NEW WORLD COFFEE INC
SB-2/A, 1997-05-09
EATING PLACES
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<PAGE>
 
      
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 8, 1997     
                                                   
                                                REGISTRATION NO. 333-23557     
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                            ----------------------
                                
                             AMENDMENT NO. 1     
                                       
                                    TO     
 
                                   FORM SB-2
 
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                            ----------------------
 
                            NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC.
                (NAME OF SMALL BUSINESS ISSUER IN ITS CHARTER)
 
       DELAWARE                    5490                    13-3690261
    (STATE OR OTHER         (PRIMARY STANDARD           (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
    JURISDICTION OF             INDUSTRIAL             IDENTIFICATION NO.)
    INCORPORATION OR       CLASSIFICATION CODE
     ORGANIZATION)               NUMBER)
 
                               379 WEST BROADWAY
                           NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10012
                                (212) 343-0552
  (ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES AND PRINCIPAL
          PLACE OF BUSINESS OR INTENDED PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS)
 
                            ----------------------
 
                                R. RAMIN KAMFAR
                     CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND PRESIDENT
                               379 WEST BROADWAY
                           NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10012
                                (212) 343-0552
           (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                            ----------------------
 
                                  COPIES TO:
                              ALAN I. ANNEX, ESQ.
                          CAMHY KARLINSKY & STEIN LLP
                           1740 BROADWAY, 16TH FLOOR
                         NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019-4315
                                (212) 977-6600
 
                            ----------------------
 
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
 
  If any of the Securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933 check the following box. [X]
 
  If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), please check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
 
  If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
 
  If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434
under the Securities Act, please check the following box. [_]
       
  THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT (THE "REGISTRATION
STATEMENT") ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE
DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY
STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN
ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION,
ACTING PURSUANT TO SUCH SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
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<PAGE>
 
       
PROSPECTUS
                   [LOGO OF NEW WORLD COFFEE APPEARS HERE]
                            NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC.
    
 MINIMUM OFFERING OF $250,000 AND MAXIMUM OFFERING OF $2,500,000 OF SHARES OF
                               COMMON STOCK     
 
 
                                ---------------
   
  This Prospectus relates to an offering (the "Offering") by New World Coffee,
Inc., a Delaware corporation ("New World Coffee" or the "Company"), of shares
of common stock of the Company, par value $.001 per share (the "Common
Stock"). The Common Stock of the Company is traded on the Nasdaq National
Market ("Nasdaq"). The last reported sales price on Nasdaq for the Common
Stock on May 8, 1997, was $1.625. See "Price Range of Common Stock."     
   
  The Offering is on a minimum basis of such number of shares of Common Stock
resulting in gross proceeds of $250,000 (the "Minimum Offering") and a maximum
basis of such number of shares of Common Stock resulting in gross proceeds of
$2,500,000 (the "Maximum Offering." The shares of Common Stock being offered
hereby are being offered directly by the Company. See "Plan of Distribution."
The Common Stock constituting the Minimum Offering is being offered on a "best
efforts, all or none" basis and the remaining shares of Common Stock are being
offered on a "best efforts" basis.     
   
  All funds received from subscribers for the Common Stock will be held in an
escrow account for the benefit of the subscribers by the American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company (the "Escrow Agent") until a closing (a "Closing") of
the Minimum Offering or earlier termination of the Offering. The Offering will
expire on the earlier to occur of (i) 45 days from the date of this Prospectus
or (ii) the sale of all the Common Stock being offered hereby (the
"Termination Date"). In the event that subscriptions for the Minimum Offering
are not received by the Termination Date, the Offering will terminate and all
funds will be returned promptly by the Escrow Agent without interest and
without any deduction therefrom. The Common Stock will be delivered promptly
to subscribers after each respective Closing.     
 
                                ---------------
 
  AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. SEE "RISK
                        FACTORS" COMMENCING ON PAGE 8.
 
 THESE  SECURITIES HAVE NOT  BEEN APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED BY THE  SECURITIES
   AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION  OR ANY STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
    SECURITIES AND  EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
      PASSED  UPON THE  ACCURACY  OR ADEQUACY  OF  THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY
        REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
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<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                   UNDERWRITER
                                      PRICE          DISCOUNT        PROCEEDS
                                   TO INVESTORS AND COMMISSIONS(1) TO COMPANY(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>          <C>                <C>
Per Share........................     $1.25            None            $1.25
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum Offering Amount..........    $250,000          None          $250,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Offering Amount..........   $2,500,000         None         $2,500,000
</TABLE>    
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- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
(1) The Company reserves the right to pay a finder's fee of 8 1/2% of the
    purchase price paid by investors to certain members of the National
    Association of Securities Dealers which introduce investors to the
    Company. See "Plan of Distribution".     
   
(2) Proceeds to the Company are determined before deducting expenses related
    to the Offering that are payable by the Company. Such expenses are
    estimated to be approximately $110,000 and include registration fees,
    escrow fees and estimated legal and professional fees and miscellaneous
    offering expenses.     
   
  The shares of Common Stock are being offered directly by the Company on a
"best efforts" basis and on an all or none basis as to the Minimum Offering.
The Company reserves the right to reject any order in whole or in part and to
withdraw, cancel or modify the Offering without notice.     
                  
               The date of this Prospectus is May 8, 1997.     
<PAGE>
 
 
 
                                     (ART)
 
[UPPER LEFT: OUTSIDE PHOTOGRAPH STORE FRONT; LOWER LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH OF INTERIOR
 OF A STORE WITH CUSTOMERS AT COUNTER; UPPER RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPH OF STORE COUNTER
  DISPLAY OF COFFEE; LOWER RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPH OF INTERIOR STORE FOOD DISPLAY.]
 
 
 PHOTOGRAPHS OF NEW LARGER FORMAT STORE IN THE PARK SLOPE SECTION OF BROOKLYN,
  NEW YORK, INCLUDING NEW SIGNAGE, LOGO, MENU BOARD, MERCHANDISING AND SERVICE
                                    SYSTEMS.
 
   CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
 THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK,
 INCLUDING PURCHASES OF THE COMMON STOCK TO STABILIZE ITS MARKET PRICE,
 PURCHASES OF THE COMMON STOCK TO COVER SOME OR ALL OF A SHORT POSITION IN
 THE COMMON STOCK MAINTAINED BY THE PLACEMENT AGENT AND THE IMPOSITION OF
 PENALTY BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "PLAN OF
 DISTRIBUTION." IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE PLACEMENT AGENT MAY
 ENGAGE IN PASSIVE MARKET MAKING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK ON THE
 NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 103 OF REGULATION M. SEE
 "PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION."
<PAGE>
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
   
  The following summary should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in
its entirety by, the more detailed information and financial statements and
notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. Solely for purposes of
calculations in this Prospectus, the number of shares of Common Stock assumed
to be offered for the Minimum Offering and the Maximum Offering is 166,667 and
1,666,667 shares of Common Stock, respectively.     
 
                                  THE COMPANY
   
  New World Coffee currently owns and operates 40 specialty coffee cafes,
consisting of 28 in New York, seven in Connecticut, three in Pennsylvania and
two in New Jersey, making the Company the second largest specialty coffee
retail chain in the northeastern United States. With its recent acquisition of
Willoughby's Incorporated ("Willoughby's"), the Company's coffee purveyor and
roaster since its inception, the Company has become vertically integrated in
its operations, reduced its coffee costs, improved its quality control, and
entered into the mail order and wholesale businesses. The Company seeks to
differentiate itself from other specialty coffee retailers by serving high
quality, freshly roasted coffee (generally delivered to its stores within 24
hours of roasting) and a variety of fresh, high quality gourmet foods in a
sophisticated, award-winning cafe design environment. The Company's coffee was
rated four beans and its espresso was rated five beans (the highest rating) in
1993 (the most recent survey conducted) by the food critic of The New York
Times. In addition, Willoughby's has been voted Best Coffee and/or Coffee House
in the New Haven Advocate reader's poll annually from 1993 through 1997.     
 
  In recent years, the specialty coffee retail business has grown rapidly.
Industry sources estimate that total retail sales of specialty coffee through
all distribution channels will grow to $5.0 billion by 1999 from an estimated
$1.5 billion in 1989 and that coffee stores, including espresso carts and
kiosks, will be the fastest growing distribution channel. The consumption of
specialty coffee drinks is also growing rapidly, with the percent of U.S.
population drinking cappuccino increasing 42% from 1995 to 1996. Management
believes this growth has been driven by (i) the increasing demand for premium
food and drink items, (ii) the popularity of coffee bars as gathering places,
and (iii) greater awareness and appreciation of gourmet coffee drinks.
 
  In 1996, the Company restructured its operations and added senior management
personnel with significant experience in retailing and food service as well as
real estate development. Most importantly, the Company hired Bruce Morningstar,
previously the Director-Northeast Development of Starbucks Corporation
("Starbucks"), as Vice President-Real Estate, and John DeNapoli, previously
Chief Operating Officer of Atlantic Foods Corporation, a Boston Market
franchisee, as Vice President-Operations. In addition, the Company deployed a
state-of-the-art, personal computer-based point-of-sale management information
system (the "POS System") which significantly enhanced its ability to track and
improve its store profitability. The Company also refocused its site selection
strategy to solely target high-traffic, high-visibility residential and
shopping locations. Such locations typically generate higher revenue since they
are open seven days per week and attract breakfast, lunch and afternoon and
evening traffic as compared to business district sites which are open five days
per week and do not attract afternoon and evening traffic. In order to better
serve this market, the Company developed a larger, more comfortable store
concept designed to create a neighborhood gathering place environment. In
addition, the larger store concept offers expanded retailing space to enable
the Company to better capture whole bean and merchandise sales. The Company's
existing stores vary in size from 225 to 2,670 retail square feet, with newer
stores averaging approximately 1,800 retail square feet.
 
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
   
  For fiscal 1996, the Company's 18 residential and shopping area stores open
for the entire year (including pro forma results for 7 residential and shopping
area stores as if they were acquired by the Company on January 1, 1996)
generated average sales per store of approximately $505,000 and average sales
per square foot of $710. For the quarter ended December 29, 1996, the Company's
sales mix was 62% beverage, 23% food, 12% whole beans and 3% merchandise,
compared to 63%, 32%, 5% and 0%, respectively, for the comparable 1995 quarter.
For the quarter ended December 29, 1996, the Company achieved a chainwide store
operating margin and an EBITDA of 20.6% and $51,883, respectively, as compared
to 6.6% and ($419,500) for the comparable 1995 quarter. Residential and
shopping area sites currently constitute 68% of the Company's stores compared
to 48% at the end of fiscal 1995. Based upon a 1996 Company-sponsored survey,
New World Coffee customers visit the Company's stores an average of
approximately twelve times per month.     
   
  The Company's objective is to be a leading, high quality specialty coffee
retailer through a program of (i) rapid store expansion by further penetrating
its existing markets and expanding into new geographic markets primarily along
the Atlantic seaboard through Company-owned and franchised stores; (ii)
improving brand awareness through further penetration of its existing markets
with highly visible locations serving as neighborhood gathering places and
through branded merchandising; (iii) increasing its coffee bean and merchandise
sales through broader merchandising within its larger store formats; and (iv)
continuing its commitment to customer service and to serving consistently high-
quality products. With current cash on hand, the proceeds from the Offering,
the Company's prospective bank financing, anticipated cash flow from
franchising and operating cash flow, the Company expects to open up to ten
additional locations over the next twelve months. In addition, the Company
expects to add approximately 30 franchises over the next twelve months. As of
the date of this Prospectus, the Company has executed leases for five
additional stores in its existing markets, which are not yet open. Management
believes that the initiatives undertaken in 1996, complemented by aggressive
store expansion, should continue to improve the Company's operating margins.
    
  The Company was incorporated in Delaware in October 1992. The Company's
executive offices are located at 379 West Broadway, New York, New York 10012,
and its telephone number is (212) 343-0552.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>   
<S>                             <C>
Common Stock Offered by the     A minimum and maximum number of shares of Common Stock
 Company....................... resulting in gross proceeds of $250,000 and $2,500,000,
                                respectively.
Common Stock Outstanding Prior
 to the Offering(1)............ 6,245,498 shares of Common Stock.
Certain Terms.................. The Minimum Offering is being offered directly by the
                                Company on a "best efforts, all or none" basis and the
                                remaining shares of Common Stock are being offered on a
                                "best efforts" basis, until the earlier of (i) 45 days
                                after the date of this Prospectus or (ii) the sale of all
                                the Common Stock being offered hereby.
Use of Proceeds................ With respect to the Minimum Offering, general corporate
                                purposes and with respect to the Maximum Offering, expan-
                                sion through the opening of additional stores, in addi-
                                tion to general corporate purposes. See "Use of Pro-
                                ceeds."
Risk Factors................... The Common Stock offered hereby involves a high degree of
                                risk. See "Risk Factors."
Nasdaq National Market Symbol.. NWCI
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
(1) Does not include (a) 1,438,122 shares of Common Stock issuable upon
    exercise of outstanding options and warrants at a weighted average exercise
    price of $4.54 per share, (b) 280,458 shares of Common Stock reserved for
    issuance upon exercise of options that may be granted in the future under
    the Company's option plans, and (c) an aggregate of 1,451,996 shares of
    Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Company's outstanding
    Series A Preferred Stock (assuming such conversion had occurred on May 7,
    1997) and Series B Preferred Stock. See "Description of Capital Stock" and
    "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."     
 
                                ----------------
 
New World Coffee(R) is a registered trademark of the Company. This Prospectus
includes trademarks and other service marks of companies other than those of
the Company.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                      SUMMARY FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
             (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE, PER SHARE AND OTHER DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 YEAR ENDED          PRO FORMA         QUARTER ENDED
                          -------------------------  YEAR ENDED  -------------------------
                          DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 29, DECEMBER 29, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 29,
                              1995         1996       1996(1)        1995         1996
                          ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 DATA:
Revenues................     $ 9,572      $11,340      $12,917       $2,547       $3,582
Cost of sales and
 related occupancy
 costs..................       5,995        6,474        6,714        1,565        1,792
Store operating
 expenses...............       3,363        3,521        3,932          814        1,054
                           ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Store operating income..         214        1,345        2,271          168          736
Depreciation and
 amortization...........       1,034        1,353        1,374          305          458
General and
 administrative
 expenses...............       1,784        2,739        2,783          588          684
Provision for store
 closings and
 reorganization costs...           0        1,800            0            0            0
                           ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Operating loss..........      (2,604)      (4,547)      (1,886)        (725)        (406)
Interest expense, net...         298           74          181          107           67
Write-off of debt
 issuance costs.........           0        1,050            0            0            0
                           ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Net loss................     $(2,902)     $(5,671)     $(2,067)      $ (832)      $ (473)
                           =========    =========    =========    =========    =========
Net loss per common
 share(2)...............     $ (2.71)     $ (1.26)     $ (0.44)      $(0.80)      $(0.09)
                           =========    =========    =========    =========    =========
Weighted average common
 shares outstanding.....   1,398,912    4,517,801    4,750,811    1,213,726    5,026,840
OTHER DATA:
EBITDA (in
 thousands)(3)..........     $(1,570)     $(2,194)     $  (512)      $ (420)      $   52
Number of stores open
 for full period........          19           24           29           27           30
Number of stores open at
 end of period..........          27           40           37           27           40
Sales per square foot--
 residential(4).........     $ 1,095       $  945       $  710        $ 265       $  237
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                DECEMBER 29, 1996
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                                         PRO FORMA,  PRO FORMA,
                                                         AS ADJUSTED AS ADJUSTED
                                                             FOR         FOR
                                                           MINIMUM     MAXIMUM
                                   ACTUAL   PRO FORMA(5) OFFERING(6) OFFERING(6)
                                   -------  ------------ ----------- -----------
<S>                                <C>      <C>          <C>         <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents......... $ 1,420    $ 2,765      $ 2,905     $ 5,070
Working capital (deficit).........  (1,087)       258          398       2,563
Total assets......................  16,956     18,301       18,441      20,606
Notes payable.....................   2,200      2,200        2,200       2,200
Stockholders' equity..............  10,282     11,628       11,768      13,933
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) Pro forma financials are presented as if the acquisitions of Coopers Coffee
    stores ("Coopers"), Ridgefield Coffee Company ("Ridgefield"), and
    Willoughby's (collectively, the "Acquisitions"), the Company's initial
    public offering, and the closings of five stores had occurred as of January
    1, 1996. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
    and Results of Operation" and "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--
    Note 7."
(2) Net loss per common share figures for 1995 include preferred dividends. See
    "Notes to Financial Statements--Net Loss Per Share."
(3) As used herein, "EBITDA" is defined as net loss plus depreciation and
    amortization expense, interest expense, write-off of fixed assets and
    write-off of debt issuance costs.
(4) Chainwide sales per square foot for the year and the quarter ended December
    31, 1995 and the year (actual and pro forma) and quarter ended December 29,
    1996 were $639, $155, $630, $590 and $157, respectively.
(5) Pro forma to give effect to the receipt of $1,345,000 in net proceeds from
    the Company's private placement of Common Stock in February 1997 (the
    "Private Placement").
(6) Pro forma, as adjusted to give effect to the Private Placement and the sale
    of Common Stock offered by the Company in the Minimum Offering and Maximum
    Offering, respectively, and the initial application of the net proceeds
    therefrom. See "Use of Proceeds."
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
  The Company consummated the acquisitions of Coopers, Ridgefield and
Willoughby's in June, August and October 1996, respectively. Through these
acquisitions, the Company consolidated its presence in New York with three
additional stores, entered the Connecticut market with a total of seven stores,
and vertically integrated through the acquisition of a roasting plant.
 
