Zarraffa’s Coffee has added another location to its growing Queensland network, opening a standalone drive-thru in Rockhampton South that marks a strategic step into the region’s competitive café market. The new store arrives just months after the chain launched its second outlet in Gracemere, underscoring the brand’s fast-paced expansion in Central Queensland.
Franchisees Madyson McCall and Lachlan Beirne are at the helm of the new operation. Both bring several years of experience managing Zarraffa’s outlets in Caloundra and Currimundi, and their decision to relocate from the Sunshine Coast reflects both personal commitment and confidence in the local market. The couple has moved to Rockhampton with their young family, hoping to establish roots alongside their business.
Their efforts are supported by experienced mentors Terry and Jeanette Bambury and Ben Old, who collectively operate seven other Zarraffa’s stores. This partnership blends seasoned expertise with new energy, positioning the Rockhampton South outlet as more than just another coffee shop—it is intended to be a cornerstone of the franchise’s regional strategy.
Strategically located near major retail and fast-food outlets, the Rockhampton South drive-thru is designed to capture a broad spectrum of customers, from daily commuters to casual shoppers. Its layout emphasizes convenience, while still offering the full menu and hospitality that Zarraffa’s customers expect.
Chief Executive Marnie Sheldon said the new store represents a shift in how the company tailors its outlets to each location. “This latest iteration of the model represents the next evolution of our drive-thru network—adapting our footprint to suit the needs of each unique community,” she said. That approach, she added, ensures the company avoids the pitfalls of a one-size-fits-all model in an industry where customer habits vary widely.
For Rockhampton residents, the arrival of a standalone Zarraffa’s drive-thru offers another option in the city’s growing coffee landscape. With its reputation for both speed and quality, the chain is positioning itself to serve not just loyal patrons but also those who might otherwise turn to national competitors.
The expansion signals the broader resilience of specialty coffee franchises in Queensland, where demand for convenience and quality continues to rise. As McCall and Beirne settle into their new roles as operators, the Rockhampton South outlet may serve as a blueprint for how Zarraffa’s intends to grow in other regional markets.
For now, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee along the Bruce Highway may be the most tangible sign that the company’s strategy is taking hold. And for locals, it means one more reason to swing by for a cup.
