Scooter’s Coffee has inked a deal with experienced local franchise owner Griffin Kennedy for five units in the Triad area.
Kennedy will be focusing on the Greensboro area, hoping to ultimately open three spots in Greensboro. He is also looking at locations in Mebane, Burlington and Graham. His goal is to open all five units by 2028, though the timeline will be subject to zoning and construction.
Kennedy has a background in the franchise business. He previously was a partner in a group that owned and operated 15 Jersey Mike’s. Now, he is hoping to take that experience and apply it to Scooter’s.
“My wife and I saw an opportunity in the market with Scooter’s and the drive-thru coffee market in general to pivot out and do this on our own,” Kennedy said. “It’s scary but really exciting. Right now we’re looking for locations.”
Kennedy was drawn to the brand because of its commitment to providing high-quality coffee to customers on the go, placing an emphasis on both speed and friendliness.
“Coffee is part of my daily ritual and something I really enjoy,” Kennedy said. “I think it’s an interesting model because it focuses on customer service even through the drive-thru. There are some big players here in this space, but not a lot of variety. So we’re trying to offer the people of North Carolina different options if they want to give us a shot.”
Scooter’s began in 1998 in Nebraska and has grown to more than 800 locations in the U.S. The national brand currently has nine locations in North Carolina. However, this will be the first franchise deal for the Triad, with previous deals focusing on Raleigh-Durham and the Greater Charlotte area. There are two other spots listed as coming soon on the Scooter’s website, including one heading to Lillington and another going in at Durham.
Kennedy views Scooter’s as a unique spot that fits in its own niche, not competing directly with local coffee shops but instead providing a good option for people on the go who want to pick up coffee, tea, smoothies or a pastry or breakfast burrito.
Although Scooter’s is a drive-thru model, Kennedy hopes to still become involved with the local community.
“We want to be a neighborhood shop and try to partner with local schools,” he said. “[We want] to try to be part of everyone’s day and routine, and really see how we can grow by giving back and being part of the community.”