  Revenues increased 40.6% to $3,581,999 for the quarter ended December 29,
1996 from $2,547,318 for the comparable 1995 quarter. Store operating margins
for the quarter ended December 29, 1996 improved to 20.6% from 6.6% for the
comparable 1995 quarter. The primary components were an 8.1% decrease in cost
of sales due to the Company's implementation of the POS System which has
allowed the Company to better control store purchasing and waste, improved
coffee cost of goods due to vertical integration from the Willoughby's
acquisition and improved vendor pricing due to greater economies of scale; a
3.3% decrease in occupancy expense due to lower rental expense associated with
the stores located outside New York City, the strategic refocusing of site
selection towards residential and shopping area sites which carry lower
occupancy costs and, lower occupancy costs resulting from the closing of five
stores which were primarily business district stores (the "Store Closings"); a
2.0% decrease in store personnel expense due to improved labor scheduling as a
result of the Company's implementation of the POS System and the increase in
residential and shopping area sites which can be staffed more efficiently due
to lower peak staffing demands and, therefore, generally operate at lower store
personnel expense ratios; and a 0.6% decrease in miscellaneous store expenses
due to increased cash controls and decreased store supplies costs. The Company
expects its costs of occupancy as a percentage of revenues should continue to
decline as it continues to expand beyond its New York City base.
 
  General and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues for the
quarter ended December 29, 1996 decreased to 19.1% from 23.1% for the
comparable 1995 quarter. The Company expects that its general and
administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues should continue to decline
as (i) its investment in building a senior management team is substantially
complete and (ii) further growth will enable it to leverage its management and
achieve greater economies of scale.
 
  EBITDA for the quarter ended December 29, 1996 increased to $51,883 from
($419,500) for the comparable 1995 quarter. The Company expects that, with the
exception of seasonal fluctuations in results, this improvement in EBITDA
should continue as it grows its revenue base and leverages its operating
infrastructure.
       
       
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  Each prospective investor should carefully consider, in addition to the
other information contained in this Prospectus, the following information in
evaluating the Company and its business before making an investment decision.
This Prospectus contains certain forward-looking statements or statements
which may be deemed or construed to be forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1996 with respect
to the financial condition and business of the Company. The words "estimate,"
"plan," "intend," "expect," and similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve and are
subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which
could cause the Company's actual results, performance (financial or operating)
or achievements to differ from the future results, performance (financial or
operating) or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The
Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date
hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
 
  HISTORY OF OPERATING LOSSES. The Company has been in existence since October
1992 and opened its first specialty coffee cafe in February 1993. To date, the
Company has never reported net income for any fiscal year. Although the
Company has experienced revenue growth and store level profit growth since
inception, there can be no assurance that this growth will continue or that
the Company will be profitable on a quarterly or annual basis in the future.
As of December 29, 1996, the Company had an accumulated deficit of
$10,542,729.
   
  GROWTH STRATEGY. The Company is pursuing an aggressive growth strategy, the
success of which will depend in large part upon its ability to open new stores
and to operate existing and new stores profitably and to attract and retain
qualified franchisees. From the end of 1993 through 1996, the Company expanded
the number of its stores from 3 to 40. This expansion was achieved through the
opening of new stores and the acquisition of existing stores from other
specialty coffee retailers. The Company currently plans to add additional
stores, both Company-owned and franchised, within the next 12 months. The
Company's planned expansion will present numerous operational and competitive
challenges to the Company's senior management and employees. There can be no
assurance that the Company will find attractive acquisition candidates in the
future, that acquisitions can be consummated on acceptable terms, that any
acquired companies can be integrated successfully into the Company's
operations or that any such acquisitions will not have an adverse effect on
the Company's financial condition or results of operations. The Company
anticipates that expansion into new geographic regions will entail opening
multiple stores in those regions in a relatively short period of time.     
   
  Achievement of the Company's expansion plans will depend in part upon its
ability to: (i) select, and compete successfully in, new markets; (ii) obtain
suitable sites at acceptable costs in highly competitive real estate markets;
(iii) hire, train, and retain qualified personnel; (iv) attract and retain
qualified franchisees; (v) integrate new stores into existing distribution,
inventory control, and information systems; and (vi) maintain quality control.
The Company will incur start-up costs in connection with entering new markets,
primarily associated with recruiting and training new regional management and
their support staff. In addition, the opening of additional stores in current
markets could have the effect of adversely impacting sales at certain of the
Company's existing stores. There can be no assurance that the Company will
achieve its planned expansion goals, manage its growth effectively, or operate
its existing and new stores profitably. The failure of the Company to achieve
its expansion goals on a timely basis, if at all, manage its growth
effectively or operate existing or new stores profitably would have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. In accordance with the
Company's strategy of focusing on larger stores in residential and shopping
areas, the Company announced the closing of five primarily business district
stores in the second quarter of 1996. There can be no assurance that the
Company's strategy of targeting residential and shopping areas     
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
will prove to be successful. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
   
  NEED FOR ADDITIONAL FINANCING. In order to achieve and maintain the
Company's anticipated growth rate, including geographic expansion and in order
to make future debt payments including, but not limited to those in connection
with the Willoughby's acquisition, the Company believes that it will have to
obtain bank financing or sell additional debt or equity (or hybrid) securities
in public and private financings. See "Use of Proceeds." In addition, the
Company may incur debt or issue equity securities in order to finance
acquisitions, which could dilute the interests of investors in this Offering.
There can be no assurance that any such additional financing will be available
or, if it is available, that it will be in such amounts and on such terms as
will be satisfactory to the Company.     
   
  RELIANCE ON KEY PERSONNEL. The Company's success will depend to a large
degree upon the efforts and abilities of its officers and key management
employees, particularly Ramin Kamfar, the Company's President and Chief
Executive Officer, Jerold Novack, the Company's Vice President-Finance, and
Bruce Morningstar, the Company's Vice President-Real Estate. The loss of the
services of one or more of its key employees could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business prospects and/or potential earning capacity.
The Company has entered into employment and non-competition agreements with
each of its executive officers. The Company carries key man life insurance in
the amount of $1.5 million on Mr. Kamfar, of which the Company is the sole
beneficiary.     
   
  FRANCHISING. The Company will rely in part upon its franchisees and the
manner in which they operate their stores to develop and promote the Company's
business. Although the Company has developed criteria to evaluate and screen
prospective franchisees and has attracted franchisees, there can be no
assurance that franchisees will have the business acumen or financial
resources necessary to operate successfully franchises of the Company in their
franchise areas. The failure of a franchisee to operate a franchise
successfully could have a material adverse effect on the Company, its
reputation, the Company's name and its other prospective franchisees. See
"Business--Franchise Program."     
   
  COMPETITION. The market for specialty coffees is fragmented and highly
competitive, and competition is increasing substantially. The Company's coffee
beverages compete directly against all restaurant and beverage outlets that
serve coffee and a growing number of espresso stands, carts, and stores. The
Company's whole bean coffees compete directly against specialty coffees sold
at retail through supermarkets and a growing number of specialty coffee
stores. Both the Company's whole bean coffees and its coffee beverages compete
indirectly against all other brands on the market. The coffee industry is
dominated by several large companies such as Kraft General Foods, Inc.,
Proctor & Gamble Co., and Nestle, S.A., many of which have begun marketing
gourmet coffee products. While the market for specialty gourmet coffee stores
remains fragmented, the Company competes directly with the market leader,
Starbucks, among others. Starbucks is rapidly expanding geographically and has
substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources than the
Company. Other competitors, some of which may have greater financial and other
resources than the Company, may also enter the markets in which the Company
currently operates or intends to expand. The Company competes against other
specialty retailers and restaurants for store sites, and there can be no
assurance that management will be able to continue to secure adequate sites at
acceptable rent levels. The Company will also face competition from
franchisors in its industry and other industries for the sale of franchises,
many of which have substantially greater financial and technical resources,
marketing capabilities and experience than the Company. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to compete successfully against these
competitors in securing franchisees.     
   
  GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION; FLUCTUATIONS IN REGIONAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS. All
of the Company's specialty coffee cafes are currently located in the
northeastern United States, with a majority located in New York City. As a
result, the Company's success will depend in large part upon factors affecting
general economic conditions and discretionary consumer spending in this
region. Any     
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
   
economic downturn or reduction in consumer spending in this region could have
a material adverse effect on the Company.     
   
  LITIGATION-SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK. A holder of shares of Series A
Preferred Stock has alleged in a lawsuit filed against the Company on May 6,
1997 in the Delaware Court of Chancery in New Castle County, Delaware that the
Company breached its obligations to such holder pursuant to the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation because it failed to notify such holder of the
Company's attempt to create Series B Preferred Stock and failed to obtain the
necessary consents of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock prior to the
issuance of Series B Preferred Stock. Such holder has requested that the court
cancel the Series B Preferred Stock and enjoin the Company from creating any
new series of stock on parity with the Series A Preferred Stock without
complying with the Company's Certificate of Incorporation. The Company is
vigorously defending this action. In the event (i) that such holder of Series
A Preferred Stock successfully challenges the validity of the issuance of
Series B Preferred Stock and (ii) such action results in the cancellation of
the Series B Preferred Stock, and (iii) such action results in monetary
damages in a material amount, such event could have a material adverse effect
on the Company, its financial condition, business, and operations. See
"Description of Capital Stock."     
 
  SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS AND QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS. Historically, the
Company's operations have been seasonal, with the lowest sales and
profitability occurring in the first quarter, reflecting decreased traffic as
a result of inhospitable winter weather and shorter days due to daylight
savings time. The Company's results of operations may also fluctuate from
quarter to quarter in the future as a result of the amount and timing of sales
contributed by new and acquired stores and the integration of new stores into
the operations of the Company, as well as other factors including marketing
programs. The addition of a large number of stores as is anticipated with the
Company's store expansion program can therefore significantly affect results
of operations on a quarter by quarter basis. See "Risk Factors--Growth
Strategy."
   
  FLUCTUATIONS IN AVAILABILITY AND COST OF GREEN COFFEE. The Company depends
upon both its outside brokers and its direct contacts with exporters in
countries of origin for the supply of its primary raw material, green coffee.
Coffee is the world's second largest traded commodity and its supply and price
are subject to volatility beyond the control or influence of the Company.
Although most coffee trades in the commodity market, coffee of the quality
sought by the Company tends to trade on a negotiated basis at a substantial
premium above commodity coffee pricing, depending upon the supply and demand
at the time of purchase. Supply and price can be affected by multiple factors
in the producing countries, including weather, political, and economic
conditions. In addition, green coffee prices have been affected in the past,
and may be affected in the future, by the actions of certain organizations and
associations, such as the International Coffee Organization or the Association
of Coffee Producing Countries, that have historically attempted to establish
commodity prices of green coffee through agreements creating export quotas or
restricting coffee supplies worldwide. No assurance can be given that such
organizations (or others) will not succeed in raising green coffee prices, or
that, if so, the Company will be able to maintain its gross margins by raising
its prices to its customers. As of the date of this Prospectus, green coffee
commodity contracts for near-term delivery months are trading at the $2.00 to
$2.20 per pound price level which is at a premium to their recent historical
trading levels of $1.10 to $1.20 per pound. Increases in the price of green
coffees, or the unavailability of adequate supplies of green coffees of the
quality sought by the Company, whether due to the failure of its suppliers to
perform, conditions in the coffee-producing countries, or otherwise, could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.     
 
  To mitigate the risks associated with increases in coffee prices and to
allow greater predictability in the prices the Company pays for its coffees
over extended periods of time, the Company typically enters into fixed-price
purchase commitments for a portion of its green coffee requirements. There can
be no assurance that these activities will successfully protect the Company
against the risks of increases in coffee prices or that they will not result
in the Company's payment of substantially more for its supply of coffee than
it would have been required to pay absent such activities.
       
       
       
       
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
  LACK OF PRODUCT DIVERSIFICATION. The Company's business is centered around
essentially one product, coffee. To date, the Company's operations have been
limited to the purchase and roasting of green coffees and the sale of whole
bean coffees and coffee beverages, along with related products, through its
specialty coffee cafes. Any decrease in demand for specialty coffee could have
a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and
financial condition.
       
  INFLUENCE BY CERTAIN EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS. The Company's executive officers
and directors beneficially own approximately 17.7% of the outstanding shares
of Common Stock. As a result, such stockholders will be in a position to
influence the affairs of the Company and certain matters requiring a
stockholder vote, including the election of directors, the amendment of the
Company's charter documents, the merger or dissolution of the Company and the
sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets.
 
  AUTHORIZATION OF PREFERRED STOCK. The Company's Certificate of Incorporation
authorizes the issuance of preferred stock with such designations, rights and
preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Company's Board of
Directors. Accordingly, the Board of Directors is empowered, without
stockholder approval, to issue preferred stock with dividend, liquidation,
conversion, voting or other rights which could adversely affect the voting
power of other rights of the holders of the Common Stock. Pursuant thereto the
Company presently has 145 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and 137.5 shares
of Series B Preferred Stock outstanding. Issuance of the preferred stock could
be utilized, under certain circumstances, as a method of discouraging,
delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company. Although the
Company has no present intention to issue any new shares of its preferred
stock, there can be no assurance that the Company will not do so in the
future.
       
       
  ABSENCE OF CASH DIVIDENDS. The Company has paid no cash dividends on any of
its shares of capital stock since its inception and at the present time does
not anticipate paying dividends on the Common Stock in the foreseeable future.
Any future dividends will depend on the earnings, if any, of the Company, its
financial requirements, contractual commitments and other factors. See
"Dividend Policy."
   
  SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE. Sales of a substantial number of shares of
Common Stock into the public market following the date of this Prospectus
could materially adversely affect the prevailing market price for the Common
Stock. In addition to the shares of Common Stock offered hereby, as of the
effective date of the Registration Statement (the "Effective Date"), there
will be 6,245,498 shares of Common Stock outstanding, 1,194,440 of such shares
are "restricted securities" ("Restricted Shares") pursuant to Rule 144
promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"). In addition, if the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock and
Series B Preferred Stock had been converted into shares of Common Stock on May
7, 1997, the Company would have been required to issue 1,451,996 additional
Restricted Shares. The Company is obligated to file registration statements
covering the resale of all Restricted Shares. With respect to the shares
issuable upon conversion of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred
Stock, the Company is currently obligated to fulfill its registration
obligation. The Company is negotiating with the holders of the outstanding
shares of Series A Preferred Stock to exchange such shares for Series B
Preferred Stock and/or unregistered shares of Common Stock. With respect to
the shares issuable in connection with the exchange of Series A Preferred
Stock and upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock, the Company will
become obligated to file a registration statement within 60 days after the
completion of the exchange of Series A Preferred Stock for Series B Preferred
Stock and/or unregistered shares of Common Stock. Subject to certain
exceptions, no shares of Series B Preferred Stock may be converted into Common
Stock until June 1, 1997 at which time such shares of Preferred Stock may be
converted at a rate not to exceed 25% per month. In April, 1997 the Company
filed registration statements on behalf of an aggregate of 1,312,727
Restricted Shares. There can be no assurance that the resale of Restricted
Shares will not have an adverse impact on the market for shares of Common
Stock in the future.     
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
   
  The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Common Stock offered
hereby, after deducting offering expenses, are estimated to be between
approximately $140,000 if the Minimum Offering is sold and approximately
$2,305,000(/1/) if the Maximum Offering is sold.     
          
