MICHEL'S Patisserie Murwillumbah is just one sip in a very tasty cup.

The chain has been awarded Coffee Shop of the Year by Roy Morgan research, an accolade for owner Andrea D'Agostino to share.

"That's the great part of being a franchise; you get all those extra perks," Mrs D'Agostino said.

But she can't deflect all of the praise to her fellow franchisees.

Mrs D'Agostino and her team of baristas have contributed to this success with seven years of great coffee in Murwillumbah.

"The coffee has got to be good; consistency is what keeps us going," she said.

"I had to be trained myself and then I trained two full-time baristas."

And although the past seven years have been tough with a declining Murwillumbah retail industry, Mrs D'Agostino still believes buying a franchise can be one of the best ways to enter into business.

"You don't have to establish all your suppliers and you get great discounts.

"You've got buying power and you've got national recognition," she said.

Not to mention all the bonus marketing that comes when the franchise gets an accolade like Coffee Shop of the Year.

Michel's Patisserie marketing manager Pia Harrison said the award confirmed the feedback they had been receiving from Australia's coffee lovers.

"Our customers have always complimented our stores for their friendly service and award-winning coffee, but it is grati- fying to have this confirmed," she said.

Ms Harrison said Michel's would not rest on its laurels but was continually on the lookout for ways to improve the customer experience and to brew the perfect cup.