The Coffee Revolution Taking Over Greater Tampa Bay
Raining Berries is transforming coffee in Greater Tampa Bay. The fast-growing coffee and açaí franchise delivers an extraordinary product in a unique atmosphere. Their latest expansion offers an opportunity to join the rising coffee revolution.
Founder Bimal Bhojani’s vision to provide exceptional coffee stems from a family legacy in the coffee farming industry. Each cup contains 17 grams of pure premium single origin coffee sourced from their native East Africa, home of the world’s finest coffee. Competing brands contain a watered-down version with just three to five grams.
Raining Berries’ superior coffee is complemented by açaí and other energizing superfoods. The variety of antioxidant rich choices include goji berries, chia seeds, spirulina and matcha. Healthy smoothies, bowls, hot and cold teas and appetizing light foods created from the highest quality ingredients offer something for everyone. Their açaí base is made using pure organic açaí with no added fruits or fillers.
An alluring ambiance with bright upscale décor is designed to nourish the mind, body and soul. European accents pay tribute to Bhojani’s London upbringing. A functional layout offers conference rooms for meetings and spacious tables with outlets. A social media wall with their trademark “Kiss my açaí” is lighthearted and fun. The inviting environment is designed to bring people together.
Family Roots
Bhojani’s mission has full circle significance. After decades of profitable business ventures, he wanted to put something meaningful back into the community.
His daughter, Deah, suggested they return to their roots in the coffee business. The University of Florida graduate, and her brother, Dylan, a business student at University of South Florida, are heavily involved in the daily operations. Bhojani is grateful to combine their marketing savvy with his parent’s wisdom to create their family legacy.
Their industry knowledge is based on hundreds of years of their ancestor’s history. Bhojani’s father comes from a long line of coffee farmers in Uganda. After seven generations of coffee farming, political tensions forced them to immigrate to England. They lost everything. Bhojani was only a child but vividly remembers their hard work and sacrifice to build a solid foundation in a new country. When their extended family became refugees, they supported them until they could get on their feet.
Even the Raining Berries name pays tribute to his family’s heritage and the authentic source of their signature product. Raining reflects the high amounts of rainfall in his East African homeland. The tropical climate produces rich soil and lush fertile land, ideal for growing coffee. Berries comes from coffee’s true origin –– a berry.
Helping Others Succeed
The Raining Berries entrepreneur is fueled by a passion for helping others build their own successful business. As he recalls what it was like for his family to start from the bottom, he is driven by a desire to help others achieve their goals. Bhojani is offering franchise opportunities to others interested in owning their own store.
“I’ve been in a position in life where I’ve had nothing. I want to teach people how to build something they can be proud of from the ground up,” Bhojani said. “I am passionate about helping others succeed and grow their own business.”
Raining Berries opened its first corporate store in Lutz in January of 2020, less than six weeks before a global pandemic crippled the hospitality industry. While many went out of business that year, Raining Berries emerged as a breath of fresh air. A loyal following embraced their enticing products and inviting atmosphere.
He is grateful for the tremendous support from the people of GTB.
“The Greater Tampa Bay area is our original fan base,” Bhojani said. “We are proud to be able to give back to this community by providing jobs and business opportunities.”
Raining Berries’ significant growth has led to more than a dozen franchises in the Florida market, with plans to offer 10-20 more this year.
Superior Support
As a banker, Christopher Moyer saw many business proposals come across his desk. He never saw one he felt confident enough to back financially –– until Raining Berries. He, his wife and brother-in-law opened their Brandon location in April 2022. They also own the Lutz location.
He credits the support from Bhojani and his experienced and knowledgeable team for their stores’ profitability.
“They are involved in every aspect of our business. They help train our staff, setup vendors and negotiate with landlords,” Moyer said. “They are in and out of the store frequently and conduct quality control. We couldn’t have asked for better partners.”
The Raining Berries carefully crafted franchise development team guides each new owner. They support their franchisees with coordinated, integrated marketing campaigns. Bhojani understands creating brand awareness and identity is instrumental to generating customer traffic.
“I want to share this opportunity of a lifetime and show others with hard work they can own a business and reach their goals,” Bhojani said. “I want to use my experience to help them open doors they never thought were possible. It’s very important for me to see them succeed.”
Real People, Real Coffee, Real Life
As one of the most popular beverages in the world, coffee is also one of the most profitable international commodities. Bhojani is proud to be a change maker in the coffee industry and create an ethically sourced product that supports women’s cooperatives.
Raining Berries has minimal food waste and strives to make environmentally conscious choices. They chose LED lights, and lids, bowls and containers that are Sustainable Forestry Initiative Certified. Reusable porcelain mugs, dishes and cutlery are used for dine-in orders.
