Bluestone Lane, the Australian-style, US-based coffee shop concept, has told MCA it plans to launch in the UK within two years after securing c£14.7m investment.
RSE Ventures, a fund led by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, is leading a fundraising round to acquire a minority stake in Bluestone Lane, which values the company at c£75.5m.
The 30-strong concept, led by former Australia and New Zealand Banking Group director and AFL footballer Nick Stone, plans to expand to 100 sites over all into densely populated cities in Canada, the UK and Asia.
A spokesman told MCA: “We are planning to expand and are actively investigating a number of metropolitan cities in Europe and the UK specifically. We see a strong and growing market for Bluestone Lane to exist in these urban markets with great initial signs to develop our brand of cafe culture and lifestyle.”
The concept is modelled on the coffee shops of Melbourne, and is known for its brunches of avocado on toast and poached eggs, and speciality coffee.
Stone said he wants to make Bluestone the first premium, independent coffee brand that achieves global scale.
He said: “RSE has some amazing brands. They understand how to grow and incubate lifestyle businesses and we think they’ll be a great long-term, patient, partner who can take the company to the next level.
“This capital gives us a chance to help our Australian-influenced coffee culture reach more customers and ideally become part of their genuine, daily escape.”
RSE has backed David Chang’s Momofuku and Milk Bar, reservations platform Resy and fast-casual concept &pizza.
