From Airport Security to Café Owner: Meet Mangal from Gloria Jean's Southgate

Stepping out of your comfort zone and into a brand-new industry is never easy. But for Mangal, owner of Gloria Jean’s Coffees Southgate in Takanini, taking that leap of faith has been one of the most rewarding decisions of his life.

We sat down with Mangal to talk about his transition from airport security to café ownership, the realities of running a franchise with no prior hospitality experience, and what life looks like now.

Trading Airport Security for Coffee Beans

Before taking over his Gloria Jean’s café three years ago, Mangal worked as a security and behavior detection officer at the Auckland Airport. While he had brief experience in hospitality years prior, he had never owned or operated a business of his own.

So, what sparked the change? Like many aspiring entrepreneurs, Mangal was driven by a desire for greater freedom and more potential to grow. Inspired by his sister - who worked in hospitality close by he and his family knew they wanted to own a café just like it.

Why Choose a Franchise?

Entering an entirely new industry can be daunting. Mangal admits he felt a bit nervous at first, having never worked in or operated a café before. However, choosing the Gloria Jean's franchise system provided him with the safety net and guidance he needed.

"They trained us for everything - coffees, back of house, and ongoing support. Anytime I need anything, they are just one phone call away," Mangal shares.

He recalls a time when his till went down unexpectedly. Thanks to the responsive support network - including team members like Gary stepping in right away the issue was quickly resolved and his system was upgraded.

The Reality of Running a Successful Business

Situated in an area with plenty of local dining options, Mangal knows that staying on top requires dedication. For him, running a successful café comes down to three core pillars:

Top-notch customer service and building genuine, family-like relationships with regular guests.

High quality across both food and coffee.

Diligent oversight of the numbers, keeping a close eye on sales, labor costs, and food expenses.

Finding Balance and Flexibility

Despite the hard work, one of Mangal's favourite parts of owning his café is the lifestyle flexibility it offers. Because he starts early and finishes up in the afternoon, he is able to head home around 4:00 or 4:30 PM to spend quality time with his family.

Working alongside his wife also means they get to share more time together, blending family life with business life.

Advice for Future Franchisees

Looking back, Mangal feels he used to underestimate his own capabilities, particularly when it came to customer service. Now, he looks forward to welcoming new faces and making friends every day.

For anyone considering stepping into franchise ownership with Gloria Jean's, his advice is simple:

"I think this is a really good platform for them. They are really flexible, really helpful... If I were to start over, I’d definitely come back with Gloria Jean's. I love to be a part of the team."

View Mangal's full interview here.

Want to learn more about joining the Gloria Jean's family? Take the first steps here.