  Assuming the Minimum Offering is sold, the Company expects to use the net
proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes. Assuming the
Maximum Offering is sold, the Company expects to use approximately $1,250,000
of the net proceeds for expansion, primarily to open additional retail stores.
The remaining net proceeds from the Maximum Offering will be used for working
capital and general corporate purposes.     
   
  With current cash on hand, the proceeds of this Offering, prospective bank
financing, prospective cash flow from franchising and operating cash flow, the
Company intends to open up to 10 additional locations over the next twelve
months. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources." In fiscal 1996, the
average cost to open a store was approximately $300,000. As of the date of
this Prospectus, the Company has executed leases for five additional stores in
its existing markets which are not yet open.     
 
  The above represents the Company's best estimate based upon its present
plans and certain assumptions regarding general economic conditions and the
Company's future revenues and expenditures. The Company, therefore, reserves
the right to reallocate the net proceeds of this Offering between the
categories set forth above as it, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or
advisable.
 
  Pending application of the net proceeds as described above, the Company
intends to invest the net proceeds of this Offering in short-term, interest
bearing, investment grade or government securities.
 
                          PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
 
  The Common Stock has been quoted on the Nasdaq under the trading symbol
"NWCI" since the Company commenced public trading on February 1, 1996. Prior
to such date there was no public market for the Common Stock. The following
table sets forth the range of high and low closing sale prices (based on
transaction data as reported by the Nasdaq) for the Common Stock for each
fiscal quarter during the periods indicated.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
     1996-1997                                                      HIGH   LOW
     ---------                                                      ----- -----
   <S>                                                              <C>   <C>
     First Quarter (From February 1, 1996 to March 31, 1996)......  $6.00 $3.00
     Second Quarter (From April 1, 1996 to June 30, 1996).........  $5.13 $3.38
     Third Quarter (From August 1, 1996 to September 29, 1996)....  $4.13 $2.50
     Fourth Quarter (From September 30, 1996 to December 29,
      1996).......................................................  $3.88 $1.75
     First Quarter (From December 30, 1996 to March 30, 1997).....  $3.13 $1.75
     Second Quarter (From March 31, 1997 to May 7, 1997)..........  $1.94 $1.19
</TABLE>    
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
  The Company has never paid any cash dividends on its stock and anticipates
that, for the foreseeable future, it will continue to retain any earnings for
use in the operation of its business. Payment of cash dividends in the future
will depend upon the Company's earnings, financial condition, any contractual
restrictions (including restrictions under a line of credit), restrictions
imposed by applicable law, capital requirements and other factors deemed
relevant by the Company's Board of Directors.
- --------
   
(/1/)Assumes that a finder's fee of eight and one-half percent (8 1/2%) of the
    purchase price paid by investors with respect to $1,000,000 of the gross
    proceeds is paid to certain members of the National Association of
    Securities Dealers.     
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
                                CAPITALIZATION
   
  The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of
December 29, 1996 (i) on an actual basis, (ii) on a pro forma basis giving
effect to (a) the exchange of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock for
Series B Preferred Stock, (b) the conversion of shares of Series A Preferred
Stock into Common Stock, and (c) the Private Placement, and (iii) on a pro
forma, as adjusted basis, giving effect to the sale of an assumed 166,667
shares of Common Stock in the Minimum Offering, and an assumed 1,666,667
shares of Common Stock in the Maximum Offering, respectively, and the initial
application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                       AS OF DECEMBER 29, 1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------
                                                      PRO FORMA,    PRO FORMA,
                                                     AS ADJUSTED   AS ADJUSTED
                                                         FOR           FOR
                                                       MINIMUM       MAXIMUM
                            ACTUAL      PRO FORMA      OFFERING      OFFERING
                         ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                      <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Long-term debt.......... $  2,200,269  $  2,200,269  $  2,200,269  $  2,200,269
                         ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Stockholders' equity
 (1):
  Preferred Stock,
   $0.001 par value,
   2,000,000 shares
   authorized no shares
   issued or
   outstanding:                   --            --            --            --
  Series A Preferred
   Stock; $0.001 par
   value, 400 shares
   authorized, 320
   shares outstanding
   (actual), 145 shares
   outstanding (pro
   forma and pro forma
   as adjusted).........          --            --            --            --
  Series B Preferred
   Stock; $0.001 par
   value, no shares
   authorized, no shares
   outstanding (actual);
   225 shares
   authorized, 137.5
   shares outstanding
   (pro forma and pro
   forma as adjusted)...          --            --            --            --
  Common Stock; $0.001
   par value, 20,000,000
   shares authorized,
   5,034,812 shares
   outstanding (actual),
   6,245,498 shares
   outstanding (pro
   forma), 6,412,165 and
   7,912,165 shares
   outstanding (pro
   forma as adjusted),
   respectively.........        5,035         6,245         6,412         7,912
  Additional paid-in
   capital..............   20,820,172    22,164,008    22,303,841    24,467,341
  Accumulated deficit...  (10,542,729)  (10,542,729)  (10,542,729)  (10,542,729)
                         ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
  Total stockholders'
   equity............... $ 10,282,478  $ 11,627,524  $ 11,767,524  $ 13,932,524
                         ============  ============  ============  ============
  Total Capitalization.. $ 12,482,747  $ 13,827,793  $ 13,967,793  $ 16,132,793
                         ============  ============  ============  ============
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
(1) Does not include (a) 1,438,122 shares of Common Stock issuable upon
    exercise of outstanding options and warrants at a weighted average
    exercise price of $4.54 per share, (b) 228,458 shares of Common Stock
    reserved for issuance upon exercise of options that may be granted in the
    future under the Company's option plans, and (c) an aggregate of 1,451,996
    shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Company's
    outstanding Series A Preferred Stock (assuming such conversion had
    occurred on May 7, 1997) and Series B Preferred Stock. See "Description of
    Capital Stock" and "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."     
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND OTHER DATA)
 
  The selected financial data presented below under the captions "Statement of
Operations Data" and "Balance Sheet Data" for the years ended December 31,
1995 and December 29, 1996 are derived from the consolidated financial
statements of the Company, which consolidated financial statements have been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent certified public accountants. The
consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 1995 and
December 29, 1996, and the report thereon, are included elsewhere in this
Prospectus. The selected data presented below for the quarters ended December
31, 1995, and December 29, 1996 are derived from the unaudited consolidated
financial statements of New World Coffee. The unaudited consolidated financial
statements include all normal recurring adjustments which the Company
considers necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and
results of operations for these periods. Operating results for the quarter
ended December 29, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be
expected for full year period. The unaudited pro forma information does not
purport to be indicative of the results that actually would have been obtained
if the events had occurred in the periods presented, or of future results of
the Company. The financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction
with the financial statements and accompanying notes and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
appearing elsewhere herein.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                 YEAR ENDED          PRO FORMA         QUARTER ENDED
                          -------------------------  YEAR ENDED  -------------------------
                          DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 29, DECEMBER 29, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 29,
                              1995         1996       1996(1)        1995         1996
                          ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 DATA:
Revenues................   $   9,572    $  11,340    $  12,917    $   2,547    $   3,582
Cost of sales and
 related occupancy
 costs..................       5,995        6,474        6,714        1,565        1,792
Store operating
 expenses...............       3,363        3,521        3,932          814        1,054
                           ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Store operating income..         214        1,345        2,271          168          736
Depreciation and
 amortization...........       1,034        1,353        1,374          305          458
General and
 administrative
 expenses...............       1,784        2,739        2,783          588          684
Provision for store
 closings and
 reorganization costs...           0        1,800            0            0            0
                           ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Operating loss..........      (2,604)      (4,547)      (1,886)        (725)        (406)
Interest expense, net...         298           74          181          107           67
Write-off of debt
 issuance costs.........           0        1,050            0            0            0
                           ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
Net loss................   $  (2,902)   $  (5,671)   $  (2,067)   $    (832)   $    (473)
                           =========    =========    =========    =========    =========
Net loss per common
 share (2)..............   $   (2.71)   $   (1.26)   $   (0.44)   $   (0.80)   $   (0.09)
                           =========    =========    =========    =========    =========
Weighed average common
 shares outstanding.....   1,398,912    4,517,801    4,750,811    1,213,726    5,026,840
OTHER DATA:
EBITDA (in thousands)
 (3)....................   $  (1,570)   $  (2,194)   $    (512)   $    (420)   $      52
Number of stores open
 for full period........          19           24           29           27           30
Number of stores open at
 end of period..........          27           40           37           27           40
Sales per square foot--
 residential (4)........   $   1,095    $     945    $     710    $     265    $     237
</TABLE>    
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                            DECEMBER 29, 1996
                                                          ----------------------
                                                           ACTUAL   PRO FORMA(5)
                                                          --------  ------------
<S>                                                       <C>       <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents................................ $  1,420    $  2,765
Working capital (deficit)................................   (1,087)        258
Total assets.............................................   16,956      18,301
Long term debt...........................................    2,200       2,200
Stockholders' equity..................................... $ 10,282    $ 11,628
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) Pro forma financials are presented as if the acquisitions of Coopers,
    Ridgefield and Willoughby's, the Company's initial public offering, and
    the Store Closings had occurred as of January 1, 1996.
(2) Net loss per common share figures for 1995 include preferred dividends.
    See "Notes to Financial Statements--Net Loss Per Share."
   
(3) As used herein, "EBITDA" is defined as net loss plus depreciation and
    amortization expense, write-off of fixed assets and write-off of debt
    issuance costs.     
   
(4) Chainwide sales per square foot for the year and quarter ended December
    31, 1995 and the year (actual and pro forma) and quarter ended December
    29, 1996 were $639, $155, $630, $590 and $157, respectively.     
   
(5) Pro forma gives effect to the receipt of $1,345,000 in net proceeds from
    the Private Placement.     
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
                 PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
  The Company's Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations for
the year ended December 29, 1996, which are set below, are presented as if the
Acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 1996. This statement should be read in
conjunction with the historical financial statement and notes thereto of the
Company as of December 29, 1996. In management's opinion, all material
adjustments necessary to reflect the effects of the acquisitions by the
Company have been made. The unaudited pro forma income statement for the year
ended December 29, 1996 is not necessarily indicative of what the actual
results of operations of the Company would have been assuming the acquisitions
had been completed as of January 1, 1996, nor is it necessarily indicative of
the results of operations for future periods.
 
           UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 29, 1996
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                     PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS                        PRO FORMA
                              ACTUAL       -----------------------------------------    TOTAL    DECEMBER 29,
                         DECEMBER 29, 1996 ACQUISITIONS(1) CLOSED STORES(2) OTHER(3) ADJUSTMENTS     1996
                         ----------------- --------------- ---------------- -------- ----------- ------------ ---
<S>                      <C>               <C>             <C>              <C>      <C>         <C>          <C>
Revenues                    $  11,340          $2,809          $(1,232)                $1,577       $12,917
Gross Margin                    4,867           1,641             (305)                 1,336         6,203
Store operating income          1,345             782              144                    926         2,271
Operating (loss) income        (4,547)            348(4)           513       1,800      2,661        (1,886)
Net (loss) income              (5,671)            241(5)           513       2,850      3,604        (2,067)
                            ==========                                                            ==========
Net loss per share          $   (1.26)                                                              $ (0.44)
                            ==========                                                            ==========
Weighted average number
 of shares outstanding      4,517,801                                                             4,750,811
                            ==========                                                            ==========
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) Reflects the acquisition of Coopers, Ridgefield and Willoughby's which
    occurred on June 13, 1996, August 26, 1996 and October 25, 1996,
    respectively, as if each had occurred as of January 1, 1996. See "Notes to
    Consolidated Financial Statements--Note 7."
(2) Gives effect to five Store Closings, four of which stores were not in
    residential areas.
(3) Gives effect to a provision recorded by the Company of $1,500 for the
    Store Closings and reorganization charges of $300 primarily related to
    severance and related benefits and, the write-off of debt issuance costs
    related to the bridge financing of $1,050. See "Notes to Consolidated
    Financial Statements--Notes 5 and 6", respectively.
(4) Gives effect to the amortization of goodwill of approximately $195 related
    to the Acquisitions as if they had occurred as of January 1, 1996.
(5) Gives effect to interest expense of approximately $107 related to the
    issuance of notes payable for the Acquisitions.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                      CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The following discussion of the Company's historical financial condition and
results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Financial
Statements and the Notes thereto and the other financial information appearing
elsewhere in this Prospectus. Except for historical information, this
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations and other parts of this Prospectus contain forward-looking
information that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results
could differ materially from those anticipated by such forward-looking
information. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not
limited to, those discussed under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
 
GENERAL
 
  The Company opened its first specialty coffee cafe in February 1993 in New
York and has grown to 40 specialty coffee cafes in New York, Connecticut,
Pennsylvania and New Jersey since that date.
   
  In June 1996, the Company consummated the Coopers acquisition, purchasing
three residential and shopping area stores in Manhattan. In August 1996, the
Company consummated the Ridgefield acquisition, entering the Connecticut
market with one residential and shopping area store. In October 1996, the
Company consummated the acquisition of Willoughby's, its coffee purveyor and
roaster since its inception, which consolidated its presence in Connecticut
with six additional stores, five of which are in residential and shopping
areas, and vertically integrated the Company with the purchase of a roasting
plant. The purchase price for Willoughby's was $3,100,000 (net of $700,000 of
acquired debt immediately paid following the closing date of the purchase.)
The Willoughby's acquisition has enabled the Company to lower its cost of
coffee significantly, improve its quality control, and enter the mail order
and wholesale businesses.     
 
  In 1996, the Company focused its site selection strategy to target
residential and shopping area sites which, based on the Company's experience,
generally offer more attractive economics. In addition, the Company developed
a new, larger, more comfortable format (approximately 1,800 square feet
compared to 600 previously) designed to create a neighborhood gathering place
environment and better capture whole bean and merchandise sales. In the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company's sales mix was 62% beverage, 23% foods,
12% whole beans and 3% merchandise, compared to 63%, 32%, 5% and 0%,
respectively, for the comparable 1995 quarter.
 
  The Company has incurred losses in each fiscal year from inception primarily
due to the cost of retail store expansion and developing an infrastructure to
support future growth. The Company's recent operating performance has
improved. The Company achieved store operating margins and EBITDA of 20.6% and
$51,883, respectively, in the quarter ended December 29, 1996 compared to 6.6%
and ($419,500) for the comparable 1995 quarter. Several factors underlie this
improved performance:
 
  (a) The Company's cost of sales as a percentage of revenues for the fourth
     quarter of 1996 versus the comparable 1995 period has declined by 8.1%
     due to (i) improved coffee costs from the Willoughby's acquisition, (ii)
     improvement in the Company's ability to manage waste, resulting from the
     implementation of the POS System, and (iii) improved vendor pricing
     resulting from greater scale economies.
 
  (b) The Company's occupancy expense as a percentage of revenues for the
     fourth quarter of 1996 versus the comparable 1995 period has declined by
     3.3% due to (i) the strategic refocusing of site selection towards
     residential and shopping area sites which carry lower occupancy costs as
     percentage of revenues, (ii) expansion beyond New York City where sites
     carry lower
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
     occupancy costs as a percentage of revenues and (iii) the Store
     Closings. The Company expects that its cost of occupancy should continue
     to decline as it continues to expand beyond its New York City base. See
     "Business--Site Selection and Store Locations."
 
  (c) The Company's personnel expense as a percentage of revenues for the
     fourth quarter of 1996 versus the comparable 1995 period has declined by
     2.0% due to (i) improved labor scheduling resulting from the
     implementation of the POS System, and (ii) the increase in residential
     and shopping area sites which can be staffed more efficiently due to
     lower peak staffing demands and therefore generally lower store
     personnel expense ratios.
 
  (d) The Company's general and administrative expense as a percentage of
     revenues for the fourth quarter of 1996 versus the comparable 1995
     period has declined by 4.0% as (i) its investment in building a senior
     management team is substantially complete and (ii) further growth will
     enable it to leverage its management and achieve greater scale
     economies. The Company expects that this decline should continue.
 
  The Company's fiscal year ended on the Sunday closest to December 31. Prior
to fiscal 1995 the Company was on a calendar year basis.
 