One percent of profits are donated to his native Uganda to support clean water initiatives. When he is not busy visiting Europe to watch his beloved Liverpool soccer team with his family, Bhojani is committed to giving back to the GTB community. He is chairman of the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties and the treasurer of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Despite the overwhelming growth in the brand he created, the visionary is humble and calls himself the smallest person in the chain.
“I’m fortunate to be surrounded by good people. I owe everything to my family, my team and my franchisees. They are the ones I wake up for and go to bat for every day.”
Bhojani has combined his product knowledge and devotion to helping others with a passion for bringing people together in the best way he knows how: By sharing a cup of exceptional coffee.
Try Raining Berries! Come experience the coffee and açaí revolution at one of Raining Berries locations:
- Brandon – 1560 West Brandon Boulevard
- Lutz – 25595 Sierra Center Boulevard
- St. Petersburg – 1631 Central Ave
- Temple Terrace – 5661 E Fowler Avenue
- South Tampa – 1912 S. Dale Mabry Hwy
- Palm Harbor – 770 East Lake Road
- Westchase – 10633 Sheldon Road
- Sarasota – 8512 Cooper Creek Boulevard
Opening Soon:
- Gainesville – 4949 Celebration Pointe Avenue
- Gainesville (UF Campus) – 1111 West University Avenue
Franchises in development in Clearwater, Lake Nona, Lake Mary, Riverview, Suncoast Parkway and Westshore.
Changing Coffee Culture
Signature coffee choices include:
Macchiato, Espresso Shot, Cortado, Cappuccino, Americano, Iced & Hot Specialty Lattes, Hot and Iced Matcha, Cold and Nitro Brew, Tiramisu, White Chocolate and Caramel Apple Frappes.
In addition to their energizing coffee, Raining Berries offers a variety of artisan hot and iced teas, kombuchas and refreshers.
Real People, Real Food, Real Life
A creative menu of delicious light food choices includes:
Gourmet Grilled Cheese, Avocado Toast, Bananarama Toast, Ciabatta Caprese, Strawberry Chocolate Chip Belgian Waffle, Blueberry Belgian Waffle and Sweet Dreams Toast.
The Power of Açaí
Raining Berries açaí rich smoothie and bowl menu offers plenty of appetizing ways to incorporate the powerful antioxidant into your diet.
Açaí berries are believed to have more antioxidant content than cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries. Açaí can protect cells from damage, reduce swelling, lower blood sugar levels and stimulate the immune system.
Good for The Soul Natural Choices
Raining Berries bowls and smoothies use only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. No fillers or powders allowed.
Bowls Choose Açaí, Pitaya, Coconut, Matcha or Spirulina as the base.
Paradise Bowl – Base Plus Granola, Strawberries, Pineapple, Mango, Flax Seeds, Agave
Feelin Nutty Bowl – Base Plus Granola, Peanut Butter, Banana, Strawberries, Almond Slices, Coconut Flakes, Chocolate Nibs, Honey
It’s Raining Berries Bowl – Base Plus Granola, Peanut Butter, Nutella, Banana, Strawberries, Blueberries, Coconut Flakes
Pink Flamingo Bowl – Base Plus Granola, Strawberries, Kiwi, Coconut Flakes, Agave, Chia Seeds
On Island Time Bowl – Base Plus Granola, Mango, Pineapple, Kiwi, Coconut Flakes, Honey
Go Go Goji Bowl – Base Plus Granola, Banana, Strawberries, Blueberries, Goji Berries, Almond Slices
Smoothies Choose From 14 Healthy Varieties
Passion Berry – Strawberries, Banana, Pineapple, Passion Fruit Syrup, Apple Juice
Berry Bomb – Açaí, Strawberries, Blueberries, Banana, Spinach, Coconut Water
Rip Tide – Coconut Base, Pineapple, Mango, Turmeric, Coconut Water
Green Dream – Spinach, Pineapple, Mango, Ginger, Chia Seeds, Agave, Coconut Water
Protein Machine – Greek Yogurt, Almond Milk, Banana, Coco Powder, Peanut Butter, Agave, Espresso Grounds
Wanna Date – Spinach, Kale, Banana, Dates, Almond Milk
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein – Banana, Chocolate Protein Powder, Almond Milk, Peanut Butter
Sweet Honey – Banana, Strawberries, Honey, Oat Milk
Spirulina Storm – Banana, Strawberries, Blueberries, Apple Juice, Spirulina
Blueberry Fields – Blueberries, Strawberries, Banana, Almond Butter, Chocolate Protein, Oat Milk
Berry Nutty – Strawberries, Bananas, Peanut Butter, Agave, Almond Milk
Pink Coconut – Banana, Strawberries, Pineapple, Guava Syrup, Vanilla Protein, Coconut Milk
Vanilla Protein – Banana, Vanilla Protein Powder, Almond Milk
Dragon Blast – Pitaya, Pineapple, Strawberries, Banana, Coconut Water
