News Summary
Front Porch Café, founded in Kill Devil Hills, N.C., is set to franchise its first location in Raleigh this summer under new owners Laura and Phil Wayland. Since taking over in 2021, the Waylands have stabilized operations and streamlined supply chains, with plans for additional locations across North Carolina and Virginia. While maintaining a strong community focus and high-quality offerings, the café is gearing up for growth while overcoming operational challenges associated with franchising.
Raleigh, North Carolina – Front Porch Café, originally established in Kill Devil Hills, N.C., in 1999, is set to expand its brand as it prepares to franchise its first location in Raleigh this summer. The café’s growth from a single establishment to a successful chain with four locations is a testament to its popularity and the dedication of its new owners, Laura and Phil Wayland.
The Waylands took over Front Porch Café in 2021 from the original founders, Paul Manning and Susanna Sakal, who chose to retire after over two decades of successful operation. Under the Waylands’ stewardship, the café has not only maintained its ethos of community connection but has also set stability in its operations, leading to plans for franchising beyond the Outer Banks.
With three established locations in Nags Head (opened in 2005) and Manteo (2010), and a fourth location scheduled to open in Kitty Hawk by May 2025, the Waylands have worked diligently to streamline operations. They secured a commercial loan to facilitate the acquisition, and refrained from immediate changes until they thoroughly assessed the café’s existing systems.
One significant update has involved transforming the supply chain logistics by ensuring direct deliveries to each café location. This move has enhanced efficiency and maintained the quality of products, which is a critical aspect of the café’s mission. The Waylands are gearing up for expansion while emphasizing the importance of local resources and quality control.
Café Operations and Menu Offerings
Front Porch Café operates daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with 90% of its revenue derived from in-store retail sales. The café’s atmosphere reflects its commitment to community and gathering, aligning with the sentiment that coffee plays a vital role in daily life. The menu is kept simple, focusing on high-quality coffee alongside an assortment of bagels, muffins, and scones.
The establishment has evolved significantly since its inception, growing from a modest 800 square feet without seating to a 2,400 square feet roasting headquarters. The café now offers a selection of 10 to 15 signature coffee blends and rotates between 15 to 20 single-origin coffees sourced and roasted at their Kill Devil Hills location. In addition to retail sales, revenue streams include online sales as well as partnerships with grocery chains and restaurants.
Franchising Plans and Future Growth
As the Waylands embark on their franchising journey, they are also exploring opportunities for additional locations in Virginia and along the North Carolina coast. They have chosen to navigate the franchising process independently rather than partnering with an external company, which is somewhat uncommon in the industry. The decision to franchise now is underpinned by established operational systems, a loyal customer base, and significant consistent growth.
Desired expansion has not gone unnoticed by patrons, who have requested access to Front Porch Café in areas beyond the Outer Banks, particularly in Raleigh, which is conveniently located just 3.5 hours away from the original location, thereby retaining access to the same suppliers.
Operational Challenges and Success Strategies
Laura Wayland has underscored the various challenges associated with launching a franchise, including the legal complexities and the administrative overhead required to manage franchise operations. They anticipate staffing needs will grow as they develop franchise leads. Looking a year ahead, the Waylands foresee the possibility of opening one to two additional Front Porch locations.
To ensure ongoing success, Laura identifies three foundational strategies: establishing strong community ties within each café, ensuring financial operations are streamlined for profitability, and nurturing a positive work environment for employees. These elements are crucial as Front Porch Café steps into a new chapter in its storied history.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Outer Banks Community Embraces Resilience and Sustainability
The Keith Corp. Expands Retail Presence with Acquisition
Front Porch Café Expands to Kitty Hawk with Drive-Through
Additional Resources
- Forbes: Front Porch Café Moves Beyond NC’s Outer Banks
- WRAL: Triangle Restaurant News
- News Observer: Wake County News
- Only In Your State: Small Town Restaurants in NC
- News Observer: Things to Do in Raleigh
- Wikipedia: Café
- Google Search: Front Porch Café Raleigh
- Google Scholar: Franchising Coffee Shops
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Café
- Google News: Raleigh Restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