  The following table sets forth selected financial data and percentage
relationship to revenues, unless otherwise indicated, of certain items for the
Company's last eight quarters. Management believes this unaudited information
has been prepared on the same basis as the audited information presented
elsewhere in this Prospectus and includes all adjustments, consisting only of
normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                QUARTER ENDED
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          APRIL 2,    JULY 2,   OCTOBER 1,  DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,  JUNE 30,   SEPTEMBER 29, DECEMBER 29,
                            1995       1995        1995         1995       1996       1996         1996          1996
                          ---------  ---------  ----------  ------------ ---------  ---------  ------------- ------------
                                               (000'S EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND OTHER DATA)
<S>                       <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>
Revenues................    $ 2,052     $2,417     $2,556       $2,547     $ 2,278    $ 2,629       $2,851       $3,582
Cost of sales and re-
 lated occupancy costs..      1,312      1,531      1,587        1,565       1,449      1,560        1,672        1,792
Store operating ex-
 penses.................        985        745        819          814         726        856          886        1,054
                          ---------  ---------  ---------    ---------   ---------  ---------    ---------    ---------
Store operating income
 (loss).................       (245)       141        150          168         103        213          293          736
Depreciation and amorti-
 zation.................        196        244        287          305         265        283          348          458
General and administra-
 tive expenses..........        582        298        317          588         521        758          775          684
Provision for store
 closings and reorgani-
 zation costs...........          0          0          0            0           0      1,800            0            0
                          ---------  ---------  ---------    ---------   ---------  ---------    ---------    ---------
Operating loss..........     (1,023)      (401)      (454)        (725)       (683)    (2,628)        (830)        (406)
Interest (income) ex-
 pense, net.............         35         57         98          107          11        (31)          27           67
Write-off of debt issu-
 ance costs.............          0          0          0            0       1,050          0            0            0
                          ---------  ---------  ---------    ---------   ---------  ---------    ---------    ---------
Net loss................    $(1,058)    $ (458)    $ (552)      $ (832)    $(1,744)   $(2,597)      $ (857)      $ (473)
                          =========  =========  =========    =========   =========  =========    =========    =========
Net loss per common
 share (1)..............    $ (0.72)    $(0.31)    $(0.89)      $(0.80)    $ (0.48)   $ (0.56)      $(0.18)      $(0.09)
                          =========  =========  =========    =========   =========  =========    =========    =========
Weighted average common
 shares outstanding.....  1,460,642  1,460,642  1,460,642    1,213,726   3,650,331  4,624,132    4,775,565    5,026,840
Other Data:
Number of stores open
 for full period........         19         23         27           27          27         26           28           30
Number of stores open at
 end of period..........         23         27         27           27          27         30           30           40
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      AS A PERCENTAGE OF REVENUES
                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             QUARTER ENDED
                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         APRIL 2,  JULY 2,  OCTOBER 1, DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31, JUNE 30,  SEPTEMBER 29, DECEMBER 29,
                           1995     1995       1995        1995       1996      1996        1996          1996
                         --------  -------  ---------- ------------ --------- --------  ------------- ------------
<S>                      <C>       <C>      <C>        <C>          <C>       <C>       <C>           <C>
Revenues................  100.0%    100.0%    100.0%      100.0%      100.0%    100.0%      100.0%       100.0%
Cost of sales and
 related occupancy
 costs..................   63.9      63.4      62.1        61.4        63.6      59.4        58.7         50.0
Store operating
 expenses...............   48.0      30.8      32.0        32.0        31.9      32.5        31.0         29.4
                          -----     -----     -----       -----       -----    ------       -----        -----
Store operating income..  (11.9)      5.8       5.9         6.6         4.5       8.1        10.3         20.6
Depreciation and
 amortization...........    9.6      10.1      11.2        12.0        11.6      10.8        12.2         12.8
General and
 administrative
 expenses...............   28.4      12.3      12.4        23.1        22.9      28.8        27.2         19.1
Provision for store
 closings and
 reorganization costs...    0.0       0.0       0.0         0.0         0.0      68.5         0.0          0.0
                          -----     -----     -----       -----       -----    ------       -----        -----
Operating loss..........  (49.9)    (16.6)    (17.7)      (28.5)      (30.0)   (100.0)      (29.1)       (11.3)
Interest (income)
 expense, net...........    1.7       2.4       3.9         4.2         0.5      (1.2)        0.9          1.9
Write-off of debt
 issuance costs.........    0.0       0.0       0.0         0.0        46.1       0.0         0.0          0.0
                          -----     -----     -----       -----       -----    ------       -----        -----
Net loss................  (51.6)%   (19.0)%   (21.6)%     (32.7)%     (76.6)%   (98.8)%     (30.0)%      (13.2)%
                          =====     =====     =====       =====       =====    ======       =====        =====
</TABLE>
- --------
(1)Net loss per common share includes preferred dividends.
 
PRO FORMA RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR FISCAL 1996
 
  Pro forma revenues for fiscal 1996 were $12,916,605 reflecting the
acquisition of Coopers, Ridgefield and Willoughby's which was partially offset
by the Store Closings.
 
  Pro forma cost of sales and occupancy as a percentage of revenues were 52.0%
reflecting improvements in cost of sales and occupancy is primarily due to
lower coffee costs as a result of the Willoughby's acquisition and lower
occupancy costs from the acquisition of stores outside New York City and the
Store Closings.
 
  Pro forma store operating expenses as a percentage of revenues were 30.4%
reflecting improvements in store operating expenses primarily due to the
acquisition of residential and shopping stores which can be staffed more
efficiently due to lower peak staffing needs and therefore generally lower
store personnel expenses.
 
  Pro forma general and administrative expenses were $2,782,975 or 21.5% of
revenues reflecting the addition of the Company's two Vice-Presidents-Coffee
in conjunction with the Willoughby's acquisition, which was more than offset
on a percentage basis by the revenues associated with the acquisitions.
 
  Pro forma interest expense, net was $181,448 or 1.4% of revenues reflecting
the addition of debt related to the acquisitions.
 
  Pro forma net loss was $2,066,972 or 16.0% of revenues reflecting the
operating improvements described above and the absence of one-time charges
such as the provision for store closings and reorganization costs and the
write-off of debt issuance costs associated with the Company's initial public
offering.
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 Year Ended December 29, 1996 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1995
 
  Revenues. Revenues increased 18.5% to $11,340,199 for fiscal 1996 from
$9,572,019 for fiscal 1995. Comparable store sales for the 18 stores open for
both periods decreased 8.5%. Management attributes this decrease to the
opening of additional stores in Manhattan to solidify the Company's market
presence, and the capacity constraints experienced in certain of the Company's
primarily residential stores which average approximately 615 square feet in
size and are achieving approximately $945 in average sales per square foot.
The Company has, in response, expanded both its geographic focus (to four
states: New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New Jersey) and its average
store size (to approximately 1,800 square feet for its newer stores) and
expects that its comparable store sales should improve as its newer format
stores enter the comparable base.
 
  Costs and Expenses. Cost of sales and related occupancy costs as a
percentage of revenues for fiscal 1996 decreased to 57.1% from 62.6% for
fiscal 1995. The primary components were a decrease of 5.3% in cost of goods
due to the Company's implementation of the POS System which has allowed the
Company to better control store purchasing and waste as well as improved
coffee pricing due to vertical integration from the acquisition of
Willoughby's and improved vendor pricing due to greater economies of scale.
Occupancy expense as a percentage of revenues decreased 0.2%. The Company
expects that its cost of occupancy as a percentage of revenues will decline
significantly as it continues to expand beyond its New York City base.
 
  Store operating expenses as a percentage of revenues for fiscal 1996
decreased to 31.1% from 35.1% for fiscal 1995. The primary components were a
3.5% decrease in personnel costs due to improved labor scheduling as a result
of the Company's implementation of the POS System and a 0.5% reduction in
miscellaneous store expenses due to increased cash controls and reduced store
supplies costs.
 
  Depreciation and amortization expenses as a percentage of revenues for
fiscal 1996 increased to 11.9% from 10.8% for fiscal 1995 primarily due to
increased amortization resulting from the acquisitions and costs associated
with the implementation of the POS System.
 
  General and administrative expenses increased to $2,738,975 or 24.2% of
revenues for fiscal 1996 compared to $1,784,257 or 18.6% of revenues, for
fiscal 1995. Corporate payroll and recruiting expense increased by $691,683
due to the addition of a Chief Operating Officer, a Vice President-Real
Estate, and Directors of Construction, Human Resources, and Training as the
Company added to its infrastructure to support its planned expansion. General
and administrative expenses also included $149,519 relating to investor
relations and financial printing which were minimal in fiscal 1995. The
Company expects that its general and administrative expenses as a percentage
of revenues should continue to decline significantly as (i) its investment in
building a senior management team is generally complete and (ii) further
growth will enable it to leverage its management and achieve further economies
of scale.
 
  In accordance with the Company's strategy of focusing on residential and
shopping area stores, the Company recorded a provision for store closings and
reorganization costs in the second quarter of fiscal 1996 of $1,800,000, of
which approximately $1,000,000 was a non-cash writedown of the fixed assets in
five unprofitable stores, four of which were not in residential areas. The
Company has additionally developed a more rigorous site selection process and
recruited Bruce Morningstar, previously Starbucks' Director--Northeast
Development, as its Vice President-Real Estate.
 
  Interest expense, net for fiscal 1996 decreased to $74,348 or 0.7% of
revenues, from $297,587 or 3.1% of revenues for fiscal 1995. This decrease
resulted primarily from the paydown of debt after the Company's initial public
offering.
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
  The Company recorded a write-off of debt issuance costs related to the
Company's bridge financing prior to its initial public offering of $1,050,000
in the first quarter of fiscal 1996. Of the charge $1,000,000 was a non-cash
charge related to the issuance of warrants in connection with the financing.
 
  Net Loss. Net loss for fiscal 1996 increased to $5,670,951 or 50.0% of
revenues from $2,901,557 or 30.3% of revenues for fiscal 1995. The primary
components of this increase were one-time charges totaling 25.1% of revenues
and an increase in general and administrative expenses as percentage of
revenues of 5.6%, which more than offset improvements in store operating
margins of 9.7%, primarily from decreases in cost of sales and personnel
expenses, and a reduction in interest expense as a percentage of revenues of
2.4%.
 
 Year Ended December 31, 1995 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1994
 
  Revenues.  Revenues increased 112.2% to $9,572,019 for fiscal 1995 from
$4,510,488 for fiscal 1994. Comparable store sales for the three stores opened
for both periods decreased 16.6%. Management believes this decrease was not
meaningful due to the small number of stores in the comparable store base.
Incremental sales for the 19 stores which were opened at December 31, 1994
contributed 69.0% of the percentage increase in revenues. Sales for the 8
stores opened since December 31, 1994 contributed 43.2% of the percentage
increase in revenues.
 
  Costs and Expenses. Cost of sales and related occupancy costs as a
percentage of revenues for fiscal 1995 increased to 62.6% from 59.0% for
fiscal 1994. The primary components were a decrease of 2.4% in cost of goods
due to the Company's ability to negotiate improved vendor pricing as a result
of increased purchasing power which was offset by an increase in occupancy
costs of 5.9% primarily due to a large number of new store openings which
carry higher occupancy expense as a percentage of revenues during their ramp-
up period.
 
  Store operating expenses as a percentage of revenues for fiscal 1995
increased to 35.1% from 34.5% for fiscal 1994. The primary components were
0.3% increases in personnel costs and miscellaneous store expenses each due to
the increase in the number of new store openings which carry higher other
operating expenses as a percentage of revenues during their ramp-up period.
 
  Depreciation and amortization expenses as a percentage of revenues for
fiscal 1995 increased to 10.8% from 6.6% for fiscal 1994 primarily due to an
increase in the number of new store openings which carry higher depreciation
expense as a percentage of revenues during their ramp-up period.
 
  General and administrative expenses increased to $1,784,257 or 18.6% of
revenues for fiscal 1995 compared to $745,543 or 16.5% of revenues, for fiscal
1994. General and administrative expenses included a non-recurring charge of
$137,000 taken as a reserve for non-operating leases as well as $80,000 of
costs related to special marketing projects (which represent expenditures in
connection with certain specific promotions, which were not continued)
incurred in the first quarter of 1995, without which general and
administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues would have remained
constant at 16.5% of revenues. The increase also reflected the addition of key
personnel such as a Chief Operating Officer, Vice Presidents of Real Estate,
Operations and Finance, as well as their support teams.
 
  Interest expense, net for fiscal 1995 increased to $297,587 or 3.1% of
revenues, from $1,140 for fiscal 1994. This increase in interest expense
resulted from bank borrowings for the construction of new stores.
 
  Net Loss. Net loss for fiscal 1995 increased to $2,901,557 from $755,106 for
fiscal 1994. Operating margins decreased to a loss of 30.3% from a loss of
16.7% in fiscal 1994, primarily due to increased occupancy costs of 5.9% as a
percentage of revenues, increased depreciation and amortization expenses of
4.2% as a percentage of revenues due to the large number of new store openings
which carry higher
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
expenses as a percentage of revenues during their ramp-up period and interest
expense which increased to 3.1% as a percentage of revenues.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
  The Company accounts for income taxes under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109 (FAS 109). Realization of deferred taxes is
dependent on future events and earnings, if any, the timing and extent of
which are uncertain. Accordingly, the benefit of deferred tax assets has been
fully reserved as of December 29, 1996 and December 31, 1995. At December 29,
1996, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $7.5
million available to offset future taxable income. These amounts expire at
various times through 2011. As a result of ownership changes resulting from
recent sales of equity securities, the Company's ability to use the loss
carryforwards is subject to limitations as defined in Section 382. Pursuant to
Section 382 of the Code, the change in ownership resulting from the Offering,
the Private Placement and any other future sale of stock may limit utilization
of future losses in any one year. The annual limitation and the timing of
attaining profitability may result in the expiration of net operating loss
carryforwards before utilization.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  The Company successfully completed its initial public offering on February
1, 1996. The Company realized approximately $11,100,000 in net proceeds. The
Company repaid its bank line of $3,500,000 and repurchased from an existing
shareholder approximately $2,000,000 of the Company's Series C Preferred
Stock. On June 28, 1996, the Company completed the sale of 375 shares of
Series A Preferred Stock realizing approximately $3,320,000 in net proceeds
(the "Series A Placement"). On February 26, 1997, the Company completed the
Private Placement of a 1,000,000 shares realizing approximately $1,345,000 in
net proceeds. The Company anticipates using proceeds of the Private Placement
for general corporate purposes. In February 1997, the Company exchanged 175
shares of Series A Preferred Stock for an aggregate of 137.5 shares of new
Series B Preferred Stock and 194,440 shares of unregistered stock. The Company
is negotiating with the holders of the outstanding shares of Series A
Preferred Stock to exchange such shares for Series B Preferred Stock and/or
unregistered shares of Common Stock.
   
  The Company's capital requirement is primarily for expansion of its retail
operations. Currently, all of the Company's stores are in leased facilities.
During fiscal 1996, the Company's average cost to open a store was
approximately $300,000, including all leasehold improvements, equipment,
beginning inventory, as well as all expenses for the store design, site
selection, lease negotiation, construction supervision and permitting. The
Company currently estimates that capital expenditures through fiscal 1997 will
be approximately $3,000,000.     
 
  At December 29, 1996, the Company had a working capital deficit of
$1,086,824 compared to a working capital deficit of $823,030 at December 31,
1995.
 
  The Company had net cash used in operating activities of $1,973,609 for
fiscal 1996 and net cash used in operating activities of $1,027,981 for fiscal
1995.
 
  The Company had net cash used for investing activities of $5,023,416 for
fiscal 1996 and $3,241,876 for fiscal 1995. The primary use of cash for
investing activities was for capital expenditures related to the Company's
retail store expansion.
 
  The Company had net cash provided by financing activities of $7,465,456 for
fiscal 1996 and $5,020,411 for fiscal 1995. The Company funded its growth
through its initial public offering and the sale of Series A Preferred Stock
raising approximately $11,100,000 and $3,320,000 in net proceeds,
respectively.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
          
  On April 18, 1997, Grand Pacific Finance Corp. ("Grand Pacific") issued a
commitment letter approving a loan (the "Loan") to the Company in the amount
of $2,500,000 in connection with the Company's plans to open ten additional
stores. The commitment letter provides that the Loan will bear interest at the
prime rate, as published in the Wall Street Journal, plus two percent (2%) and
has a term of thirty-six months. In connection with the Loan, the Company will
issue to Grand Pacific warrants to purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock at a
price equal to the market value of the Common Stock at the time of closing of
the Loan. As security for the Loan, Grand Pacific will receive, among other
things, security liens on certain of the Company's existing stores and all
future stores. The Company and Grand Pacific are currently negotiating the
documentation relating to the Loan. There can be no assurance, however, that
the Loan will be consummated.     
 
