CASE STUDY
Sunshine Coffee
SECTOR:
Consumer
Vertical:
Investments and Shareholdings
role:
Founding Investor and Strategic Advisor
THE OPPORTUNITY
Sunshine Coffee set out to create a refined, lifestyle-driven coffee brand that would resonate deeply with the evolving Miami consumer, one that blends premium product, elevated hospitality, and modern brand expression. With an opportunity to build a differentiated retail presence, the business required a clear go-to-market strategy, a trusted investor base, and a powerful brand narrative.
HYTON’S ROLE
HYTON, through Robert Jakobi, joined as a founding investor / board member and strategic advisor, helping to build out a strategic growth plan for the brand. Robert has worked directly with the founding team to shape amongst other things Sunshine Coffee’s brand identity, team structure, financials and growth plans. HYTON has brought a founder-led, operator-first approach with a deep understanding of how to build a fast casual brand through the lens of itsu.
Key contributions included:
Board-Level Guidance: Active participation in board meetings and strategic planning sessions, with a clear focus on store rollout strategy, financial planning, and brand building.
Team Hires: Helped oversee the hiring of Sunshine Coffee’s COO and supported the broader retail team strategy.
Growth Strategy: Helped build the growth plan, with direct input into locations and financial modelling.
Brand Positioning: Provided hands-on support in refining brand messaging, tone of voice, and customer journey ensuring consistency across Sunshine Coffee’s first location at the Esme Hotel.
Investor & Partner Introductions: Facilitated introductions to capital and commercial partners.
THE OUTCOME
Sunshine Coffee has quickly established itself as one of Miami’s most exciting new coffee brands. Its first location at the Esme Hotel has had a huge amount of interest and momentum. The location has quickly built a loyal customer base, and now provides a compelling platform for further expansion in Miami.
WHY IT MATTERS
Sunshine Coffee embodies the kind of founder-led, brand-driven venture HYTON was built to champion. Through strong brand positioning, operational discipline, and cultural relevance, Sunshine Coffee has carved out a niche in a highly competitive space. As a flagship investment within HYTON’s Investments & Shareholdings vertical, Sunshine Coffee represents not just commercial potential but a strategic foothold in the fast-casual and lifestyle hospitality landscape in Miami. It is an example of HYTON’s belief in building an exciting consumer brand through conviction, creativity, and hands-on partnership.