Tue 12 Sep 2023
Meet the Founder: Rhode Island Coffee
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"Health is less important for our customers - they like an indulgent treat when they visit our shops." - Raj Ruia
What customer shifts have you noticed in the last 2 years?
We operate in suburban towns where we have seen a shift in the coffee shop space being used as a workspace. We are also seeing consumers adding an indulgent treat on many of their visits to our shops, and a demand for non-diary milks, gluten free and vegan options.
Which hero product have you launched recently? Tell us more!
We have introduced a hand-baked indulgent cookie baked locally. This is a premium product that has been received very well. Fresh fruit smoothies and a vegan salted caramel cookie cup are also products we have introduced recently.
How important is sustainability for your business?
Consumers are very aware of the sustainability of coffee shop operators. We are working towards removing all single use plastics from our stores, and all our waste is diverted from landfill and recycled. We are looking to introduce reusable cups.
How important is Health and Wellness within your client base?
Our customers see their visit to Rhode Island Coffee as their daily or weekly in indulgence, so health is less important.
What’s your personal mantra?
Never stop learning.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration walking on the streets of big cities, whether its Mumbai, London, Paris or New York. There’s always something that will grab my attention.
Your favourite place for coffee?
We are lucky to have a Rhode Island Coffee shop at our head office. I really look forward to my first cup of coffee of the day, made by a trained barista.
Meet Rhode Island at ECS 2023.
