BANGOR, Maine — October 26, 2026 — Bangor residents Ben and Malorie Sprague have acquired Coffee News® International, the worldwide franchise system behind Coffee News®, the popular weekly print publication found in restaurants, coffee shops, and other community gathering places across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1988, Coffee News® has grown into an international network of more than 300 locally published editions. Known for its distinctive coffee-colored paper, lighthearted stories, trivia, jokes, horoscopes, and positive content, Coffee News® has remained a familiar fixture in communities around the world for nearly four decades.

The Spragues acquired the franchise system from Bill and Sue-Ann Buckley family, who brought Coffee News® to the United States in the 1990s and subsequently acquired the international franchise business from its Canadian founder. The company's international operations will continue to be headquartered in Bangor, Maine.

"Coffee News® is a wonderfully unique publication that has been bringing people, families, and communities together for nearly 40 years," said Ben Sprague, President and CEO of Coffee News®. "Malorie and I have come to love this business, not just for what it does for readers, but for the opportunities it provides to small businesses and entrepreneurs who want to be the Coffee News® guy or girl in their own towns. We are honored to have the opportunity to guide Coffee News® into its next chapter."

The Spragues first became involved with Coffee News® in 2024 when they acquired the local Bangor-area Coffee News® franchises. They currently operate six Coffee News® editions serving Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Waldo Counties. Their publications are distributed free of charge at more than 300 locations throughout the region.

What began as a family side business grew into a passion for the publication and its distinctive model of community-based advertising.

"We think of Coffee News® as a community asset," Sprague said. "It gives people something fun and positive to read, provides local businesses with an affordable way to reach customers, and creates opportunities for people to own businesses of their own. We have loved being local Coffee News® publishers, and now we have the chance to support many other publishers around the world doing the same thing in their communities.  

Under the franchise model, each Coffee News® publisher independently operates a local advertising and distribution business. The international headquarters provides the publication's weekly editorial content, training, business resources, and ongoing support. Approximately 60% of Coffee News® franchises are located in the United States, 30% are in Canada, and 10% are in Australia and New Zealand.

The Spragues plan to focus on strengthening support for existing franchise owners while expanding into new markets. Their goal is to establish 100 additional Coffee News® franchises over the next two years.

"We have a lot of ideas about how to modernize Coffee News® and introduce it to new communities, but we also understand that much of what makes Coffee News® special is its familiarity and consistency," Sprague said. "In a world increasingly dominated by screens, social media, and digital overstimulation, we believe there is still an important place for a simple, tangible, printed publication that makes people smile and connects them with businesses, organizations, and events in their community."

The ownership transition also marks a significant professional change for Ben Sprague, who recently concluded an eleven-year career as a senior commercial lender at First National Bank. A Bangor native, Sprague previously served on the Bangor City Council, including two terms as mayor, and currently serves on the Bangor School Committee. He is a graduate of Bangor High School and Harvard University and has been active in numerous nonprofit and community organizations throughout Maine.

Sprague credits his years working with Maine business owners and entrepreneurs as important preparation for his new role.

"During my years as a commercial lender, I had the privilege of working with hundreds of entrepreneurs and small business owners, helping them grow their businesses and pursue their dreams," he said. "After spending so much of my career helping others build businesses, I developed an interest in doing something entrepreneurial myself. Coffee News® represents a wonderful opportunity to combine my interests in business, publishing, and community development."

The Spragues expressed appreciation to the Buckley family for their decades of stewardship of the Coffee News® brand and their support throughout the ownership transition.  

"Coffee News® has a remarkable history, beginning with Jean Daum's original vision in Canada and continuing through the Buckley family's leadership here in Bangor," Sprague said. "We are grateful for everything they have done to build and sustain this business, and we look forward to carrying that legacy forward. In a time when people are so consumed by politics and hard news, we get to bring smiles to people around the world every week!”   

About Coffee News® International

Coffee News®® is a weekly print publication featuring positive and entertaining content, including trivia, humor, interesting facts, and community information. Founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in 1988, Coffee News® has grown into an international franchise system with more than 300 locally published editions across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The publication is distributed free of charge through restaurants, coffee shops, and other community locations and is supported by advertising from local businesses. Coffee News® International is headquartered in Bangor, Maine.

For more information about Coffee News®, advertising opportunities, or franchise ownership, visit www.coffeenews.com.

Media Contacts

Ben Sprague
President and CEO
Coffee News® International
Bangor, Maine
ben@coffeenews.com
207-852-1405
www.coffeenews.com

Bill Buckley

Former President and CEO

Coffee News®

bill@coffeenews.com

207-249-9592