  In December 1995 and January 1996, the Company obtained a bridge loan
totaling $1,000,000 from certain individuals and financial institutions. The
loan carried an interest rate of 10% and was repaid with proceeds from the
initial public offering. In connection with the loan, the Company issued to
the lenders warrants to purchase 181,818 shares of its Common Stock at a price
of $0.01 per share.
   
  As a result of the Willoughby's acquisition, the Company has scheduled debt
payments of $600,000 due on July 1, 1997, $600,000 due on January 5, 1998 and
$1,100,000 due on January 5, 1999. The Company is currently negotiating to
reschedule these debt payments.     
 
SEASONALITY AND GENERAL ECONOMIC TRENDS
 
  The Company anticipates that its business will be affected by general
economic trends that affect retailers in general. While the Company has not
operated during a period of high inflation, it believes based on industry
experience that it would generally be able to pass on increased costs
resulting from inflation to its customers. The Company's business may be
affected by other factors, including increases in the commodity prices of
green coffee, acquisitions by the Company of existing specialty coffee stores,
existing and additional competition, marketing programs, weather, and
variations in the number of store openings. The Company has few, if any,
employees at the minimum wage level and therefore believes that an increase in
the minimum wage would have minimal impact on its operations and financial
condition.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
                                   BUSINESS
   
  New World Coffee currently owns and operates 40 specialty coffee cafes,
consisting of 28 in New York, seven in Connecticut, three in Pennsylvania and
two in New Jersey, making the Company the second largest specialty coffee
retail chain in the northeastern United States. With its recent acquisition of
Willoughby's, the Company's coffee purveyor and roaster since its inception,
the Company has become vertically integrated in its operations, reduced its
coffee costs, improved its quality control, and entered into the mail order
and wholesale businesses. The Company seeks to differentiate itself from other
specialty coffee retailers by serving high quality, freshly roasted coffee
(generally delivered to its stores within 24 hours of roasting) and a variety
of fresh, high quality gourmet foods in a sophisticated, award-winning cafe
design environment. The Company's coffee was rated four beans and its espresso
was rated five beans (the highest rating) in 1993 (the most recent survey
conducted) by the Food Critic of The New York Times. Willoughby's has been
voted Best Coffee and/or Coffee House in the New Haven Advocate reader's poll
annually from 1993 through 1997.     
 
  In recent years, the specialty coffee retail business has grown rapidly.
Industry sources estimate that total retail sales of specialty coffee through
all distribution channels will grow to $5.0 billion by 1999 from an estimated
$1.5 billion in 1989 and that coffee stores, including espresso carts and
kiosks, will be the fastest growing distribution channel. The consumption of
specialty coffee drinks is also growing rapidly, with the percent of U.S.
population drinking cappuccino increasing 42% from 1995 to 1996. Management
believes this growth has been driven by (i) the increasing demand for premium
food and drink items, (ii) the popularity of coffee bars as gathering places,
and (iii) greater awareness and appreciation of gourmet coffee drinks.
 
  In 1996, the Company restructured its operations and added senior management
personnel with significant experience in retailing and food service as well as
real estate development. Most importantly, the Company hired Bruce
Morningstar, previously Starbucks' Director-Northeast Development, as Vice
President-Real Estate, and John DeNapoli, previously Chief Operating Officer
of Atlantic Foods, a Boston Market franchisee, as Vice President-Operations.
In addition, the Company deployed a state-of-the-art POS System which
significantly enhanced its ability to track and improve its store
profitability. The Company also refocused its site selection strategy to
solely target high-traffic, high-visibility residential and shopping
locations. Such locations typically generate higher revenue since they are
open seven days per week and attract breakfast, lunch and afternoon and
evening traffic as compared to business district sites which are open five
days per week and do not attract afternoon and evening traffic. In order to
better serve this market, the Company developed a larger, more comfortable
store concept designed to create a neighborhood gathering place environment.
In addition, the larger store concept offers expanded retailing space to
enable the Company to better capture whole bean and merchandise sales. The
Company's existing stores vary in size from 225 to 2,670 retail square feet,
with newer stores averaging approximately 1,800 retail square feet.
   
  For fiscal 1996, the Company's 18 residential and shopping area stores open
for the entire year (including pro forma results for 7 residential and
shopping areas stores as if they were acquired by the Company on January 1,
1996) generated average sales per store of approximately $505,000 and average
sales per square foot of $710. For the quarter ended December 29, 1996, the
Company's sales mix was 62% beverage, 23% food, 12% whole beans and 3%
merchandise, compared to 63%, 32%, 5% and 0%, respectively, for the comparable
1995 quarter. For the quarter ended December 29, 1996, the Company achieved a
chainwide store operating margin and EBITDA of 20.6% and $51,883,
respectively, as compared to 6.6% and ($419,500) for the comparable 1995
quarter. Residential and shopping area sites currently constitute 68% of the
Company's stores compared to 48% at the end of fiscal 1995. Based upon a 1996
Company sponsored survey, New World Coffee customers visit the Company's
stores an average of approximately twelve times per month.     
 
  The Company's objective is to be a leading, high quality specialty coffee
retailer through a program of (i) rapid store expansion by further penetrating
its existing markets and expanding into new
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
   
geographic markets primarily along the Atlantic seaboard through Company-owned
and franchised stores; (ii) improving brand awareness through further
penetration of its existing markets with highly visible locations serving as
neighborhood gathering places and through branded merchandising; (iii)
increasing its coffee bean and merchandise sales through broader merchandising
within its larger store formats; and (iv) continuing its commitment to
customer service and to serving consistently high-quality products. With
current cash on hand, the proceeds from the Offering, other financing sources,
the Company's prospective bank financing, prospective cash flow from
franchising and operating cash flow, the Company expects to open approximately
ten additional locations over the next twelve months. In addition, the Company
expects to add approximately 30 franchises over the next twelve months. As of
the date of this Prospectus, the Company has executed leases for five
additional stores in its existing markets, which are not yet open. Management
believes that the initiatives undertaken in 1996, complemented by aggressive
store expansion, should continue to improve the Company's operating margins.
    
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
   
  The U.S. coffee market has broad and deep demographics. Fifty-six percent of
American adults drink coffee daily and on average they drink 3.5 cups per day,
according to the National Coffee Association of U.S.A., Inc.'s 1996 Winter
Coffee Study. The U.S. coffee market consists of two distinct product
categories: (i) commercial ground roast, mass-merchandised coffee, which
includes brands such as Folgers and Maxwell House and (ii) specialty coffees,
which include gourmet coffees (arabica coffees sold in whole bean and ground
form) and premium coffees (upscale coffees mass marketed by the leading coffee
companies).     
 
  The Company believes that the market for specialty coffee is large, growing
and fragmented. The gourmet coffee segment of the industry has experienced
strong growth over the past decade and is expected to continue to grow through
the end of the century. According to Avenues For Growth: A 20-Year Review of
the U.S. Specialty Coffee Market, January 1993, a report published by the
Specialty Coffee Association of America ("SCAA"), the market for gourmet
coffee nearly doubled during the 1980s, as retail sales grew from
approximately $763 million in 1979 to $1.5 billion in 1989. The report
predicts that the gourmet coffee industry will approach $5.0 billion in retail
sales by the year 2000. A National Association of Specialty Food Trade survey
in 1992 confirms the upward trends in gourmet coffee consumption and notes
that the percentage of coffee consumers purchasing gourmet coffee increased
from 22.1% in 1990 to 31.1% in 1992. The Company believes these are the most
up to date reports available on the specialty coffee industry.
 
  The Company believes that several factors have contributed to the increase
in demand for gourmet coffee including:
 
  (i) increasing demand for all premium food products, including gourmet
      coffee, where the differential in price from the commercial brands is
      small compared to the improvement in product quality and taste;
 
  (ii) greater consumer awareness of gourmet coffee and increasing quality
       differentiation between gourmet and commercial grade coffees by
       consumers;
 
  (iii) increasing availability of specialty coffees through channel
        expansion, particularly in gourmet and specialty shops;
 
  (iv) the growing popularity of specialty coffee beverages such as caffe
       latte, cappuccino and espresso; and
 
  (v) ease of preparation of gourmet coffees resulting from the increased use
      of automatic drip coffee makers and home espresso machines.
 
  According to the SCAA, the number of specialty coffee beverage outlets in
the United States, which approximated 200 in 1989 grew to approximately 4,000
in 1995 and will increase to over 10,000 by 1999. The Company believes that,
despite the increase in the number of specialty coffee stores, retail
distribution of specialty coffees is highly fragmented, and with the exception
of a few retailers, the industry remains relatively unbranded.
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
  The goal of New World Coffee is to become the premier high quality specialty
coffee cafe retailer in each market in which it operates. Each element of the
Company's strategy is designed to differentiate and reinforce New World
Coffee's brand identity, to engender a high degree of customer loyalty and to
position the Company as a leading specialty coffee cafe retailer. The key
elements of this strategy include:
 
  . Sophisticated, Comfortable and Inviting Environment. New World Coffee's
specialty coffee cafes are designed to be more sophisticated and comfortable
than those of its competitors while creating an inviting atmosphere through
the use of natural materials and warm lighting. The Company's newer format
stores average approximately 1,800 square feet (compared to approximately 600
square feet previously) and offer an expanded, more comfortable seating area
which enhances the stores use as neighborhood gathering places, along with
expanded retailing sections to enable the Company to capture additional whole
bean and merchandise sales. The Company's sales mix for the quarter ended
December 29, 1996 was 62% beverages, 23% food, 12% beans and 3% merchandise,
compared to 63%, 32%, 5% and 0%, respectively, for the comparable 1995
quarter. New World Coffee's store design has won six design awards and,
Management believes, in conjunction with the Company's quality brand image,
provides a significant advantage in competing both for the repeat coffee
consumer and for prime retail space.
 
  . High Quality, Guaranteed Fresh Roasted Coffee. The Company pursues a
strategy of delivering high quality, guaranteed freshly roasted coffee to its
customers. New World Coffee selects high quality arabica beans from throughout
the world which are then roasted by its roastmasters in small batches to
ensure a peak roasted product. Coffee is delivered to each New World Coffee
location generally within 24 hours of roasting, enabling the Company to
guarantee the freshness of coffee sold in its stores. Any coffee not sold
within ten days of roasting is donated to charity. The Company believes this
guaranteed freshness strategy distinguishes New World Coffee from its
competitors, most of whom deliver vacuum- or valve-packed product to their
stores.
 
  . Superior Customer Service. The friendliness, speed and consistency of the
service and the coffee knowledge of New World Coffee's employees is critical
to developing the Company's quality brand identity and to building a loyal
customer base. To this end, the Company places strong emphasis on identifying,
hiring and retaining employees, invests substantial resources in training them
in customer service, sales skills, the knowledge of coffee and coffee beverage
preparation.
 
  . Branded Marketing. The Company's marketing strategy is to differentiate
its concept based upon (i) promoting the Company's status as a roaster to
establish the Company's legitimacy as a high quality purveyor of award-winning
fresh roasted coffees, (ii) offering a broad and deep selection of food items
to establish the stores as specialty coffee cafes compared to espresso bars
which have a limited food selection, (iii) offering larger stores with
comfortable seating, and a warm environment to establish them as neighborhood
gathering places compared to espresso bars which have limited seating, and
(iv) promoting the distinctive qualities of the Company's new products such as
the New World Freezer and seasonal blends to position the Company as a unique
and innovative retailer. The Company also sponsors local and regional
marketing events. New World Coffee believes that these activities generate
awareness and trial and repeat purchases by reinforcing positive experiences
with the Company's products.
 
  . Site Selection and Regional Expansion. New World Coffee's site selection
strategy is to open stores in residential and shopping areas with strong
demographics, high traffic, high visibility, easy accessibility and parking,
with strong compatible retailers. The Company's expansion strategy is to
rapidly expand its retail store base in both existing and new markets, through
new store openings or acquisitions, in order to secure a leading presence in
each of its markets and to enhance its brand
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
   
awareness. Along with expansion in its existing markets, the Company plans to
enter other markets along the Atlantic seaboard, and has identified the
Washington, D.C. and Boston metropolitan markets as its next expansion
markets. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Company has executed leases
for five additional stores within its existing markets which are not yet open
for business.     
   
  . Franchising. The Company is committed to developing a strong franchise
system by attracting experienced operators, expanding in a controlled manner
and ensuring that each franchisee strictly adheres to the Company's high
standards. The Company seeks to attract franchisees with experience in multi-
unit restaurant operations and with the financial resources and management
capability to open multiple locations. To ensure consistent quality, each
franchisee will be required to purchase coffee beans from the Company and all
other supplies from approved suppliers. The Company will be devoting
significant resources to provide its franchisees with assistance in employee
training, marketing, site selection and store design.     
 
COFFEE
 
  New World Coffee is committed to roasting and marketing only the finest and
freshest coffee. New World Coffee offers a revolving selection that includes
over 30 whole bean blended, unblended and decaffeinated coffees. Rotating its
coffee selection allows the Company to provide its customers with a wider
variety including certain coffees which have limited availability. The Company
typically offers up to 12 unblended and 8 blended coffees at any given time.
 
  Sourcing. The Company focuses on purchasing only the highest grades of
coffee available from the best crops. Barry Levine and Bob Williams, the
Company's Vice Presidents-Coffee, evaluate crop samples on an ongoing basis
and make purchase commitments on the basis of quality, taste and availability.
The Company makes forward commitments for the purchase of all of its coffee to
help ensure adequate supply. Since one pound of coffee is brewed to produce
approximately 40 cups of coffee, increases in the cost of green coffee
historically have not had a material adverse impact on the Company's per cup
cost of coffee. The Company has long-standing relationships with coffee
brokers, growers and exporters, allowing the Company access to the world's
best green coffee.
 
  New World Coffee purchases only the highest grades of arabica coffee as
these grades are the best available from each producing region. These highest
grade arabica coffees are of superior quality to lower grade arabica varieties
or coffee beans of the robusta species. Lower quality beans are typically
found in non-specialty or mass-merchandised coffees and even in many specialty
coffee outlets.
 
  Roasting. The roasting of commercial coffee is often accomplished through a
uniform roasting process that does not differentiate between the types of
coffee. Some specialty roasters also employ this commercial method. New World
Coffee's roasting process, however, varies based upon the variety, origin and
physical characteristics of the coffee and is designed to develop the optimal
flavor and aromatics of each coffee. New World Coffee has several roastmasters
who are directly responsible for overseeing the roasting process. The
roastmasters learn the Company's unique roasting methods during an
apprenticeship with the Company's Vice Presidents--Coffee.
 
  New World Coffee believes that its roasting facility has sufficient capacity
for the Company's planned expansion within the next 12 months. The Company
will continue to assess its roasting and distribution capacity in light of its
planned expansion and its commitment to provide guaranteed fresh roasted
product to all of its locations which it believes is an effective competitive
advantage.
 
  Freshness. New World Coffee is committed to providing its customers with
freshly roasted whole bean coffee and beverages. Freshness is important
because once coffee is roasted it becomes a highly perishable product, and
within 2 weeks, loses a significant amount of flavor. The Company's coffee is
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
delivered to each store at least twice a week, generally within 24 hours of
roasting. This enables the Company to guarantee the freshness of the coffee
sold in its stores. The Company believes that its freshly roasted coffee is
superior to its competitors who deliver vacuum- or valve-packed coffee to
their stores.
 
RETAIL STORES
 
  The Company operates 40 specialty coffee cafes, including 28 in New York,
seven in Connecticut, three in Pennsylvania, and two in New Jersey. New World
Coffee stores feature an award-winning decor and are designed to have a
sophisticated, comfortable and inviting appearance through the use of natural
materials and warm lighting. The Company's newer format stores average
approximately 1,800 square feet (compared to approximately 600 square feet
previously) and offer an expanded, more comfortable seating area which
enhances stores' use as neighborhood gathering places, along with expanded
retailing sections to enable the Company to capture additional whole bean and
merchandise sales. New World Coffee's store design has won six design awards
and, Management believes, in conjunction with the Company's quality brand
image, provides a significant advantage in competing both for the repeat
coffee consumer and for prime retail space.
 
  New World Coffee stores offer, over the course of any given year, more than
30 varieties and blends of fresh roasted coffee, in brewed and whole bean
format, from coffee producing countries around the world. Regular and
decaffeinated "Coffees of the Day" are fresh brewed daily with strict brewing
and freshness standards. The stores also offer a broad range of Italian-style
beverages such as espresso, cappuccino, caffe latte, caffe mocha and espresso
machiato. All espresso based drinks are prepared to order which the Company
believes ensures quality and consistency. New World Coffee offers freshly
squeezed orange and grapefruit juices and lemonade. The tea menu includes a
selection of black, herbal and fruit teas, with one selection offered as the
fresh brewed "Iced Tea of the Day."
 
