Case Name :      Black Canyon Coffee

Authors :           Brian K. Boyd

Source :             Ivey Publishing

Case ID :            W11210

Discipline :        General Management

Case Length :    18 pages

Solution Sample availability : YES

Plagiarism : NO (100% Original work)

This case focuses on Black Canyon Coffee, as it begins to develop its strategy for the firm’s second decade. Founded in 1993, Black Canyon had grown to become the largest chain of coffee houses in Thailand in 2003. Over its first decade, Black Canyon grew from a single location to 78 retail outlets, serving a mix of hot and cold coffee beverages, as well as Asian cuisine. The founders had no prior experience in either coffee houses or food services, but were successful entrepreneurs in an unrelated industry. Thus far, the company had been profitable, and had managed the threat posed by both foreign (e.g., Starbucks) and local competitors. The coffee house market in Thailand was an emerging industry segment, and expected to grow rapidly. While the company was in a strong position in 2003, competition in the industry was expected to become more intense in coming years. One key issue in the case involves the goals and markets that the company should pursue in coming years. Managing Director Pravit C. Pong believed the company should aspire to a total of 200 stores in the next ten years, while Michael Holland suggested a more ambitious goal of 1,000 locations. Additionally, the company must consider the relative emphasis of domestic versus international expansion, as well as the potential to diversify into other markets. There are a number of tactical and operational issues that the company must confront as well. For example, access to capital and the supply chain infrastructure are both tied to the level and type of growth targets that the firm will pursue.