From 14-Year-Old Team Member to Jamaica Blue Franchisee of the Year - Jamaica Blue Australia
From 14-Year-Old Team Member to Jamaica Blue Franchisee of the Year

From 14-Year-Old Team Member to Jamaica Blue Franchisee of the Year

Posted on 12/09/2026

She started at Jamaica Blue when she was just 14. Today, Anita is one of the brand’s most celebrated franchisees.

At the recent Foodco Franchise Conference, Anita and her mum, Anne, from Jamaica Blue Riverton in Western Australia, were named the Jamaica Blue Trans-Tasman Franchisee of the Year, the highest franchisee honour within the Jamaica Blue network.

Announced at the Gala Dinner in front of more than 400 franchisees, team members and partners from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the award recognises the highest level of commitment, operational excellence and brand pride.

A Jamaica Blue journey years in the making

Some awards come from a great year. This one comes from years of hard work, showing up and doing things properly.

Anita’s Jamaica Blue story began when she joined the brand as a 14-year-old team member. What started as a teenage job became a career, and ultimately, a business of her own.

Alongside her mum Anne, Anita has built an exceptional team at Jamaica Blue Riverton, creating a café known for great coffee, quality food, strong customer service and consistently high operational standards.

Her progression from young team member to award-winning franchisee is also a great example of what can be possible within an established franchise network.

From first job to business ownership

For Anita, Jamaica Blue has been part of her working life since she was a teenager. Along the way, she has learned the business from the ground up – understanding the importance of customers, people, consistency and the everyday details that make a café successful.

Today, she and Anne are not only business owners, but leaders within the Jamaica Blue network.

Their Franchisee of the Year win recognises far more than strong results. It celebrates the commitment they have made to their business, their team and the Jamaica Blue brand over many years.

Where could your Jamaica Blue journey take you?

You don’t need to have started at Jamaica Blue at 14 to build your own success story.

Jamaica Blue franchisees are supported with established systems, comprehensive training, marketing and ongoing operational support, giving business owners the foundations to build and grow their café.

For Anita, the journey started with her first job at 14.

Where could yours start?

Explore Jamaica Blue franchise opportunities and take the first step towards owning a café business of your own.

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