Koffler Applies Experience Gained with Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, Paris Baguette, Roy Rogers, Corner Bakery Cafe and Johnny Rockets
Ella Café, a premium coffee franchise, has appointed Gregg Koffler chief development officer. Koffler brings extensive experience in franchise development across the food and beverage industry, previously leading expansion efforts for Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, Paris Baguette, Roy Rogers, Corner Bakery Cafe and Johnny Rockets.
“I’ve worked in the coffee industry before and believe it’s an exciting space to be in right now. The opportunity came about when I met with the leadership team. I found the team to be exceptionally solid, and I was impressed that Ella Café is a private equity-backed brand with strong potential,” Koffler said. “What truly drew me to Ella Café was its authentic approach to the coffeehouse experience — balancing growth ambitions with quality craftsmanship. The brand’s commitment to creating genuine community spaces rather than just retail outlets aligns perfectly with my vision for what a coffee franchise should be.”
Koffler said he is developing a strategic expansion plan to introduce Ella Café to new markets. “My strategy involves telling the Ella Café story through various channels while seeking highly qualified franchisees with proven track records of operational success. Initially, we’ll focus on Southeast Florida, the Carolinas and Georgia markets.”
This regional approach allows the coffee brand to establish stronger operational support systems and brand recognition, he said. “We’re looking for multi-unit operators who understand both the art and science of food service — partners who appreciate that Ella Café’s house-made products require more skill but deliver superior customer experiences. Our ideal franchisees will embrace our commitment to quality while bringing local market knowledge that helps each location become a true community gathering place.”
Koffler said Ella Café’s focus on serving exceptional products and offering a great customer experience will foster continued growth. “The brand distinguishes itself through its commitment to house-made products — from freshly baked pastries to hand-crafted syrups for coffee drinks. This dedication to quality and authenticity allows Ella Café to maintain its coffeehouse roots while scaling, creating a unique position in the market where customers experience both consistency and craftsmanship.”
On a personal level, Koffler said he has visited Ella Café numerous times as a customer. “I always enjoyed the experience, and it seems fate has brought me to work with the brand I’ve long appreciated.”
COO Will Coyne said Koffler’s franchise development expertise will be invaluable to Ella’s future development. “Our mission is to bring the Ella Café experience to more communities through thoughtful expansion and strategic partnerships,” Coyne said.
Franchise Development Fundamentals
Koffler said the key to successful franchise development is bringing on franchisees who have a genuine passion for the brand and excel at operations. “These foundational elements drive sustainable growth for any franchise system,” he said. “Beyond recruitment, franchisors must focus on creating systems that maintain consistency while allowing for the human element that makes hospitality special. With Ella Café’s house-made approach, we’re developing training programs and operational standards that ensure quality without stifling the creativity and warmth that define the brand. This balance is critical — franchisees need clear guidelines but also need to feel connected to the heart of what makes Ella Café unique in the marketplace.”
About Ella Café
Backed by Exuma Capital Partners and founded in 2016 in Plantation, Fla., Ella Café is known for its proprietary coffee blend and artisanal menu. The coffee company plans to expand throughout Florida and other parts of the U.S.
