Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea Is Planning to Award a Franchise to an Aspiring Business Owner

Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, a globally inspired brand with a focus on real ingredient beverages (including an impressive tea menu), is celebrating its 30th year by awarding a free franchise and providing a prize package.

The winner of the promotion will have the right to enter into a franchise agreement with the franchise fee being waived, and they'll win US$10,000 in prizes. The total prize value is approximately US$60,000 and the deadline for submissions for the “Win a Franchise” promotion is Oct. 1, 2023. The winner will also be given the Sweetwaters’ business model, tools and the training needed to create and run a successful community-based cafe.

All Sweetwaters cafes are locally owned, operated and dedicated to crafting exceptional and globally influenced beverages.

“We remember opening our business and want to pay our success forward to transform the life of an aspiring entrepreneur,” said Lisa Bee, CEO, and co-founder of Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea. “People are looking for meaningful work and our life in our cafes allowed us to raise three sons, build a successful business and, most importantly, become part of our local community.”

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Dragon Pearl Jasmine
Dragon Pearl Jasmine Tea at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea (Photo: Courtesy of Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea)

Bee – along with her co-founder husband, Wei – contacted with family and friends to fund the opening of their first cafe in Ann Arbor in 1993. They said that having a financial jumpstart when they began would have helped them to overcome the hurdles they faced, so now they’re happy to inspire and empower those who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities.

Sweetwaters, which will be open in 12 states with plans to open a 40th cafe this year, has experienced a 14 percent year-to-date same store sales growth rate over 2022.

For the promotion, applicants need to have a deep understanding of their local business landscape and demonstrate a commitment to economic growth and collaboration in their communities.

The Bees said they believe in forging lasting and meaningful relationships with local non-profits, schools and businesses, and that they make it their mission to get to know their neighbors and engage with their guests. “Strong community connections are how we share the love,” they noted.

Bee added: “We are honored to offer this life-changing opportunity. By paying it forward, we can help aspiring entrepreneurs achieve their dream and make a positive impact in their local communities.”

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Ginger Lemon Iced Tea
Sweetwaters' Ginger Lemon Iced Tea (Photo: Courtesy of Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea)

For more information and how to apply for the “Win a Franchise” promotion, visit SweetwatersCafe.com.

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