Coffee to a community
In 1996, Chris Houston brought European-style café culture to Christchurch when he co-founded Coffee Culture. The business has grown since then, with 20 stores across New Zealand, all the while a reputation for exceptional coffee and warm hospitality remains.
But what really sets Coffee Culture apart is the sense of family that permeates every aspect of the business, from the owners to the staff to the local communities they serve.
For Chris and Sacha Coburn, side-kick in life and business, Coffee Culture is more than just a business. It’s a legacy that they have built over 26 years, starting with a love of coffee and a shared passion for creating a welcoming space for people to gather, connect, and recharge.
It was even in a café that the now husband and wife met.
Sacha was formerly a lawyer and regular at her local café, where she fell in love with not only the house-roasted beans but also the barista, Chris.
This sense of family finds its way into each of the stores too. Each store is owned and operated by individuals, many of whom started out in the cafés and worked their way up to store management and ownership. Sacha says that being able to help people realise their dreams of business ownership is hugely rewarding, especially in an industry where the barriers to entry can be daunting.
But it’s not just about building a successful business. For Coffee Culture, hospitality means becoming part of the fabric of the communities they serve. “Huge care is taken in deciding which neighbourhoods we open cafés in,” Sacha explains. “We love creating that all-important ‘local spot’ to pop in and out of throughout the week.”
This commitment to community is evident in the company’s latest store in Ashburton, which was a decade in the making. “We are so looking forward to bringing our own style of hospitality to the locals, the wider rural South Canterbury community, as well as those travelling through,” Sacha says. “Our hope is to create an ‘extension of home’ where guests can meet, gather, and connect.”
Coffee Culture’s dedication to hospitality extends to its operating hours as well. The stores famously open early and close late, catering to early risers and night owls alike. “We’re there for a pre-work coffee or a late-night coffee and cake date … or study session,” Sacha says.
Looking ahead, Coffee Culture is poised for continued growth and expansion while remaining true to its roots. The flagship Sumner store is currently undergoing a refurbishment, in line with the iconic Hollywood Cinema revamp taking place next door. “We are excited to be part of Sumner’s history and its future as it enters this new era,” Sacha says.
The focus will always be on the people. “We put people first and take care of the guest in store as well as the teams working hard to make the experience so special.”
Sacha and Chris remain committed to building a collection of great local cafés, each one a unique reflection of the community it serves.