How Scoffs Group UK grew from three stores into a nationwide franchise network
Renowned in the franchise sector, Scoffs Group UK (Scoffs) operates a significant estate of Costa Coffee locations and has recently partnered with Itsu, a fast growing pan Asian brand. Since its establishment in 2012, the group has developed into a thriving multi million pound business, driven by strategic expansion and strong brand partnerships.
“Scoffs is the largest and most invested franchise partner of Costa Coffee in the UK, operating 109 locations since first partnering with the brand in 2012,” explains Chief Operating Officer Paul Turner. “We have grown both organically and through acquisition, roughly half and half – acquiring other franchise operations and integrating them into the group, while also opening new stores ourselves across the country.
“More recently, we became a growth partner for Itsu, a popular pan Asian brand with a strong presence in London. We launched our first out of London Itsu in Exeter, which has now been open a couple of years,” he adds.
A period of accelerated growth
Over the last three years, Scoffs has entered a period of significant expansion, marked by both acquisitions and new store openings. In 2022, the group acquired all of Costa’s Cornwall locations directly from the brand – a pioneering move that positioned it among the first franchisees to take on a company owned estate of that scale.
Since then, Scoffs has continued to strengthen its footprint, opening additional Costa stores including sites at Alton Retail Park, a drive thru in Truro and a new location in Forest Gate, East London, as part of a major residential development along the Elizabeth Line. The business has also delivered its first Itsu site in Exeter while expanding further through acquisition, including four Costa locations in the Channel Islands. Across the last two years, this combination of organic growth and targeted acquisition has reinforced the group’s position as one of the UK’s leading franchise operators.
Scaling expertise beyond individual sites
Alongside its extensive Costa Coffee portfolio, Scoffs continues to invest in its partnership with Itsu, which is already demonstrating strong potential. As one of the largest franchise businesses in the UK, the group has developed deep specialist expertise that extends well beyond individual locations. At its core, Scoffs is a franchise specialist, combining operational scale with a strong capability in team development and multi site management.
This expertise has made the business an attractive partner for brands looking to grow.
“That was the case with Itsu back in 2023,” Paul explains. “Itsu was looking for a franchise partner with the scale to operate multiple sites and support long term expansion beyond London.
“As we operate across half of England – from Norfolk to Cornwall – we had the operational breadth they needed, so they approached us. We were also exploring opportunities with other leading brands at the time but chose to move forward with Itsu given their ambition and the opportunity we saw in the pan Asian category.
“Itsu offers something faster, healthier and more sustainable, which strongly appeals to younger consumers. There is real longevity in that, as those customer groups grow with the brand. There is significant white space for expansion, which makes it a very exciting proposition.”
Strategic alignment as a growth driver
For Scoffs, long term success is built on strategic alignment with its brand partners. Operating at this scale requires clarity of direction, shared ambition and a consistent focus on performance.
“Whether growth is measured in units or profitability, strategic alignment is essential for a business like ours,” adds Antony Tagliamonti, Chief Executive Officer. “Relationships can drift over time, but we are in a strong position across all our partnerships today. As Costa’s largest franchise partner, we work closely and continuously with them. While our relationship with Itsu is still relatively new, we share a clear ambition to grow together.
“We are regularly approached by major brands, including international operators looking to enter the UK market. However, particularly over the last 18 months, we have remained selective. The operating environment has been more challenging, and growth opportunities that once looked straightforward now require greater discipline and evaluation. That said, we remain confident in the opportunities ahead and will continue to pursue growth on our own terms, with quality always as the priority.”
A people-led model for sustainable growth
Looking ahead, Scoffs’ leadership team is clear on what will underpin the next phase of growth: continued investment in people.
“We are a people led business, and that will always remain a core priority for us,” Antony continues. “One of our fundamental principles is that the store manager is our ‘number one leader’ across the business. Our role is to ensure we do not overcomplicate their day to day responsibilities, so they can focus on what matters most—the customer in front of them.”
Positioned for the next chapter
Scoffs has deliberately built a business that combines scale with operational focus, maintaining consistency across a large and growing estate without losing sight of the day to day realities of frontline teams.
With 109 Costa locations and a developing partnership with Itsu, the group is well positioned for its next phase of growth, supported by strong brand relationships, disciplined expansion and a clear commitment to people.