With its Colorado-local attitude, Ziggi’s Coffee straddles the gap between craft and big franchise coffee
Ziggi’s Coffee baristas work to create a friendly, welcoming experience to show how customers are loved. Photo courtesy of Ziggi’s Coffee.
By Emily Kemme
Colorado’s coffee culture fits into a wide range of business models. If you drive down any city street, circle a roundabout or turn a corner, it’s a sure bet you’ll find an assortment of coffee shops of all stripes. From national franchises to mom-and-pop shops, they brew the caffeinated beans we need to keep our energy high.
The abundance of places to grab a coffee makes choosing where to sip a latte a tough one, and it’s a layered decision. Factors include name recognition, a company’s marketing prowess (which includes dollars and time invested), and of course, what the coffee tastes like.
If a barista recognizes your face — or even your voice, if you’re shouting into a box to place your order — the value assigned might be higher.
Brandon and Camrin Knudsen are the people behind Ziggi’s Coffee, a 2004 Colorado startup that has since then expanded across the country, beginning its franchise journey in 2016. California transplants, the couple got their chops as owner/operators of a sandwich and coffee shop in Thornton, but dreamt of bigger things.
“Colorado is such an active place full of athletes, entrepreneurs, early morning commuters and outdoor enthusiasts. The coffee industry fits well within this community because it helps the driven people of Colorado get where they are going,” Brandon Knudsen said in an email.
The couple opened their first Ziggi’s coffee shop in Longmont on 4th and Main Street with a goal to build community connections, each cup of coffee bringing more customers to build their base.
Today, Ziggi’s Coffee has grown to 48 locations nationwide and over 100 franchise units in development, according to a news release. The company opened its new headquarters in Mead, Colorado in December 2021, with space to house their corporate team, along with an on-site franchisee training facility. The new digs also feature a café and drive-thru version of Ziggi’s to provide hands-on experience for new franchisees.
February 13th is Tray Day at Ziggi’s Coffee: get 4 drinks for $15. While you’re there, pick up a couple of Red Velvet cake pops for you and your favorite people. It’s tastier than a Valentine’s Day card. Photo courtesy of Ziggi’s Coffee.
In 2021, the Ziggi’s franchise was ranked #4 in the coffee category by Entrepreneur, a business website offering guidance for franchise owners. It ranked #283 out of 500 in franchises overall in 2022, a ranking that takes into account challenges the COVID pandemic brought to the industry over the last 23 months.
Brandon Knudsen said that Ziggi’s has worked to create a culture and brand unlike other big brand coffee experiences.
“We are committed to keeping the local, family-friendly feel in every location we open. We love being the place where anyone can go and feel right at home,” he said.
To do that, a franchise has to source quality coffee beans. According to their website, Ziggi’s has worked with Coda Coffee Company in Denver for more than ten years; the small-batch coffee roaster is also a Colorado startup. Coda developed its Farm2Cup certification, investing in coffee farming communities by raising farmers’ quality of life in an industry noted for its tough existence.
While building a brand, it’s also important to take care of the customer base.
Ziggi’s Coffee decided to celebrate Valentine’s Day a bit differently this year, giving back to customers for the entire month of February in its “Season of Love.” The goal is to make everyone feel special this year with a variety of deals and offers..
Here are a few ideas to warm you up during February at the Ziggi’s near you:
Red Hot Latte: White chocolate and cinnamon flavors mingle with milk and full-bodied espresso topped with whipped cream and crushed cinnamon candy on top. The drink is available with sugar-free syrup and can be served hot, iced or blended.
Month-long deals* include:
Get More On Mondays: Buy one drink, get one 50% off
Wake Up Wednesdays: Free extra shot of espresso to help you make it over Hump Day
February 6th-14th: 10% off all merchandise
February 11th: Double punches for any Red Hot Latte purchase
February 13th: Tray Day — get 4 drinks for $15
*Exclusions apply. Check website for details.
While you’re there, pick up a few (or 20) Red Velvet cake pops for you and your favorite people. They’re kind of like Valentine’s Day cards, only yummier.