Are World Cup Champs Stratford and Hunt Brewing Up Success in a Coffee Shop?

Zoe Stratford and Natasha Hunt are making waves in the wellness industry by opening their own coffee shop, 'MoZo', shortly after celebrating their triumph at the Women’s Rugby World Cup. This venture not only provides a new direction for their careers but also serves as a vital distraction from their intense rugby commitments.

Last updated: 11 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Following their remarkable victory at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, Zoe Stratford and Natasha Hunt are transitioning into business ownership with the launch of their coffee shop, 'MoZo'. This move comes at a crucial time for professional rugby players, who often need to consider their futures beyond the sport. Stratford and Hunt are leveraging their success to create a sustainable career path while maintaining their active roles in rugby.

Key takeaways

Zoe Stratford and Natasha Hunt have opened a coffee shop called 'MoZo'.
The venture provides a distraction from the pressures of professional rugby.
The shop's name blends Stratford's first name and Hunt's nickname.
Both players emphasise the importance of having interests beyond rugby.
They are actively involved in the daily operations of the coffee shop.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to opening 'MoZo' has been swift for Stratford and Hunt. Key milestones include:

October 2023: England Women's Rugby team wins the World Cup, lifting the trophy in front of 82,000 fans at Twickenham.
Early November 2023: Stratford and Hunt begin renovations on their coffee shop premises near Kingsholm.
December 2023: The shop opens for business as the pair balance rugby commitments with their new venture.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Stratford and Hunt's coffee shop, 'MoZo', is gaining attention as they actively engage with the community and rugby fans. The pair have shared insights into their daily operations and the joy of building something from the ground up.

What was already established

Before starting their business, Stratford and Hunt were already well-known figures in women's rugby, having achieved significant success on the international stage. Their decision to enter the wellness industry reflects a growing trend among athletes to diversify their careers post-retirement.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The opening of 'MoZo' adds to the vibrant café culture in the UK, particularly in Gloucester. The shop aims to offer a welcoming space for both locals and rugby fans, contributing to the community's social fabric.

Businesses and jobs

Stratford and Hunt's venture showcases how athletes can pivot to entrepreneurship, potentially inspiring other sports professionals to explore similar paths. By creating jobs and engaging with local suppliers, they are also contributing to the local economy.

Policy and regulation

As they navigate their new business, Stratford and Hunt must comply with local health and safety regulations for food service establishments. Additionally, they will need to manage the economic impacts of seasonal fluctuations in rugby attendance.

Numbers that matter

£20,000: Bonus received by each member of the England squad for winning the World Cup.
£50,000: Approximate value of the most lucrative central contracts for players.
7: Number of consecutive wins for Gloucester-Hartpury in the Premier 15s this season.
82,000: Fans who attended the Women’s Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham.
1: The number of coffee shops owned by Stratford and Hunt, symbolising a new chapter in their careers.

Definitions and jargon buster

PWR: Premier Women's Rugby, the top level of women's rugby union in England.
Rugby World Cup: An international rugby union tournament contested by the men's and women's national teams.
Café culture: A social phenomenon where cafes serve as social hubs for relaxation and socialisation.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, Stratford and Hunt will focus on establishing their coffee shop's brand and customer base. They will likely participate in local events to increase visibility.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Looking ahead, they may explore expanding their menu and potentially collaborating with local businesses for promotions or events, further embedding themselves in the community.

Signals to watch

Customer feedback and engagement levels at 'MoZo'.
Performance of Gloucester-Hartpury in the ongoing season.
Future announcements regarding the England Women's Rugby team and any potential endorsements or partnerships arising from their business venture.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with customers to create a loyal community around your business.
Balance your time effectively between rugby commitments and your business.
Stay updated on industry trends in the food and beverage sector.

Don’t

Neglect the importance of marketing your new venture.
Isolate yourself from the rugby community; use your connections to promote the shop.
Overextend yourself; maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Checklist

Have a clear vision and mission for your coffee shop.
Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
Invest time in learning about coffee and customer service.
Network with local suppliers and other businesses.
Utilise social media to connect with potential customers.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As with any new business, Stratford and Hunt face risks such as fluctuating customer demand and competition from established coffee shops. They must also navigate the challenges of balancing their rugby careers with the demands of running a business, which may impact their performance on the pitch.

Bottom line

The launch of 'MoZo' by Zoe Stratford and Natasha Hunt marks a significant step in their careers, allowing them to explore entrepreneurship while continuing their commitment to rugby. This venture not only serves as a new source of income but also provides a much-needed balance between their professional and personal lives.

FAQs

What is 'MoZo'?

'MoZo' is a coffee shop opened by rugby players Zoe Stratford and Natasha Hunt, serving as a new business venture for the duo post-World Cup.

Why did Stratford and Hunt open a coffee shop?

The coffee shop provides a distraction from their intense rugby commitments and allows them to explore entrepreneurship while engaging with their community.

What are the goals for 'MoZo'?

The primary goal for 'MoZo' is to establish a loyal customer base and become a community hub while balancing their rugby careers.