Interesting news about the sale of Java in today’s papers. I broke the news of the last sale back when I was in the newsroom (see link in comments), so three curiosities:
First, that sale price seems to be a steep discount to what Abraaj paid in 2017 ($130 million vs. the reported sale price of $40 million now).
Two, I have been a Java customer since they had one branch in Adams in 1999. My subjective opinion is that their expansion, especially recently, has been at the cost of a good experience. The menu has shrunk (why, oh why did they remove the Thai green chicken curry from the menu). There also seems to be an understaffing of their physical outlets, meaning that it takes longer to get service (upon sitting down, mid-meal (like when you want to get something extra or just to replace a fallen fork), or to get your bill and pay). This leads to impatient customers, which leads to harassed, unhappy-looking staff, and even more frustration among the customers. This comes at exactly the wrong time because…
Third, this is when restaurants such as Artcaffe finally have their act together. Again, a subjective opinion: Artcaffe seems to have realised that there is nothing to be gained by being snobbish, so their service is (or seems to be) much better. Also, their menu seems more inventive, and their outlets fresher. Their brand extension (Artcaffe Market, their bars and lounges) give them room to grow in new directions. They are also the go-to for last-minute birthday cakes and the like.
So where does that leave Java after the sale?
I think they still have a great brand going. They are the only restaurant (as far as I know) that has been name-checked by Sauti Sol.
There are numerous opportunities. The most criminally underexploited is fast-service outlets. Simple coffee, tea, cold beverages and quick snacks. On that, there are two that I have seen (incidentally at hospitals - Nairobi and Aga Khan). But they seem a bit underwhelming, given the potential especially for office workers and other people in a hurry. This should also include an exploration of drive-throughs, collaboration with a supermarket for in-shop outlets, and more.
Also, their branded goods. They now sell coffee, cookies and the like through retail outlets, but much more can be done.
Anyway, kuja nikupeleke Java. Tunywe kahawa. (By the way, do you want to feel old? That song was released in 2009. A child born then is joining Form One this year…)
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