“Rooted in Purpose. Powered by People,” Ellianos Coffee is the brainchild of Scott and Pam Stewart, together with their son Robb and daughter-in-law Ellie. The coffee franchise’s first location opened its doors in Lake City in 2002, and since that time it has grown to more than 70 locations, with an especially strong presence in southern states like Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
Now, Ellianos is preparing to make its debut in St. Augustine. It’s opening at 3465 US-1, Suite 101, where an interior buildout expected to start this month.
“I’m hoping to have us open by Labor Day,” franchisee Mike Soares told What Now on Monday.
Soares is a first-time Ellianos franchisee, but he’s no stranger to the coffee shop world.
“My very first job, at fifteen, was at Dunkin’ Donuts. And since then, I’ve always wanted to open up my own coffee shop. I’m originally from Massachusetts, where there was a Dunkin’ Donuts on every corner and not much else. Having worked there, I knew it wasn’t quite the right fit.”
After moving to Florida, Soares was in the process of opening a coffee shop with another franchise when he discovered Ellianos.
“When I found out they were family-owned and Florida-based, I decided to take a drive up to Jacksonville, and once I tried it, I fell in love with it. Ever since then, I’ve just been looking for the right location to open my own Ellianos.”
The St. Augustine Ellianos represents a Florida first for the brand: it’s Ellianos’ first end-cap cafe-style location. With most locations focusing on their double drive-thru, the Ellianos at 3465 US-1 will feature a single-lane drive-thru, along with comfortable indoor seating. There, Ellianos will further build its reputation as a great Florida-born cafe brand.
“I personally think the coffee is second to none, and that was always my main interest: top-quality coffee,” said Soares. “But the customer experience really sets it apart, too. Ellianos has a motto: Every Customer, Every Time. It’s all about quality and consistency.”
You can keep up with all things Ellianos Coffee by following @ellianos on Instagram.
