- Jamaica Blue opened in Miranda, Sydney in 1992 and is owned by Foodco Group, which also owns Muffin Break.
- Reported investment ranges from about $250,000 to $500,000, with a franchise fee of about $35,000 in recent listings.
- A sit-down cafe has higher wages and longer service times than a takeaway kiosk, so test labour carefully.
Jamaica Blue opened its first cafe in Miranda, Sydney in 1992, named after Jamaica’s Blue Mountains coffee region. It is owned by Foodco Group, the franchisor behind Muffin Break, and operates cafes in shopping centres and other high traffic sites in Australia and overseas.
This guide sets out what has been reported about the Jamaica Blue franchise and what we would test before you buy a new or existing cafe.
Jamaica Blue franchise at a glance
| Founded | 1992, Miranda, Sydney |
|---|---|
| Owner | Foodco Group (also owns Muffin Break) |
| Locations | About 100 in Australia, plus overseas cafes |
| Reported investment | About $250,000 to $500,000 (Business Franchise Australia); $300,000 to $400,000 in recent listings |
| Reported franchise fee | About $35,000 (recent listings) |
| Format | Sit-down cafe with coffee and all-day food, mostly in shopping centres |
Figures come from the public sources listed at the end of this guide and can change. Treat them as a starting point and confirm current numbers in the franchise disclosure document.
How the Jamaica Blue model works financially
Jamaica Blue is a full-service cafe, so it earns from coffee, breakfast, lunch and cakes, with table service or counter service depending on the site. Coffee carries high margins, while cooked food adds sales but brings kitchen labour and food waste. Rent and wages are the largest fixed costs in shopping centre locations.
Royalties and marketing contributions are set out in the disclosure document. Foodco has offered incentives to new franchisees at times, such as a $30,000 credit for agreements signed between December 2024 and March 2025, which can reduce the upfront cost but should not drive the decision.
The numbers to test before you buy a Jamaica Blue franchise
- Weekly sales split between coffee, food and cakes.
- Food and coffee cost of goods as a percentage of sales.
- Wages, including kitchen staff and weekend rates.
- Total occupancy cost, including centre marketing levies.
- Royalty, marketing and any supply margins.
- Remaining lease and franchise term, and refurbishment obligations.
Buying an existing Jamaica Blue cafe
When buying an existing Jamaica Blue cafe, ask for weekly sales reports, profit and loss statements matched to BAS, and a wages report. Check the lease carefully: shopping centre leases often include refurbishment requirements on renewal, which can cost a significant sum in the first years of ownership.
How Franchise Co. can help with a Jamaica Blue purchase
We work with buyers and owners of franchise businesses across Australia. For a Jamaica Blue cafe we can:
- Review the numbers before you sign. Our business due diligence starts from $2,000 + GST and tests sales mix, food and wage costs, rent and refurbishment obligations.
- Set up the structure and the books. Entity choice, GST, payroll and a chart of accounts that separates coffee, food and cake sales and tracks waste. See accounting and tax and bookkeeping, BAS and payroll.
- Check your franchise fees. We reconcile royalties and marketing contributions to the sales they’re calculated on. See royalties and franchise fees.
- Plan the next cafe. If a second site is on the cards, we model the cash flow and funding first. See multi-site reporting.
Jamaica Blue franchise FAQs
How much does a Jamaica Blue franchise cost?
Reported investment ranges from about $250,000 to $500,000, with recent listings showing $300,000 to $400,000 and a franchise fee of about $35,000. Confirm current figures in the disclosure document.
Who owns Jamaica Blue?
Jamaica Blue is owned by Foodco Group, which also owns Muffin Break.
When did Jamaica Blue start?
The first Jamaica Blue cafe opened in Miranda, Sydney in 1992.
Can you review a Jamaica Blue cafe purchase?
Yes. We review sales, costs, the lease and fees as part of our business due diligence, which starts from $2,000 + GST.
Are there Jamaica Blue franchises for sale?
Yes, existing Jamaica Blue businesses come up for sale from time to time. Look for resale listings from the franchisor, business brokers and sites such as SEEK Business. Any purchase needs the franchisor’s consent, and you should receive the disclosure document and franchise agreement at least 14 days before the transfer is approved. Ask for three years of accounts, sales reports and the lease, and check how long is left on the franchise term.
Franchise Co. is an independent accounting practice. We aren’t affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Jamaica Blue or Foodco Group. Jamaica Blue is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify the brand this guide discusses.
Sources and further reading
- Business Franchise Australia: Jamaica Blue
- Jamaica Blue (Wikipedia)
- ACCC: Franchise disclosure document
Sources checked November 2026. Franchise costs and fees change. Confirm current figures with the franchisor before acting.
This guide is general information for people considering a franchise in Australia. It doesn’t take your circumstances into account and isn’t personal tax, legal or financial advice.
Talk it through
Every franchise is different. Ask us how this applies to yours.
