How Jo To Go Coffee Started Brewing in the Specialty Coffee Business
The humble idea of Jo To Go Coffee® in 1998 was to serve specialty drive through coffee, espresso, real-fruit smoothies and bakery products. Much more than a coffee kiosk, coffee bar or simple coffee stand, Jo To Go Coffee caters to busy lifestyles with speed, convenience and fun.
Founder Richard DuBois returned with the idea for Jo To Go Coffee® after a family trip to the coffee-saturated locales of the Northwest U.S. After years of retail management experience and looking for new business opportunities, DuBois built a model that centered around operational excellence.
DuBois got a crash course in real estate and started his first store in Green Bay, Wisconsin. DuBois wondered what he had done by leaving a comfortable family business. But by investing in creative advertising and promotion, DuBois soon opened a second location in 1999, and a third in 2001. DuBois was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. DuBois then began franchising his concept and the first Jo To Go Coffee franchise store opened that same year.
By 2002, more company-owned and franchise stores were opened, and Jonathan Lukens joined the management team. Lukens brought a wealth of corporate “what-not-to-do” experience and a skill set that largely complimented DuBois’.
Today the Jo To Go Coffee® management team continues to refine the coffee franchise system, including programs, components, trademarks, site location, advertising and more. The drive thru coffee system continues to grow.