A Colorado-based coffee franchise has big plans for the Atlanta market.
Fifty locations of Ziggi’s Coffee are planned for metro Atlanta in the brand’s largest development deal to date.
“I think there’s something for everyone. That’s what makes Atlanta the perfect spot for Ziggi’s to come in and show what a quality coffee cafe can do for the community,” said Karim Badani, who is working with Rafiq Lightwala to grow the coffee chain in the Peach State.
With Badani’s background in banking and Lightwala’s background in marketing, the two have teamed up to expand Ziggi’s Coffee rapidly in Georgia.
“Me and Karim connected and decided it was a great opportunity to introduce a new coffee franchise in Atlanta and having looked at franchise opportunities, we found Ziggi’s was the perfect fit,” Lightwala told What Now Atlanta.
The community aspect of the brand is what led them to select Ziggi’s Coffee as a franchise they wanted to be a part of, he said. (Ziggi’s Coffee takes pride in supporting local schools, individuals and organizations.)
“If there was one thing we can pick out about the Ziggi’s concept, it’s their focus on community,” Lightwala said. “When we talk about coffee, it’s not just about the beverages. It’s about the experience of connection that coffee fosters.”
Conyers and Suwanee are expected to be the first sites, with the Conyers location targeting a Q3 2024 opening.
“We’re looking to expand pretty fast,” Lightwala said. “We’re going to expand well and get the entire greater Atlanta area covered.”
The Ziggi’s Coffee menu includes signature coffee beverages, tea and energy drinks alongside breakfast and lunch items and baked goods. (Badani recommends the caramel macchiato and the Colorado Mocha, a signature coffee beverage containing iced chocolate milk, toasted coconut, almond and espresso.)
“Ziggi’s overall is gonna connect with a lot of Atlantans,” Badani said. “They’re gonna love it, start seeing Ziggi’s everywhere. As we develop, we’re very excited to be a part of this community of coffee lovers.”
Ziggi’s Coffee was founded in 2004 with the original location in Longmont, Colorado, and it began franchising in 2016. The brand now has about 78 locations nationwide and more than 200 additional ones in development.
“We are thrilled to embark on this journey, expanding Ziggi’s Coffee throughout the bustling city of Atlanta with a milestone of a development deal signing,” Ziggi’s Coffee CEO and co-founder Brandon Knudsen said in a news release during the initial announcement about Atlanta’s 50-unit deal. “This achievement speaks volumes about the dedication of our team and the loyalty of our customers. Our commitment to innovation, quality, and creating meaningful connections remains at the center of who we are, and we can’t wait to serve the Atlanta community with our 50 new locations.”
