Store Awards 2026
Every year, our stores close a little early so our teams can come together for one big night: the Coffee Culture Awards. This year was extra special. Coffee Culture turned 30, so we celebrated "30 Incredibull Years" at the Christchurch Court Theatre, with our stores outside Canterbury joining in virtually.
It's our chance to celebrate the people who make your daily coffee. They remember your order, greet you by name, and make your morning a bit brighter. So, did your local take home a trophy?
The Big Ones
Store of the Year – The Crossing. If you've visited The Crossing lately, you'll know why. They've set the standard this year for coffee quality, service and everything in between.
Leader of the Year – Anna Walsh (The Crossing).
People's Choice – Kaiapoi. This one's all you! You voted, and Kaiapoi came out on top for bringing the Coffee Culture magic to every guest, in every cup.
Good Ideas Award – Carl Webber (Ashburton).
Community Awards
These stores put their local community first. They support schools and local events, and back the Coffee Culture Charitable Foundation & planet.
Rolleston
Kaiapoi
Five Cross Roads
Ashburton
Rangiora
Top in Class Staff Awards
These awards go to the best of the best across our whole network. Next time you're in, look out for these team members:
Barista Brilliance – Emma Benfell (Rolleston).
Service Superstar – James Ealam (Bush Inn).
Fab Foodie – Yejin Kim (The Crossing).
Top Team Player – Jennifer Irabagon (The Crossing).
Familiar Faces
Some of the people serving your coffee have been doing it for a very long time. We celebrated these long-service milestones:
20 years: Sheree Herber (Redwood), Clynton Drumm (Kaiapoi), Stephen Jaeger (Lincoln), Stephen Boyd (Bush Inn)
15 years: Anna Walsh (The Crossing)
10 years: Alice Lindley-Fletcher and Jacinda Jackson (The Palms), Hayley Wade (Rangiora)
5 years: Ramneet Singh, Alexandra Thornton, Grant Downing, Cohen Palmer, Simon Hannah, Sophia Sare, Emma Benfell and Kendra Lawrence
Pop In and Say Congrats!
If your local was on the list, give the team a high five next time you order. And a huge thank you to you, our guests, for 30 years of coffee, conversations and community. We couldn't do it without you.
