March 2011

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