SBA Franchise Registry Welcomes Rockn’ Joe

CRANFORD, NJ. – Rockn’ Joe Franchise Systems, the franchise company of Rockn’ Joe Coffeehouse and Bistro, today announced the successful completion of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) eligibility review process and inclusion on the administration’s Franchise Registry.

The SBA Franchise Registry is a national online listing of franchise systems whose franchisees receive expedited loan processing when applying for SBA financial assistance. Through the program, loan applications for registered franchises are reviewed and processed more quickly and efficiently.

The Franchise Registry enables the SBA and its participating lenders to check a franchise’s eligibility at www.franchiseregistry.com, resulting in a reduction of paperwork, time and costs.

“We are pleased to now be able to facilitate expeditious loan processes for franchisees, leading to more efficient financing for all involved parties,” said Kevin Brennan, CEO of Rockn’ Joe Franchise Systems. “The SBA’s franchise registry is helping many small business owners reduce costs and cut down on the time it takes to process applications, making it even easier for Rockn’ Joe franchises to open.”

Along with researching options for quicker financing, Rockn’ Joe officials have worked closely with independent accountants, franchise experts and other professionals to ensure its Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC) provides prospective franchisees with a clear and detailed analysis of the company.

The UFOC, available through corporate headquarters in Cranford, N.J., is a federally-mandated disclosure document that all franchise companies must present to potential franchisees detailing their respective companies and the potential risks. The UFOC includes a full audit of Rockn’ Joe Franchise Systems, as well as the costs associated with opening a Rockn’ Joe franchise.

The company is now authorized to franchise in New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ohio and Florida.

The centerpiece of Rockn’ Joe is the coffee. Brennan knew his coffeehouse would never succeed without a signature blend that people will always prefer over the high-end competition. Along with its secret bean selection and roasting technique, Rockn’ Joe coffees are made with specially-treated water – a key component for consistently rich, flavorful drip coffee.

For the past six years, Rockn’ Joe’s coffee has clinched the “Golden Cup Award” from the Specialty Coffee Association of America. Award winners must annually submit a sample of their water and brewed coffee for laboratory analysis.

According to the National Coffee Association, daily consumption of specialty coffee among adults is at record highs, with 16 percent of the adult population drinking at least one cup a day. That number has spiked four percent since 2003. More than 55 percent of Americans adults say they drink specialty coffee on occasion.

Coffeehouses in the United States are more popular than ever, with 11,250 locations nationally averaging $550,000 in annual sales. The specialty coffee industry has grown to a $6.12 billion industry, according to the Specialty Coffee Association of America. The total coffee market, including cafes, kiosk, carts and retailers was at $8.96 billion in 2003, nearly a $1.5 billion increase from 1999.

Brennan said Rockn’ Joe has received interest from international investors, as well as from hundreds of people living throughout the country. He said the company is actively searching for the right franchisees – people who are as dedicated as Brennan to making Rockn’ Joe the nation’s best franchise system.

“Franchisees need to know that their success is our success,” Brennan said. “To that end, we offer one of the finest support networks in the franchise industry. If you enjoy being extremely creative and expressing your own personality and taste, then this is the business for you.”

For more information, please contact Rockn’ Joe toll free at 1-800-926-4003 or reach us on the web at www.rocknjoe.net.