  New World Coffee stores also offer a broad and deep variety of fresh, high
quality food items. Breakfast offerings include bagels, croissants, muffins,
danishes and scones, lunch offerings include Italian panini sandwiches and
soups and dessert items include various cakes and cookies, dessert muffins,
brownies and biscotti. Management is consistently working with its suppliers
to develop a selection of quality food items which will complement beverage
sales.
 
  Some of the Company's stores also carry selected coffee related merchandise
items including coffee making equipment, french presses, grinders and other
small equipment. The Company's newer, larger format stores include expanded
retailing sections to enable the Company to better capture whole bean and
merchandise sales. For the quarter ended December 29, 1996, the Company's
sales mix was 62% beverages, 23% food items, 12% whole beans and 3%
merchandise, compared to 63%, 32%, 5% and 0%, respectively, for the comparable
1995 quarter.
 
  New World Coffee prices its coffees competitively with the prevailing high-
end coffee prices in each of its markets which the Company believes reflects
the high quality of the Company's coffees and its high level of customer
service. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Company's prices range from
$0.85 for regular brewed coffee to $4.75 for the most expensive espresso
beverages, and from $6.49 to $24.99 per pound for whole bean coffees.
 
SITE SELECTION AND STORE LOCATIONS
 
  New World Coffee's site selection strategy is to open specialty coffee cafes
in high-traffic, high-visibility residential and shopping locations in each of
its target markets. The Company's real estate selection process evaluates
sites based on a variety of factors including neighborhood demographics,
existing traffic patterns, site visibility, site accessibility, availability
of parking, proximity of compatible retailers and potential competitors.
Following this analysis, each site must be approved by senior
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
management in each of the real estate, operations and finance areas. In 1996,
the Company recruited Bruce Morningstar, previously Starbucks' Director-
Northeast Development, to oversee its development process as its Vice
President--Real Estate.
 
  In 1996, the Company focused its site selection strategy to solely target
residential and shopping area sites. The Company's experience indicates that
residential and shopping area sites generally offer more attractive economics
as they typically are open seven days a week and capture breakfast, lunch and
afternoon and evening traffic, compared to business district sites which are
open five days and capture breakfast and lunch traffic only. The residential
and shopping area units can also be staffed and operated more cost effectively
than business district sites due to lower peak traffic constraints.
   
  During fiscal 1996, the Company's average cost to open a store was
approximately $300,000, including all leasehold improvements, equipment,
beginning inventory, as well as all expenses for the store design, site
selection, lease negotiation, construction supervision and permitting. The
Company's eighteen residential and shopping area stores open for the entire
year (including pro forma results for 7 residential and shopping area stores
as if they were acquired by the Company on January 1, 1996) generated average
sales per store of approximately $505,000 and average sales per square foot of
$710. For the quarter ended December 29, 1996, the Company achieved a
chainwide store operating margin of 20.6%.     
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
   
  Set forth below is a list of the Company's 40 open stores and five signed
leases.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                    APPROXIMATE RETAIL
STORE                         LOCATION       DATE OPENED/ACQUIRED     SQUARE FOOTAGE
- -----                     ----------------- ----------------------  ------------------
<S>                       <C>               <C>                     <C>
Sixth Avenue at 10th
 Street*................  New York, NY              02/93                   270
Third Avenue at 67th
 Street*................  New York, NY              07/93                   450
Madison Avenue at 47th
 Street*................  New York, NY              09/93                   650
Broad Street at Stone
 Street.................  New York, NY              02/94                   925
West Broadway at Spring
 Street*................  New York, NY              03/94                   750
Bell Atlantic Tower.....  Philadelphia, PA          04/94                 1,150
Trump Plaza at 62nd
 Street*................  New York, NY              05/94                   475
Columbus Avenue at 80th
 Street*................  New York, NY              06/94                   500
Wall Street at Water
 Street.................  New York, NY              08/94                   450
Seventh Avenue at 38th
 Street.................  New York, NY              09/94                 1,325
Third Avenue at 45th
 Street.................  New York, NY              10/94                   450
57th Street at
 Lexington*.............  New York, NY              10/94                   550
Saks Fifth Avenue at
 Short Hills*...........  Short Hills, NJ           11/94                   400
Olympic Tower...........  New York, NY              11/94                   250
Third Avenue at 50th
 Street.................  New York, NY              12/94                   625
One New York Plaza......  New York, NY              12/94                   875
Market Street at 20th
 Street.................  Philadelphia, PA          12/94                   475
One Broadway at Battery
 Place..................  New York, NY              12/94                   225
Lexington at 84th
 Street*................  New York, NY              02/95                   450
The Shops at Liberty
 Place*.................  Philadelphia, PA          02/95                   275
Riverside Square Mall*..  Bergen County, NJ         04/95                   900
Broadway at 40th Street.  New York, NY              06/95                   800
Sixth Avenue at 12th
 Street*................  New York, NY              06/95                   450
Madison Avenue at 43rd
 Street.................  New York, NY              08/96                   975
125 Seventh Avenue*.....  Brooklyn, NY              06/96                 1,925
Broadway at 75th
 Street*................  New York, NY              06/96                   500
Columbus at 67th
 Street*................  New York, NY              06/96                   860
Broadway at 114th
 Street*................  New York, NY              06/96                 1,120
419 Main Street*........  Ridgefield, CT            09/96                 1,600
1006 Chapel Street*.....  New Haven, CT             10/96                   780
258 Church Street*......  New Haven,CT              10/96                   790
276 York Street*........  New Haven, CT             10/96                 1,125
550 East Main Street....  Branford, CT              10/96                   900
752 Boston Post Road*...  Madison, CT               10/96                   830
60 Temple Street........  New Haven, CT             11/96                 1,450
Route 59/Middletown*....  Nanuet, NY                11/96                 1,600
Third Avenue at 90th
 Street*................  New York, NY              12/96                 1,500
107-24 Continental*.....  Forest Hills, NY          12/96                 2,670
1034 Willis Avenue*.....  Albertson, NY             12/96                 1,350
Cross Roads Shopping
 Center*................  Greenburgh, NY             1/97                 1,980
400 Washington Street*..  Hoboken, NJ       Second Qtr. 1997 (est.)       1,900
102 Westwood Avenue*....  Westwood, NJ      Second Qtr. 1997 (est.)       1,750
162 Spring Street*......  New York, NY      Second Qtr. 1997 (est.)       1,800
132 Seventh Avenue*.....  New York, NY      Second Qtr. 1997 (est.)       1,630
333 Bleeker Street*.....  New York, NY      Third Qtr. 1997 (est.)        1,100
</TABLE>    
- --------
*  Specialty coffee stores located in residential or shopping areas. Other
   stores listed are in business districts.
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
   
FRANCHISE PROGRAM     
   
  General. The Company's rapid growth, quality reputation and attractive unit
economics has allowed the Company to generate interest in a large number of
potential franchisees. The Company considers franchising to be an important
part of the Company's continued growth without the need to return to the
equity markets.     
   
  Approval. Franchisees will be approved on the basis of the applicant's
business background, restaurant or retail operating experience and financial
resources. The Company generally intends to seek franchisees who will enter
into development agreements for multiple stores.     
   
  Franchise and Development Agreements. The Company's franchise agreements
will typically provide for a ten year term, a non-refundable franchise fee of
$25,000 for the initial store and $20,000 for each additional store, a 5%
royalty, a marketing fund contribution of 2%, a required local advertising and
promotion expenditure of 2%, a requirement to purchase coffee beans at
prevailing market prices from the Company, and a $2,500 minimum grand opening
expenditure. The Company has the right to terminate any franchise agreement
for a variety of reasons, including a franchisee's failure to make payments
when due or failure to adhere to the Company's policies and standards. Many
state franchise laws limit the ability of a franchisor to terminate or refuse
to renew a franchise. See "Business--Government Regulation."     
          
  The Company's area development agreements will typically provide for the
development of a specified number of stores within a defined geographic
territory in accordance with a development schedule of store opening dates.
The development schedule generally will range from two to five years and
contain benchmarks for the number of stores to be opened and in operation at
quarterly or semi-annual intervals. Area developers will pay a non-refundable
franchise fee of $25,000 for the initial store and $20,000 for each additional
store, fifty percent of which will be paid at the execution of the agreement,
with the remainder payable in quarterly installments over two years. Breaches
of the agreement, including failure to meet development schedules, may lead to
termination of the limited exclusivity provided by the agreement,
renegotiation of development and franchise provisions or termination of the
right to build future stores, although such termination will not generally
affect existing franchise agreements for developed locations unless such
breaches independently constitute defaults of the franchise agreements. Any
such termination could be contested by the area developer.     
          
  The agreements generally will preclude the Company from operating or
franchising stores within an exclusive territory, except that the Company will
reserve the right to engage in certain special distribution arrangements
within the specified territory.     
   
  Franchise Store Development. The Company will furnish each franchisee with
assistance in selecting sites and developing stores. The Company will provide
its franchisees with the physical specifications for typical stores. Each
franchisee will be responsible for selecting the location for its stores with
the Company's assistance based on accessibility and visibility of the site,
targeted demographic factors, existing traffic patterns, availability of
parking and proximity of compatible retailers and potential competitors. The
Company will provide design plans to the franchisees.     
   
  Franchise Training and Support. Every franchisee will be required to have a
principal operator or manager approved by the Company who satisfactorily
completes the Company's two-week training program and who devotes his or her
full business time and efforts to the operation of the franchisee's stores. In
addition to this program, the Company will provide an on-site training crew
for up to seven days during the opening of franchisee's stores and ongoing
supervision thereafter. Multi-unit franchisees are encouraged to hire a full-
time training coordinator to train new employees for their stores.     
   
  Franchise Operations. All franchisees will be required to operate their New
World Coffee stores in compliance with the Company's policies, standards and
specifications, including matters such as menu items, ingredients, materials,
supplies, services, fixtures, furnishings, decor and signs. Each franchisee
will have full discretion to determine the prices to be charged to its
customers.     
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
   
  Reporting. The Company will collect daily, weekly and monthly sales and
other operating information from its franchisees through the POS system. The
Company's agreements will permit the Company to electronically debit the
franchisees' bank accounts for the payment of royalties, marketing fund
contributions and purchases of products from the roasting plant.     
 
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND TRAINING
 
  The Company believes that the training and knowledge of its employees and
the consistency and quality of the service they deliver are central to the
Company's success. Management believes that an employee oriented culture
creates a sense of personal responsibility among all employees, and pride in
the Company's products, resulting in a higher level of customer service.
 
  Once hired, store employees undergo training in coffee knowledge, beverage
preparation and customer service and sales skills. This training includes
written training materials, lectures, observation and simulation exercises.
The final stage of training is in-store training where employees work for a
two week period implementing their newly learned skills. Retail store managers
receive additional training in advanced coffee knowledge, communication skills
and performance appraisal techniques. The Company encourages its management
and employees to educate customers about the qualitative aspects of coffee and
the differences among each of the Company's blends, as well as the differences
between the Company's coffees and those offered by others.
 
  New World Coffee seeks to attract and retain qualified personnel by offering
an attractive package of compensation, benefits and career growth potential.
The Company's incentive compensation system rewards employees for high quality
service and productivity from a store-level bonus pool. The Company's benefits
package includes medical coverage for full-time and qualifying part-time
workers. In addition, as a rapidly growing business, New World Coffee is able
to offer career advancement opportunities and incentive stock options to all
management personnel. The Company has not experienced any material
difficulties in retaining qualified personnel.
 
STORE OPERATIONS
 
  The typical New World Coffee store is staffed with one manager, two
assistant managers and between 10 and 15 hourly employees, many of whom work
part-time. The hours for each store are established based on location and
customer demand, but typically are from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. or later in
residential and shopping area locations and from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in
business district locations. The store managers are overseen by a district
manager, who is responsible for supervising the operations of up to 10 stores
and who reports to a regional manager.
 
  The Company maintains financial accounting controls for each of its stores
through the use of centralized accounting and management information systems
to track store-by-store performance, produce required management reports, and
track and manage consolidated inventory and purchasing requirements. The
Company's information system currently uses a central computer and state-of-
the-art PC based point-of-sale registers. At present the POS System is polled
nightly via an interface to the central computer, which then creates daily,
weekly and monthly management reports. Sales information is collected daily
from each store and store managers are provided with operating statements for
their locations.
 
MARKETING
 
  The Company's marketing strategy is to differentiate its concept and build a
brand identity based upon (i) promoting the Company's status as a roaster to
establish the Company's legitimacy as a high quality purveyor of award-winning
fresh roasted coffees, (ii) offering a broad and deep selection of food items
to distinguish its specialty coffee cafes from espresso bars which have a
limited food selection, (iii) offering larger stores with comfortable seating,
and a warm environment to establish them as neighborhood gathering places
compared to espresso bars which have limited seating, and (iv) promoting the
distinctive qualities of the Company's new products such as the New World
Freezer and seasonal blends to position the Company as a unique and innovative
retailer.
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
  New World Coffee believes that its ability to source and roast only the
highest quality beans and provide only fresh roasted coffee delivers a
distinguishable advantage in coffee flavor to the consumer. The Company's
marketing materials and in-store decor package emphasize the Company's status
as a roaster and retailer and highlight the Company's efforts to source, roast
and sell only the finest, freshest coffees. These materials also educate
consumers about New World Coffee's fresh roasted coffees as compared to
vacuum- or valve-packed product from other retailers. The Company also
promotes the fact that its coffees have garnered numerous awards over the
years.
 
  To date, the Company has relied primarily on the high visibility of its real
estate locations, word of mouth, public relations, and the inviting atmosphere
of its stores to attract first time customers. The Company's focus on larger,
higher-visibility residential and shopping area sites enhances its ability to
develop a brand identity as they tend to be more visible, higher traffic
residential and shopping sites and also serve as neighborhood gathering
places. In addition, the Company's strategy to offer breadth and depth of high
quality food items serves to distinguish it from other espresso bar
competitors.
 
  The Company seeks to further develop its brand identity through
participation in targeted local events to enhance brand awareness. For
example, in New York, New World Coffee served as the exclusive coffee provider
to the 1993 and 1994 New York City Marathons, the 1995 Seventh on Sixth
Fashion Week shows, and Celebrate 125!, The Museum of Natural History's 125th
Anniversary Celebration, the 1996 Village Jazz Festival and the 1996 Race for
the Arts. The Company also conducts local coffee tastings, samplings at
neighborhood events and frequent purchaser promotions, such as discounts on
its "Coffee of the Month" to generate trial purchases of its products. The
costs of these promotions do not have a material impact on the Company's
operating results.
 
  A steady introduction of new coffee, drink and food products is key to the
Company's marketing strategy to establish the Company as an innovative
retailer, keep the concept fresh and drive incremental sales volume. For
example, in 1995, the Company introduced the New World Freezer, an iced coffee
and milk "slush" drink as a seasonal offering. The Company also develops
seasonal blends such as Summertime Blend, designed to be consumed iced or hot
to complement lighter, warm weather foods and Holiday Blend to complement
richer wintery foods. In addition, "coffees of the day" are designed to
encourage tasting experimentation and enhance customer knowledge of unusual
blends and varieties.
 
  As the Company attempts to enter new markets, it plans to tailor its
marketing strategy to the overall level of awareness and availability of
specialty coffee in that market. In markets which have a less developed
specialty coffee presence, the emphasis of the Company's promotions will
initially be on the fundamental distinctions between New World Coffee and
prepackaged ground coffee. In markets which are more knowledgeable about
specialty coffees, the Company's advertising will focus on the superiority of
New World Coffee's guaranteed freshly roasted products versus competitive
specialty brands. The Company plans to use direct mail, print and other mass
media advertising to expand brand awareness when the Company has achieved a
market penetration which, in the Company's judgment, would make such efforts
cost-effective. There can be no assurance that the Company will achieve such a
level of market penetration.
 
