The Coffee Franchise Restructures Leadership, Eliminates CEO Role
The Maine-based Aroma Joe’s coffee franchise has restructured its management, giving COO Dave Tucci the additional role of president. Loren Goodridge, a franchisee of 11 Aroma locations, will transition out of his role as CEO to focus on the coffee franchise’s development.
“This is an exciting time at Aroma Joe’s franchising as we position ourselves for our next phase of growth,” Tucci said. “Over the last year of shadowing Loren, I’ve learned from the best and am ready to chart a path of continued future expansion.”
Tucci joined the brand as director of franchise development and operations in 2021, when there were 73 locations and a staff of 12 at corporate headquarters. Aroma Joe’s now has 115 locations and a headquarters staff of 30, said Tucci, who was promoted to COO in 2022. “We have been able to attract staff who are dedicated and ambitious, and I’m really proud of that. I think we have assembled one of the best teams in franchising to support our franchisees and our growth.” In this expanded role, Tucci said he will lead with empathy and integrity to foster a culture of collaboration and empowerment.
His journey in the restaurant industry began when he was 15 working as a dishwasher. When he was in college, Tucci learned how to bartend and eventually got into management. In addition to the fast-paced environment, Tucci said his love of restaurants stems from the opportunities for growth and advancement.
Before joining Aroma’s leadership team, Tucci was the area representative for Firehouse Subs in the New England region. During that time, he was responsible for brand development and providing franchisee support in the territory. Tucci credited former Firehouse CEO Don Fox with giving him a strong foundation in franchising.
“I enjoy providing structured support to aspiring entrepreneurs through the franchise model. Offering a proven business model and ongoing guidance empowers individuals to venture into the world of entrepreneurship with a higher level of confidence and support,” Tucci said.
He also has served in operations roles for Portland Pie Company and The Rooms Portland Maine, and worked for KW Commercial as a real estate and business broker.
Formula for Growth
Tucci said unit-level profitability and trust in a franchise system are paramount to its sustainability. “Franchisees have to trust the franchisor, and the franchisor must have trust in their franchisees. Unit-level profitability plus trust equals growth.”
About Aroma Joe’s
The Aroma Joe’s franchise was established in East Rochester, N.H., in 2000. Since then, the coffee chain has grown to locations in Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.
