The hospitality industry’s expansion is expected to accelerate in line with domestic travel demand, with customers seeking convenient dining experiences that meet their dietary needs and provide access to their favourite establishments wherever they go. According to Java House, industry stakeholders will need to be agile and customer-centric in order to satisfy this increased demand.
Speaking at the launch of a new Java House Express in Voi, Taita Taveta County, Priscilla Gathungu, the Java House CEO, noted the need for restaurants to evolve alongside their customers. “Trust is an essential part of the dining experience. As more and more people travel for work or for leisure we would like to remain within reach. Some of our most successful locations to date have been in transit locations” said Gathungu.
The new Java Express restaurant is expected to serve the tourist-heavy county and the residents of the transit town of Voi. It is further expected to create job opportunities and contribute to the town’s socio-economic development.
“At the same time, with increased connectedness we are finding that there is demand for our brand across different locales not just for commuters but also for the local community. This new branch, our first in Taita-Taveta County, signifies a great milestone for us at Java and furthers our approach to being part of more communities in Kenya and beyond,” she added.
Located at Total Energies service station, the Java Express in Voi is the casual dining restaurant chain’s 91st branch and falls under the company’s strategic expansion plan across the country and region even as it prepares to mark its 25th year in operation. The restaurant chain’s expansion complements its use of doorstep delivery platforms to improve convenience for customers.
Her Excellency Christine Saru Kilalo, Deputy Governor, County Government of Taita Taveta noted that the new branch underscores the area’s growing business potential, especially in the hospitality sector. “Tourism is a key part of the Taita-Taveta County Integrated Development Plan, and hosting a brand that is famous all over the region is a testament to the growth of our hospitality sector. The opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth that this branch presents are in step with the trajectory of the county towards improving experiences for residents and visitors alike.”
Customers visiting the Voi branch will have access to Java’s express menu, which includes favourite coffee drinks, pastries, and a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options. They will also be able to purchase retail items such as coffee packs, cookies, granola bars, and Java’s Cold Brew coffee.
Since its inception in 1999, Java has grown to serve customers across three countries with three additional sister brands, Kukito, Planet Yoghurt, and 360 Degrees Pizza under its portfolio.
