This month, we connected with Jason Ferreira, the passionate founder of Bean Juice, a fast-growing local coffee franchise based in Pretoria. Jason shares his journey, his vision for Bean Juice, and some valuable insights for fellow business owners.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you started Bean Juice?
Bean Juice is a local coffee franchise that began as a dream six years ago. We opened our doors on July 15, 2018, in Montana, Pretoria, and from day one, the community’s response was incredible. We were able to expand from that single coffee shop into a deli, a bakery, two additional shops, and even a roastery—all self-funded through hard work and community support. Retail Capital has been a big part of our recent journey by helping us install solar power at our locations, and it has been a game-changer for us over the past year. Bean Juice has become a beloved part of the community, and we’re excited to continue growing.
What are your future plans for the business?
Our dream is to take Bean Juice beyond Pretoria and make it accessible to more people across South Africa. Our goal is to open at least ten more locations within the next five years, bringing our unique coffee experience to more communities and fostering that same connection we’ve built in Pretoria.
What do you plan to do with your competition winnings?
We’ll be investing in improving our shop interiors and boosting our stock levels. As we expand, it’s essential for us to maintain a welcoming environment that reflects our brand and values, so putting these funds towards enhancing our spaces and ensuring we have the right stock is crucial.
Do you have any advice for SME owners?
Once your company starts growing, never lose the drive to keep your hands dirty and the sparkle in your eye that you had when you made your first sale. It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day of running a business, but if you keep your passion alive, growth will follow. Stay consistent, keep learning, and the rest will come naturally.
How are you prepping for the busy period at the end of the year?
We’re gearing up by stocking up in advance and making sure our staff are motivated and ready for the season. The “silly season” brings a certain freshness to each year, with new opportunities and the potential for exciting ventures. We’re all set to make the most of it and finish the year strong!
We’re thrilled to support Jason and Bean Juice on their growth journey. Retail Capital is here to fuel the dreams of entrepreneurs like Jason, helping them expand and thrive in their industries!