The Former Franchise Sales and Communications Head at Panera Bread Brings More than Two Decades of Experience to Position
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, a specialty coffee and tea franchise, has named Cory Davenport franchise sales manager. Applying his 20-plus years of franchise sales experience, he will spearhead the company’s expansion efforts and manage franchise candidate recruitment.
Davenport said the brand’s coffee, tea and employees keep customers coming back. “With many of its domestic locations in Southern California and an incredible product offering, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is truly a diamond in the rough,” he said. “It is primed for aggressive growth, and I look forward to helping share our passion for coffee and tea with the rest of North America. Everyone I have met has a deep passion for what they do. They truly love the brand and are enthusiastic about sharing it with as many people as possible.”
Davenport recalled seeing this passion for the brand when he went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s Los Angeles headquarters, where he toured a café and met the general manager and a shift manager who had known the founders and had a tenure of more than two decades with the company. “The wealth of history I gained about the brand was incredible and further solidified my decision to join the brand,” he said.
Discovering the Franchise Business Model
Davenport said his pathway into franchising developed organically and stemmed from his background in communications and publishing. After working long hours as an editor and advertising sales manager, he was ready for a change and sought an opportunity at the Saint Louis Bread Company, which is the name Panera Bread operates under in the St. Louis, Mo., area. “It was during that time that I was introduced to franchising,” Davenport said. “As the company grew and more formalized departments emerged, I had a choice to make: Stick with communications or broaden my experience by learning more about franchising a brand. At the time, Bread Co. was entering an aggressive development phase, with franchising as a major focus. I chose franchising, and I’m grateful I did.”
Davenport said his 20-plus years with Panera Bread have provided him with invaluable insights and skills that prepared him for his new role. “I have witnessed and actively participated in the development of an industry-leading concept,” he said. “Most importantly, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the overall development of a brand, encompassing areas such as legal, supply chain, real estate, concept development, operations and finance. This holistic perspective is the most valuable education I have received, as it allows me to approach challenges strategically and collaborate effectively across various functions.”
Davenport’s advice for anyone considering becoming a franchise owner is to identify a product or service they already use and love. “Additionally, it’s essential to conduct thorough due diligence, which includes evaluating the personal and social aspects of your franchisor,” he said. “A franchise relationship can last up to 20 years, so it’s crucial to be selective about who you partner with. Building a strong, supportive relationship with your franchisor can make a significant difference in your success.”
While Davenport has always been a fan of coffee, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has entirely changed his perspective, he said. “I viewed coffee merely as a necessity to start my morning or a quick pick-me-up in the afternoon. I knew what I liked but never really took the time to savor it. I now take the time to enjoy a cup of black coffee and appreciate its unique flavor profiles. I’ve learned to pause and enjoy a cup of coffee rather than relying on it for the caffeine. I think The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf will positively impact the industry through its exceptional product.”
Davenport and his wife live in St. Louis with their two boys. He spends a lot of his free time coaching youth athletics, primarily baseball and soccer. “I find that coaching not only allows me to share my love for sports but also helps instill values such as teamwork, dedication and resilience in the next generation,” Davenport said. He also enjoys golfing and fishing with friends and family.
About The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Founded in Southern California in 1963, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is a global specialty coffee and tea house that operates 1,000-plus locations across 20 countries. The brand’s parent company is the Philippines-based Jollibee Foods Corporation.
