Roasting Plant Coffee

About Roasting Plant Coffee

US coffee shop concept Roasting Plant Coffee was founded in 2007, in New York, by Mike Caswell, an industrial engineer and former Starbucks executive who developed the company's signature Javabot system to roast micro-batches of coffee on demand in every store.

In June 2026, Roasting Plant Coffee, which operates five sites in London, has said it is seeking a UK franchisee as it prepares for a “major new phase of international growth”. The company, which also has seven US locations, has partnered with agent Christie & Co in its search for a partner “with the resources and expertise to accelerate growth throughout London and the UK”.

Roasting Plant Coffee already has locations in The Strand, London Bridge (Borough Market), South Molton Street, High Holborn and Monument. The new strategy will also see further expansion across North America, Asia and EMEA and follows the recent signing of its first new international licensing agreement, marking the brand’s entry into Asia. This will see up to 50 locations open in Singapore, with the first openings within the next six to 12 months.

The new strategy follows the arrival of Doug Satzman as the company’s chief executive 18 months ago. Satzman previously held senior executive roles at Starbucks in both the US and EMEA region. Satzman said: “Our retail success in the US and UK, combined with our vertically integrated business model, have put us in a position for scalable growth around the world. The runway is massive in front of us, and I can see Roasting Plant cafes in shopping centres, airports, universities and high streets in many major markets in the near future.”

Why franchise with Roasting Plant Coffee

• ✓Christie & Co said: “Offers are sought for the business and assets of the Roasting Plant portfolio, to which the franchises and leases for the five stores will be assigned. This will be by way of a share sale of Roasting Plant (UK) and Javabot.
• ✓In addition to this, there are a number of requirements that must be satisfied by a new franchise partner.
• ✓Security deposits in respect of the leasehold sites will be required to reimburse the current deposit holders. A new International Franchise Agreement will need to be in place in order to continue to operate the stores under the Roasting Plant brand.
• ✓“As highlighted, there is a significant opportunity to grow this portfolio with sufficient investment. A new franchise partner must have both the capability and commitment to drive the brand forward across the Territory proposed.
• ✓An appropriate corporate and organisational structure will need to be approved prior to completion. Where training is required for key individuals, this needs to be commenced as soon as the key documents pursuant to the transaction are signed. A new franchisee must exhibit a demonstrable willingness to enter into a development agreement including a minimum number of store openings.”
• ✓A spokesman added: “This distinctive brand operates five established Central London stores and is backed by a New York-based franchisor with nine prime US locations. Led by experienced coffee executives, the company is now executing an international expansion strategy. The London stores are profitable and growing, driven by prime locations and freshly roasted artisan coffee at everyday prices.
• ✓“Our in-store Javabot technology ensures consistency, lowers operating costs and supports scalable, high-margin expansion. UK coffee demand remains strong, up 13% over three years, with 300 new stores opened in the year to September 2025. At just 1.75 shops per 10,000
• ✓People, versus 3.5 in other global capitals, London and the UK still offer significant growth potential.
• ✓“We are seeking a buyer for the UK operation, including a substantial franchise territory, to acquire the five London stores and expand Roasting Plant across the south under a franchise agreement.”