As the Australian hospitality landscape faces rising commercial rents and shifting worker habits, one brand has found the “sweet spot” by ditching the storefront entirely. Xpresso Mobile Café has officially entered 2026 as one of the nation’s most resilient franchise systems, leveraging a high-margin, low-overhead model that is attracting a new wave of “lifestyle-first” entrepreneurs.

Growth Strategy: The “Lithium-Ion” Leap

The biggest news for Xpresso in 2026 is their technological pivot to sustainability. Moving away from traditional gas-powered generators, Xpresso has begun the rollout of its lithium-powered van fleet.

According to Managing Director Jonathan Payne, this shift isn’t just about going green—it’s about operational silence. “Our first lithium-powered vans are game-changers,” Payne noted in a recent company briefing. “They allow our franchisees to operate in noise-sensitive residential areas and early-morning hospital zones where loud generators were previously a barrier. It opens up a whole new map of revenue.”

The Early Path to Expansion

Xpresso’s success stems from a “B2B first” philosophy. Unlike retail cafes that wait for foot traffic, Xpresso franchisees are trained to build Business-to-Business “Coffee Runs.” The early expansion strategy focuses on three pillars:

1. Exclusive Territories: Large geographical zones encompassing industrial parks and commercial precincts.

2. The “Free Coffee” Launch: A proven 3-week launch phase where head office helps new owners give away targeted free coffees to build a “tribe” of daily regulars by Week 3.

3. Weekend Flexibility: While Monday–Friday is for the B2B run, franchisees have “free reign” on weekends to service major events, sports local markets, and private functions anywhere in Australia.

Executive Insight

Managing Director Jonathan Payne, who co-founded the brand with Darren Schultz, remains at the helm of the expansion. His philosophy has always been clear: “Be the best, not the biggest.” > “We want our franchisees to be home for lunch with a healthy daily turnover. Our system is built on helping individuals achieve $2,500+ per week in those critical early weeks through structured support and superior Di Bella coffee products,” says Payne.

National Presence: Key Locations

While the brand was born in Queensland, its 2026 footprint is truly national. Major growth hubs currently include:

• New South Wales: High demand in Hornsby, Mascot, Gosford, and Glendenning.

• Victoria: Expanding rapidly in Geelong, Keilor Park, and Shepparton.

• Queensland: Strongholds in Beenleigh, Yatala, and Murarrie.

• South Australia: Recent successful launches in Mitchell Park and surrounds.

Franchise Growth Trend (2023–2026)

The following data reflects the brand’s trajectory as it moves toward its goal of 50+ high-performing units.

The Australian franchising landscape in 2026 is characterized by its remarkable diversity, offering opportunities that cater to varying investment levels and lifestyle goals. While food and beverage franchises continue to lead in terms of popularity and consumer footprint, other sectors are seeing rapid growth. Service-based franchises, particularly in home maintenance, health and wellness, and pet care, have become high-demand categories due to their lower entry costs and flexible operating models. Additionally, education and STEM-based franchises are gaining traction as parents prioritize supplemental learning for children, creating a robust secondary market for specialized franchise operators.