Originally created in 1989 as a place to get "an excellent coffee",[2] the concept includes cafébar/restaurant stores with expanded menus and full table service.

In 2005, The Coffee Club franchise was brought to New Zealand by Brad Jacobs and Andy Lucas opening their first store in Wellington.

Their unsuccessful attempt led them to plan a new business venture: The Coffee Club,[2] which rested on the Greek concept of 'philoxenia' - hospitality to strangers.

[4] In November 2005 the first international store was opened in Wellington, New Zealand, by master franchisees Bradley Jacobs and Andy Lucas.

[5] The move not only advanced plans to expand The Coffee Club into Asia and the Middle East[6] but also assists expansion of brands such as Swensen's ice creams into Australia.