Minor DKL Food Group has appointed Richard Hinson as its new CEO, marking a new phase of growth and transformation for The Coffee Club network.
An experienced executive with a background in food, retail, and franchising, Hinson is set to strengthen franchise partnerships, elevate service standards, and reinforce a customer experience-first culture across Australia’s most established café brand.
Hinson has held senior roles across large independent petrol and convenience businesses, national food and beverage distribution networks, and multi-brand retail and franchise groups. He is known for driving operational excellence, simplifying processes, and improving profitability across complex, high-volume networks.
At Retail Food Group, Hinson led a strategic turnaround focused on revitalising franchise relationships and boosting profitability across more than 1,000 outlets nationwide. At Countrywide, he was instrumental in elevating the company’s standing as one of Australia’s leading foodservice distributors.
“I’m thrilled to join Minor DKL at such an exciting time for The Coffee Club – a moment of renewal for Australia’s most iconic coffee brand,” Hinson said.
“At the heart of every great café is the people – our Franchise Partners, their teams, and the customers who make The Coffee Club part of their daily ritual. I’m committed to strengthening those partnerships, building a culture centred on collaboration and innovation, where Franchise Partners thrive and every customer experience is personalised and memorable.”
In his new role, Hinson will focus on strengthening collaboration with franchisees, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing customer engagement. He will also oversee the continued rollout of the company’s new Three Stories Café brand, designed to meet growing demand for fast, quality café experiences.
The first Three Stories Café recently opened at the Mobo corporate building in South Brisbane, offering a grab-and-go model that features the same coffee blend as The Coffee Club, alongside pre-prepared food options for convenience.
The format, which also caters to office clients, represents a key growth opportunity for Minor DKL as it diversifies its café offerings.
Read more: Scott Meneilly resigns from The Coffee Club