COMPETITION
 
  The Company's coffee beverages compete directly against all restaurant and
beverage outlets that serve coffee and a growing number of espresso stands,
carts and stores. The Company's whole bean coffees compete directly against
specialty coffees sold at retail through supermarkets, shoppers' clubs,
specialty retailers, and a growing number of specialty coffee stores. Both the
Company's whole bean coffees and its coffee beverages compete indirectly
against all other coffees on the market. The Company believes that its
customers choose among retailers primarily on the basis of quality and
convenience and, to a lesser extent, on price.
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
  The Company competes for beverages and whole bean coffee sales with
franchise operators and locally owned specialty coffee stores in the United
States. There are a number of competing specialty coffee retailers, such as:
Starbucks, a Seattle-based operator of gourmet coffee stores, with more than
1,100 locations; Timothy's Coffees of the World, Inc., a Toronto-based
franchisor, with approximately 75 locations; Caribou Coffee Inc., a
Minneapolis-based operator, with approximately 75 locations; and Pasqua's,
Inc., a San Francisco-based operator, with approximately 50 locations. In
addition, in virtually every major metropolitan area in which New World Coffee
operates or expects to enter, local or regional competitors already exist.
 
  Although competition in the specialty coffee market is currently fragmented,
the Company competes and, in the future will increasingly compete with
Starbucks, the market's leading retailer. Starbucks, and others, have
significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources than the
Company. In addition to Starbucks and other current competitors, the
attractiveness of the gourmet specialty coffee store market could draw one or
more new major competitors with substantially greater financial, marketing,
and operating resources than the Company at any time.
 
  The Company also expects that competition for suitable sites for new stores
will be intense. The Company competes against other specialty retailers and
restaurants for these sites, and there can be no assurance that management
will be able to continue to secure adequate sites at acceptable rent levels.
 
  Management believes that supermarkets pose the greatest competitive
challenge in the whole bean coffee market, in part because supermarkets offer
customers the convenience of not having to make a separate trip to the
Company's stores. A number of nationwide coffee manufacturers, such as Kraft
General Foods, Inc., Proctor & Gamble Co., and Nestle S.A., are distributing
premium coffee products in supermarkets, which products may serve as
substitutes for the Company's coffees. Regional specialty coffee companies,
such as Millstone Coffee, Inc., also sell whole bean coffees in supermarkets.
   
GOVERNMENT REGULATION     
   
  The Company is subject to various federal, state and local laws affecting
its business. Each of the Company's stores is subject to licensing and
regulation by a number of governmental authorities, which include health,
safety, sanitation, building and fire agencies in the state or municipality in
which the store is located. Difficulties in obtaining or failures to obtain
required licenses or approvals could delay or prevent the opening of a new
store in a particular area.     
   
  The Company is subject to Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") regulation and
various state laws which regulate the offer and sale of franchises. Several
state laws also regulate substantive aspects of the franchisor-franchisee
relationship. The FTC requires the Company to furnish to prospective
franchisees a franchise offering circular containing prescribed information. A
number of states in which the Company might consider franchising also regulate
the sale of franchises and require registration of the franchise offering
circular with state authorities. Substantive state laws that regulate the
franchisor-franchisee relationship presently exist or are being considered in
a substantial number of states, and bills have been introduced in Congress
from time to time (some of which are now pending) which would provide for
federal regulation of the franchisor-franchisee relationship in certain
respects. The state laws often limit, among other things, the duration and
scope of non-competition provisions and the ability of a franchisor to
terminate or refuse to renew a franchise.     
 
FACILITIES
 
  New World Coffee leases approximately 7,550 square feet in New York, New
York, approximately 1,600 square feet in Branford, Connecticut for
administrative offices and training facilities and 3,800 square feet for a
roasting plant. As of the date of this Prospectus, New World Coffee operates a
total of 40 retail stores all of which are located in leased premises.
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
TRADEMARKS
 
  The Company holds registered name trademarks in the United States for New
World Coffee(R), New World Freezer(R) and Summertime Blend(R) and a design
trademark for its logo.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  As of December 29, 1996 the Company employed a work force of 368 persons,
180 of which are employed full-time, none of whom are currently covered by
collective bargaining agreements. The Company believes its relations with its
employees are satisfactory.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
          
  A holder of shares of Series A Preferred Stock has alleged in a lawsuit
filed against the Company on May 6, 1997 in the Delaware Court of Chancery in
New Castle County, Delaware that the Company breached its obligations to such
holder pursuant to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation because it
failed to notify such holder of the Company's attempt to create Series B
Preferred Stock and failed to obtain the necessary consents of the holders of
Series A Preferred Stock prior to the issuance of Series B Preferred Stock.
Such holder has requested that the court cancel the Series B Preferred Stock
and enjoin the Company from creating any new series of stock on parity with
the Series A Preferred Stock without complying with the Company's Certificate
of Incorporation. The Company is vigorously defending this action. In the
event (i) that such holder of Series A Preferred Stock successfully challenges
the validity of the issuance of Series B Preferred Stock and (ii) such action
results in the cancellation of the Series B Preferred Stock, and (iii) such
action results in monetary damages in a material amount, such event could have
a material adverse effect on the Company, its financial condition, business,
and operations. See "Description of Capital Stock."     
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
                                  MANAGEMENT
   
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES     
   
  The directors, executive officers and key employees of the Company, and
their ages as of March 1, 1997 are as follows:     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
NAME                                           AGE       POSITION WITH THE COMPANY
- ----                                           ---       -------------------------
<S>                                            <C> <C>
R. Ramin Kamfar..............................   33 President and Chief Executive Officer
                                                   and Director
Bruce Morningstar............................   51 Vice President-Real Estate
Jerold E. Novack.............................   41 Vice President Finance
John DeNapoli................................   37 Vice President-Operations
Barry Levine.................................   47 Vice President-Coffee
Robert Williams..............................   48 Vice President-Coffee
Collin Gaffney...............................   48 Director of Franchising and Training
Julie Calise.................................   35 Director of Marketing
Keith F. Barket(1)...........................   35 Director
Jack Bush(2).................................   61 Director
Gwenn M. Cagann..............................   37 Director
Kevin R. Greene(1)(2)........................   38 Director
Ronald S. Hari...............................   55 Director
Edward McCabe................................   59 Director
Steven A. Rothstein..........................   45 Director
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) Member of Audit Committee
(2) Member of Compensation Committee
 
  Mr. Kamfar has served as a director since the founding of the Company. Mr.
Kamfar has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since May 1996.
Between August 1994 and May 1996, Mr. Kamfar served as Co-President and Co-
Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Between October 1993 and August 1994,
Mr. Kamfar served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of
the Company. Between 1988 and 1993, he worked in the Investment Banking
Division of Lehman Brothers Inc., most recently as a Vice President in the
firm's Private Placement Group. Prior to Lehman Brothers, Mr. Kamfar worked at
First Growth (U.K.) Ltd. where he gained experience in real estate finance and
development. Mr. Kamfar has a B.S. degree in Finance from the University of
Maryland and an M.B.A. degree in Finance from The Wharton School at the
University of Pennsylvania.
 
  Mr. Morningstar joined the Company as Vice President-Real Estate in March
1996. From 1994 to 1996, he served as the Director of Development, Northeast
for Starbucks Corporation, where he opened new markets in Atlanta, Richmond,
Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New Jersey and Boston, and further
developed the New York and Washington D.C. markets opening over 100 stores.
From 1992 to 1994, he served as Director of Real Estate for Clothestime
Stores, Inc. From 1987 to 1992, he served as Director of Real Estate for
Woman's World Shops, Inc. Prior to that time, Mr. Morningstar held various
real estate positions with Winchells Donuts, Inc., Payless Shoes, Inc. and
See's Candies. Mr. Morningstar has a B.A. degree in Government from Wesleyan
University and a J.D. degree from South Bay University School of Law.
 
  Mr. Novack joined the Company as Vice President-Finance in June 1994. From
1991 to 1994, he served as Vice President/Controller of The Outdoor Furniture
Store, Inc., a specialty retail chain. From 1988 to 1991, he served as
Controller for Richmond Ceramic Tile, Inc., a retailer and distributor of
ceramic tile. From 1985 to 1988, Mr. Novack served as Assistant Controller for
Brooks Fashion Stores, Inc., a specialty retail chain. Prior to 1985, Mr.
Novack served as Import Division Controller for Mercantile Stores Company,
Inc., a department store chain. Mr. Novack has a B.S. degree in Accounting
from Brooklyn College, City University of New York.
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
  Mr. DeNapoli joined the Company as Vice President-Operations in August 1996.
From 1992 to 1996, Mr. DeNapoli served as Regional Director of Operations for
Atlantic Foods Corporation, where he was responsible for the development and
operation of 46 Boston Market restaurants. From 1987 to 1992, he served as
Vice President of Operations for The American Cafe. Prior to that time, Mr.
DeNapoli held various operations positions with W.R. Grace Restaurant Group,
Marriott International, Corp., and Host International, Inc. Mr. DeNapoli
graduated from the Florida International University with a B.S. in Restaurant
and Hotel Management.
 
  Mr. Levine joined the Company as Vice President-Coffee in October 1996. From
1985 to 1996, he served as co-founder and co-Chief Executive Officer of
Willoughby's, where he jointly directed coffee sourcing and roasting, site
selection, store design, operations, strategic planning and development. From
1980 to 1987 he co-founded and operated New York Bread Express, a wholesale
baked goods distributor. Prior to that time, Mr. Levine held various positions
in the publishing industry.
 
  Mr. Williams joined the Company as Vice President-Coffee in October 1996.
From 1985 to 1996, he served as co-founder and co-Chief Executive Officer of
Willoughby's, where he jointly directed coffee sourcing and roasting, site
selection, store design, operations, strategic planning and development. From
1980 to 1987 he co-founded and operated New York Bread Express, a wholesale
baked goods distributor. Prior to that time Mr. Williams held various
positions in the publishing industry.
   
  Mr. Gaffney joined the Company as Director of Franchising and Training in
March 1997 and is a key employee as set forth in the table. From 1992 to 1997,
he served as, respectively, Director of Franchising, Director of Operations,
and Director of Training for Manhattan Bagel Company during which time the
Company grew from 9 to over 300 stores. Prior to that time Mr. Gaffney held
various positions in the franchise industry.     
   
  Ms. Calise joined the Company as Director of Marketing in June 1996 and is a
key employee as set forth in the table. From 1995 to 1996, she served as
Creative Director-Marketing/Visual for The Coffee Plantation, Inc. where she
was responsible for developing in-store marketing, merchandising and retail
programs. From 1991 to 1994, she was Director of Purchasing/Visual
Merchandising at Hayday, a subsidiary of Sutton Place Gourmet. From 1988 to
1991, she founded and operated Baskets From the Heart, a gift basket business.
Ms. Calise has a B.A. degree in Communications from Curry College.     
 
  Mr. Barket has served as a director of the Company since June 1995. Mr.
Barket is the Managing Director of Amerimar Enterprises Inc., a real estate
investment and development company based in Philadelphia. Mr. Barket has been
with Amerimar since 1988 and has been involved in a variety of office, retail,
residential and hotel projects. From 1984 to 1986, he worked as a senior tax
accountant with Arthur Andersen & Co. in New York City. Mr. Barket received
his B.A. degree from Georgetown University and received his M.B.A. degree from
The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
 
  Mr. Bush has served as a director of the Company since February 1996. Mr.
Bush has served as a Managing Director of Raintree Partners, Inc. since
September 1995. Mr. Bush served as President and Chief Operating Officer of
Michaels Stores, Inc., a retailer of crafts, from 1991 to September 1995. From
1990 to 1991, Mr. Bush served as Executive Vice President, Director of Stores
of Ames Discount Department Stores, Inc. From 1985 to 1990, Mr. Bush worked
for Rose's Stores, Inc., first as Senior Vice President of Operations and
Stores and subsequently as President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to
1985, Mr. Bush served as Vice President Southern Zone Manager with Zayre
Corporation, an operator of discount stores, and served in various positions
with J.C. Penney, Inc. Mr. Bush received a B.S. degree in Business and Public
Administration from the University of Missouri.
 
  Ms. Cagann has served as a director since the founding of the Company. Ms.
Cagann has served as a consultant since May 1996. Between August 1994 and May
1996, Ms. Cagann served as Co-President
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
and Co-Chief Executive of the Company. Between October 1993 and August 1994,
Ms. Cagann served as President of the Company, and between June 1993 and
October 1993, she served as President and Chief Executive Officer. Between
1990 and 1992, she was a Senior Product Manager at Colgate-Palmolive Company.
Ms. Cagann has a B.S. degree in Finance and Marketing from the University of
Illinois and an M.M. degree from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at
Northwestern University.
 
  Mr. Greene has served as a director of the Company since May 1996. Mr.
Greene has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Value Investing
Partners, Inc. since 1992. Between 1986 and 1991, Mr. Greene served as a
Senior Manager at McKinsey & Company, an international management consulting
firm. Mr. Greene has a B.A. in Economics from Georgetown University, an M.P.P.
in International Trade and Finance from Harvard University, and an M.B.A. in
Finance from New York University. Mr. Greene is currently a director of
Specialty Retail Group, Inc.
 
  Mr. Hari has served as a director of the Company since February 1997. Mr.
Hari has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Capico
International, a marketing, investment and consulting firm focusing in the
bakery and food industries since 1985. Mr. Hari has served as Executive Vice
President of Manhattan Bagel Company from 1994 to August 1996. Mr. Hari has a
B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Vermont and an M.B.A.
in Marketing from the University of California, Los Angeles.
 
  Mr. McCabe has served as director of the Company since February 1997. Mr.
McCabe is Chief Executive Officer of McCabe & Company, an advertising and
communications company he founded in 1991. From 1967 to 1986 he served in
various capacities, most recently as President and Worldwide Creative Director
at Scali, McCabe, Sloves, Inc. an advertising agency he co-founded and built
into the tenth largest agency in the world.
 
  Mr. Rothstein has served as a director of the Company since February 1996.
Mr. Rothstein has been Chairman of the Board of National Securities
Corporation, a securities broker-dealer ("National"), since 1995. Since
February 1996, Mr. Rothstein has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Olympic Cascade Financial Corporation, the parent of National. From 1994 to
1995, Mr. Rothstein served as a Managing Director of H.J. Meyers & Co., a
securities broker-dealer. From 1992 to 1994, he served as a Managing Director
of Rodman and Renshaw, Inc., a securities broker-dealer. From 1989 to 1992, he
served as a Managing Director of Oppenheimer & Co. From 1979 to 1989, Mr.
Rothstein was a limited partner of Bear Stearns & Co. Mr. Rothstein received
an A.B. degree from Brown University. Mr. Rothstein is currently a director of
SigmaTron International, Inc. and Gateway Data Science Corporation.
 
  All directors currently serve for one-year terms and until their successors
have been elected and qualified. Officers are elected annually and serve at
the discretion of the Board. There are no family relationships between any of
the directors or executive officers of the Company.
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
  Each non-employee director of the Company is paid $1,000 for each of the
quarterly Board meetings of each calendar year, $500 for each additional Board
meeting held in the same calendar year and $250 for each committee meeting.
Employee directors are not compensated for service provided as directors.
Additionally, each non-employee director shall receive stock options to
purchase 10,000 shares of Common Stock on the date on which such person first
becomes a director, and on October 1 of each year if, on such date, he or she
shall have served on the Company's Board of Directors for at least six months.
The exercise price of such options shall be equal to the market value of the
shares of Common Stock on the date of grant. All directors are reimbursed for
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with attendance of Board
meetings and committee meetings.
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
  Under the Company's 1995 Directors' Option Plan (the "Directors' Option
Plan") a total of 200,000 shares of Common Stock has been reserved for
issuance. The Directors' Option Plan provides for the automatic grant of
nonstatutory stock options to nonemployee directors of the Company.
 
  The Directors' Option Plan will terminate in August 2005. The Board of
Directors may amend or terminate the Directors' Option Plan at any time;
provided, however, that no such action may adversely affect any outstanding
option without the optionee's consent and the provisions affecting the grant
and terms of options may not be amended more than once during any six-month
period. In accordance with Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the "Exchange Act") certain amendments to the Directors' Option
Plan require shareholder approval. Executive officers of the Company are not
eligible to participate in the Directors' Option Plan.
 
1994 STOCK PLAN
 
  The Company's 1994 Stock Plan (the "1994 Plan") provides for the granting to
employees of incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the
Code, and for the granting to employees and consultants of nonstatutory stock
options and stock purchase rights ("SPRs"). The 1994 Plan, in its current
form, was approved by the Board of Directors in August 1994 and by the
stockholders in March 1995. In September 1996, the Company's Board of
Directors and stockholders approved amendments to the 1994 Plan increasing the
number of shares available for grant under the 1994 Plan to 750,000 from
349,874. Unless terminated sooner, the 1994 Plan will terminate automatically
in August 2004. The Board has the authority to amend, suspend or terminate the
1994 Plan, subject to any required stockholder approval under applicable law,
provided that no such action may affect any share of Common Stock previously
issued and sold or any option previously granted under the 1994 Plan.
 
