Toowoomba Scores Another Zarraffa's Coffee Drive Thru Location
Coffee lovers in Toowoomba are set to experience greater convenience and accessibility with the grand opening of Zarraffa’s newest drive thru only location in Harristown.
Only the sixth of the company’s new ‘drive thru only’ concept stores, Zarraffa’s Coffee Harristown will officially open on Thursday 1 August and will be operated by seasoned franchisee Damian Doyle, who also owns the Anzac Avenue store.
The Zarraffa’s drive thru only store model was launched last year and is designed to enhance customer experience for those who are time poor and demand convenience, while delivering significant expansion opportunities for the Aussie-owned company and its franchisees.
“Opening this drive thru only store has been a long-term goal of mine and the concept is perfect for relieving the high demand on our existing Anzac Avenue store, while offering a quick and easy coffee fix for our customers,” said Damian.
Zarraffa’s Coffee CEO, Marnie Sheldon, believes the company’s drive thru only model will help the brand grow in previously unexplored ways, as more sites can now be considered for the streamlined store footprint.
“Our Harristown store represents the future of Zarraffa’s Coffee, one of many of our new store locations that will be built on smaller, non-traditional sites that are more convenient for our customers, and we’re excited to see the positive impact this new location will have on the Toowoomba community,” said Marnie.
With a remarkable history of over 15 years with Zarraffa's, Damian previously opened Toowoomba’s first Zarraffa’s Coffee location at Clifford Square Shopping Centre in 2009 before relocating the original store to Anzac Avenue in late 2023.
A family affair, co-owner of the Harristown store is Damian’s son, Mackenzie Doyle, making his first foray as a franchisee, while Damian’s three daughters, who have been integral to the success of the Anzac Avenue store, will continue to support both locations.
In addition, a number of long-term employees who have been working with Damian from his early days as a franchisee will continue to bring their invaluable experience and dedication to the new store.
“Having Mackenzie on board makes this venture even more special. He has literally grown up around coffee most of his life, and together with our team we’re committed to providing top quality specialty coffee and excellent service to our community,” Damian added.
Located on Alderley St, Zarraffa’s Coffee Harristown is designed with customer convenience in mind, featuring a single-lane drive thru, a walk-up window, and a cozy outdoor seating area.
The store will operate from 4:30am to 8:00pm daily and is strategically positioned to serve both outgoing traffic and those entering the Gore Highway, making it easier for locals and commuters to grab their favourite coffee on the go.
The store will employ approximately 22 new staff members, contributing to the local job market and supporting Zarraffa’s ongoing commitment to the local community.
“One of the most rewarding parts is being able to employ local juniors and support them as they grow into managerial roles or professionals in other industries, including to date, paramedics, lawyers, accountants, actors and directors,” said Damian.
“It's also important to me that I build strong relationships with local schools. This allows us to help students enter the workforce – we have six new school-based trainees starting with us soon.”
Along with supporting team members in their respective journeys, Marnie Sheldon believes it is the achievement of multi-generational ownership – fast becoming a trend among the brand’s franchisee group – that should be applauded.
“Zarraffa’s is almost 30 years old and it is heartwarming to see the children of our franchisees now taking their first forays into store ownership. Many who started out in high school working for their parents and have moved up the ranks are now growing each business with so much experience under their belt,” Marnie added.
“For this reason, it’s our franchisees, like Damian and Mackenzie, who are at the heart of what makes Zarraffa’s expansion plans possible. Seasoned operators who are opening more sites, alongside the next generation are only going to strengthen the growth of the brand and ensure our that customers receive the best possible experience for years to come.”
Zarraffa’s Coffee Harristown Drive Thru is located at 545 Alderley St, Harristown, Queensland 4350.
Opening hours: 4.30am – 8pm, 7 days a week.