  As of March 1, 1997, options to purchase 583,542 shares have been granted
and will be classified as incentive stock options under the 1994 Plan and
166,458 options were available for grant under the 1994 Plan.
 
  The 1994 Plan may be administered by the Board of Directors or a committee
of the Board (in either case, the "Committee"), which committee is required to
be constituted to comply with Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act
and applicable laws. The Committee has the power to determine the terms of the
options granted, including the exercise price, the number of shares subject to
the option and the exercisability thereof, and the form of consideration
payable upon exercise. Options granted under the 1994 Plan are not generally
transferable by the optionee, and each option is exercisable during the
lifetime of the optionee only by such optionee. Options granted under the 1994
Plan must be exercised within three months of the end of the optionee's status
as an employee or consultant of the Company, or within twelve months after
such optionee's termination by death or disability, but in no event later than
the expiration of the option's term. In the case of SPRs, unless the Committee
determines otherwise, the recipient is required to enter into a Restricted
Stock Purchase Agreement which grants the Company a repurchase option
exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of the purchaser's
employment with the Company for any reason (including death or disability).
The purchase price for shares repurchased pursuant to the Restricted Stock
Purchase Agreement is the original price paid by the purchaser and may be paid
by cancellation of any indebtedness of the purchaser to the Company. The
repurchase option lapses at a rate determined by the Committee. The exercise
price of all incentive stock options granted under the 1994 Plan must be at
least equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
The exercise price of all nonstatutory stock options granted under the 1994
Plan must be at least equal to 85% of the fair market value of the Common
Stock on the date of grant. With respect to any participant who owns stock
possessing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of the Company's
outstanding capital stock, the exercise price of any incentive stock option
granted must equal at least 110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock
on the grant date and the term of the option must not exceed five years. The
term of all other options granted under the 1994 Plan may not exceed ten
years.
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
  The 1994 Plan provides that in the event of a merger of the Company with or
into another corporation, each option must be assumed or an equivalent option
substituted by a successor corporation unless such successor corporation does
not agree to assume the option, in which case the Committee may make the
outstanding option fully vested and exercisable for a period of fifteen days,
unless the Committee, in its discretion, provides otherwise.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
 Summary Compensation
   
  The following table provides certain information concerning the compensation
earned by the Company's Chief Executive Officer and any executive officer of
the Company who received compensation in excess of $100,000 during 1996.     
 
                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                    LONG TERM
                                                                   COMPENSATION
                                      ANNUAL COMPENSATION             AWARDS
                             ------------------------------------- ------------
                                                                    SECURITIES
                                                    OTHER ANNUAL    UNDERLYING     ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION  SALARY ($) BONUS ($) COMPENSATION ($)   OPTIONS    COMPENSATION ($)
- ---------------------------  ---------- --------- ---------------- ------------ ----------------
<S>                          <C>        <C>       <C>              <C>          <C>
R. Ramin Kamfar.........      $118,750   $10,000       $9,000(1)     125,000          --
 Chief Executive Officer
 and President
Jerold E. Novack........       100,000    30,000        6,000(1)      95,000          --
 Vice President--Finance
Sidney Laytin(2)........       134,467     3,247       19,947(1)         --           --
 Executive Vice
 President and Chief
 Operating Officer
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) Represents car and commuting allowances for the respective individuals.
   
(2) Mr. Laytin was no longer employed by the Company as of October 1996.     
 
STOCK OPTION GRANTS
 
  Set forth below is information on grants of stock options for the executive
officers for the period January 1, 1996 to December 29, 1996.
 
                             OPTION GRANTS IN 1996
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
                                   ----------------------------------------------
                                   NUMBER OF     PERCENT OF
                                   SECURITIES   TOTAL OPTIONS EXERCISE
                                   UNDERLYING    GRANTED TO    PRICE
                                     OPTION     EMPLOYEES IN   ($ PER  EXPIRATION
      NAME                          GRANTED      FISCAL YEAR   SHARE)     DATE
      ----                         ----------   ------------- -------- ----------
      <S>                          <C>          <C>           <C>      <C>
      R. Ramin Kamfar.............  115,000(1)      30.8%      $2.31    8/13/06
                                     10,000(2)       2.7        5.50    8/13/06
      Jerold E. Novack............   65,000(3)      12.4        3.87     7/2/06
                                     10,000(4)       2.7        5.50     7/2/06
                                     20,000(5)       5.4        5.50    1/31/06
</TABLE>    
- --------
          
(1) Options were granted on August 13, 1996 and are exercisable with respect
    to 83,334 shares in two equal annual installments commencing on August 13,
    1997 and the remainder of such options, 31,666 shares are exercisable on
    August 13, 1999. The exercise price of the options is equal to the closing
    price on the Nasdaq of the Common Stock on October 1, 1996.     
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
   
(2) Options were granted on August 13, 1996 at the same exercise price as the
    options listed in footnote 2. On October 30, 1996, Mr. Kamfar voluntarily
    repriced such options to $5.50, the initial public offering price of the
    Common Stock. Such options will be exercisable on August 13, 1999.     
   
(3) Options were granted on July 2, 1996. Options relating to 15,000 shares
    were exercisable immediately and the remainder of such options relating to
    25,000 shares are exercisable in three equal annual installments
    commencing July 2, 1997. The exercise price of the options is equal to the
    closing price on the Nasdaq of the Common Stock on July 2, 1996.     
   
(4) On October 30, 1996, Mr. Novack voluntarily repriced certain options to
    $5.50 the initial public offering price of the Common Stock. Such options
    will be exercisable on July 2, 1999.     
   
(5) Options were granted on February 1, 1996. Options relating to 5,000 shares
    were exercisable immediately, options relating to 10,000 shares were
    exercisable on February 1, 1997, and options relating to 5,000 shares will
    be exercisable on February 1, 1998.     
 
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
   
  The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the stock
options held at December 29, 1996 by the Company's executive officers.     
 
                              1996 OPTION VALUES
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                               NUMBER OF  SECURITIES     VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                              UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED     IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
                                OPTIONS AT YEAR END       AT YEAR END ($)(1)
                             ------------------------- -------------------------
NAME                         EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ----                         ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S>                          <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>
R. Ramin Kamfar.............   29,156       139,578      $21,283      $10,641
Jerold E. Novack............   54,987        75,000      $   --           --
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
(1) Calculated based on an assumed share price of $1.50 per share, less the
    exercise price payable for such shares.     
 
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
 
  As of July 1996, the Company entered into a new employment agreement with
Mr. Kamfar, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer. The agreement
expires on December 31, 1997 but is automatically renewed for additional one-
year periods commencing each January 1 unless either party gives written
notice to the other of its desire not to renew such term, which notice must be
given no later than ninety (90) days prior to the end of each term on any such
renewal. The agreement provides for a compensation package of $137,500 per
year, an annual performance bonus of between 10% and 50% of the base salary
for calendar year 1996, and an annual performance bonus of between 0% and 50%
of the base salary for calendar year 1997. Each bonus is based on the
attainment of certain corporate and individual goals. In addition, pursuant to
the agreement, Mr. Kamfar was granted options on 125,000 shares of the
Company's Common Stock. The options were classified as incentive stock options
under the 1994 Plan. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Kamfar has agreed to
maintain the confidentiality of any confidential or proprietary information of
the Company.
 
  In the event that the Company terminates Mr. Kamfar's employment upon a
change in control or terminates Mr. Kamfar's employment other than for cause,
he will be paid severance compensation equal to two times his annual base
salary (at the rate payable at the time of such termination) plus an amount
equal to the greater of two times the amount of his bonus for the calendar
year preceding such termination or 25% of his base salary. For a period of one
year following Mr. Kamfar's voluntary termination or termination for cause,
Mr. Kamfar cannot perform services for, have an equity interest (except for an
interest of 10% or less in an entity whose securities are listed on a national
securities exchange) in any business (other than the Company) or participate
in the financing, operation, management or control of, any firm, corporation
or business (other than the Company) that engages in the marketing or sale of
specialty coffee as its principal business.
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
  Mr. Kamfar's employment agreement defines a "change of control" as: 1) the
acquisition of more than 40% of the voting stock of the Company by a single
person or group; 2) a change in the majority of the Board of Directors as a
result of a cash tender offer, merger, sale of assets or contested election;
3) the approval by shareholders of the Company of a merger or sale of all or
substantially all of the Company's assets; 4) the closing of a transaction in
which more than 50% of the Company's voting power is transferred and 5) a
tender offer which results in a person or a group acquiring more than 40% of
the Company.
 
  As of July 1996, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr.
Novack, the Company's Chief Financial Officer. The agreement expires on June
30, 1997. The agreement provides for a compensation package of $110,000 per
year and an annual performance bonus of 20% to 50% of the base salary based on
the attainment of certain corporate and individual goals. In addition,
pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Novack was granted options on 75,000 shares of
the Company's Common Stock. The options were classified as incentive stock
options under the 1994 Plan. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Novack has agreed
to maintain the confidentiality of any confidential or proprietary information
of the Company.
  In the event that the Company terminates Mr. Novack's employment other than
for cause, he will be paid severance compensation equal to his base salary (at
the rate payable at the time of such termination) for a period of six months.
In the event of Mr. Novack's voluntary termination, as defined in the
agreement, subsequent to December 31, 1996, he will be paid severance
compensation equal to his base salary (at the rate payable at the time of such
termination) for a period of three months. For a period of one year following
Mr. Novack's voluntary termination or termination for cause, Mr. Novack cannot
perform services for, have an equity interest (except for an interest of 5% or
less in an entity whose securities are listed on a national securities
exchange) in any business (other than the Company) or participate in the
financing, operation, management or control of, any firm, corporation or
business that engages in the marketing or sale of specialty coffee as its
principal business.
 
  In January 1997, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr.
Morningstar, the Company's Vice President-Real Estate. The agreement expires
on June 30, 1998. The agreement provides for a compensation package of
$112,500 per year and an annual performance bonus of an amount not exceeding
30% of the base salary based on the attainment of certain corporate and
individual goals. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Mr. Morningstar has
agreed to maintain the confidentiality of any proprietary information of the
Company.
 
  In the event that the Company terminates Mr. Morningstar's employment other
than for cause, he will be paid severance compensation equal to his base
salary (at the rate payable at the time of such termination) for a period of
up to six months. For a period of one year following Mr. Morningstar's
voluntary termination or termination for cause, Mr. Morningstar cannot perform
services for, have an equity interest (except for an interest of 5% or less in
an entity whose securities are listed on a national securities exchange) in
any business (other than the Company) or participate in the financing,
operation, management or control of, any firm, corporation or business that
engages in the marketing or sale of specialty coffee as its principal
business.
 
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS AND RELATED MATTERS
 
  The Company's Certificate of Incorporation limits, to the maximum extent
permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("Delaware
Law"), the personal liability of directors and officers for monetary damages
for breach of their fiduciary duties as directors and officers (other than
liabilities arising from acts or omissions which involve intentional
misconduct, fraud or knowing violations of law or the payment of distributions
in violation of Delaware Law). The Certificate of Incorporation provides
further that the Company shall indemnify to the fullest extent permitted by
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
Delaware Law any person made a party to an action or proceeding by reason of
the fact that such person was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
Company. Subject to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws
provide that the Company shall indemnify directors and officers for all costs
reasonably incurred in connection with any action, suit or proceeding in which
such director or officer is made a party by virtue of his being an officer or
director of the Company except where such director or officer is finally
adjudged to have been derelict in the performance of his duties as such
director or officer.
 
  At present, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving any
director, officer, employee or agent of the Company where indemnification will
be required or permitted. The Company is not aware of any threatened
litigation or proceeding which may result in a claim for such indemnification.
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
                CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
  In April and June 1995, the Company sold 631,579 shares of its Series C
Preferred Stock to certain investors, including 421,052 to Maritime Capital
Partners, at a purchase price of $4.75 per share. Andrew Evans, who was then a
director of the Company, is a general partner of Maritime Capital Partners.
Smith Barney Inc. acted as placement agent for the private placement of
certain of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock and earned an aggregate of
$166,500 in commissions and expenses. Cary Sucoff, then a director of the
Company, was a Senior Vice President of Smith Barney Inc. at the time.
   
  In July 1995, the Company entered into an agreement with Maritime Capital
Partners giving the Company the right, until January 1996, to repurchase such
421,052 shares of Series C Preferred Stock (or the Common Stock into which
such shares are convertible) from Maritime Capital Partners for consideration
of approximately $2,000,000. In December 1995, this agreement was amended to
extend the Company's repurchase right until March 31, 1996. In connection with
the agreement and the amendment, the Company issued Maritime Capital Partners
a warrant to purchase 87,469 shares of Common Stock at $0.017 per share and a
warrant to purchase 25,000 shares of Common Stock at $0.01 per share. The
Company repurchased these shares of Series C Preferred Stock at the closing of
the Company's initial public offering, with a portion of the net proceeds from
such offering.     
 
  In December 1995 and January 1996, the Company entered into a bridge loan
transaction with a group of institutional and individual lenders including
several affiliates of the Company. Of the total loan amount of $1,000,000, the
Company borrowed $30,000 from Keith Barket (a director of the Company),
$25,000 from KFB, Inc. (a company affiliated with Keith Barket), $25,000 from
Jerold Novack and $45,000 from Jerold Novack as custodian for his minor
children. The loan carried an interest rate of 10% and matured on the earlier
of 10 days after the closing of a public offering or June 30, 1996. In
connection with the loan, the Company issued to each lender a warrant
exercisable until December 31, 1998 to purchase, for $0.01 per share, a number
of shares of Common Stock determined by dividing such lender's loan amount by
$5.50 (5,455 for Keith Barket, 4,545 for KFB, Inc., 4,545 for Jerold Novack
and 8,182 for Jerold Novack as custodian for his minor children). The warrants
were exercisable immediately, but the shares issued pursuant to the warrants
were subject to a six month lock-up agreement.
 
  On May 30, 1996, the Company entered into a one year consulting agreement
with Gwenn M. Cagann whereby the Company was obligated to pay Ms. Cagann
$88,784 upon execution of such consulting agreement and $25,000 in twelve (12)
equal monthly installments. Pursuant to such consulting agreement Ms. Cagann
may not directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the
Company, compete with the Company until June 1, 1997. In addition, Ms. Cagann
has agreed that all confidential information relating to the business or
operations of the Company shall be treated as confidential for a period
terminating five (5) years after the end of the consulting period thereafter
except (a) as may be permitted in writing by the Company's Board of Directors,
or (b) as required by judicial or administrative process.
 
  Value Investing Partners, Inc. was paid a commission for selling certain
shares of the Series A Preferred Stock which was completed on June 28, 1996.
Kevin R. Greene, a director of the Company, is the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Value Investing Partners, Inc.
 
  The Company's initial public offering, which became effective on February 1,
1996, was co-managed by National Securities Corporation and Value Investing
Partners, Inc. (collectively, the "Representatives"). Steven A. Rothstein and
Kevin R. Greene, who are directors of the Company, are the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of National Securities Corporation and Value Investing
Partners, Inc., respectively. Mr. Rothstein and Mr. Greene were not directors
of the Company at the time of the Company's initial public offering. The
Company has agreed that, for three years following its
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
initial public offering, it will use its best efforts to cause one individual
designated by the Representatives, if any, to be elected to the Company's
Board of Directors.
 
  All future transactions, including loans, between the Company and its
officers, directors, principal shareholders and affiliates will be approved by
a majority of the Board of Directors, including a majority of the independent
and disinterested outside directors on the Board of Directors, and will be on
terms no less favorable to the Company than could be obtained from
unaffiliated third parties.
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
                   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
                             OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
   
  The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial
ownership of the Company's Common Stock as of May 1, 1997, and as adjusted to
reflect the sale of Common Stock offered by this Prospectus, (i) by each
person (or group of affiliated persons) who is known by the Company to own
beneficially more than five percent of the Company's Common Stock, (ii) by
each of the Company's executive officers, (iii) by each of the Company's
directors, and (iv) by all directors and executive officers as a group. The
Company believes that the persons and entities named in the table have sole
voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock shown
as beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws, where
applicable.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                      PERCENTAGE AFTER
                                         SHARES         PERCENTAGE -----------------------
                                      BENEFICIALLY       PRIOR TO    MINIMUM     MAXIMUM
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER     OWNED           OFFERING  OFFERING(1) OFFERING(1)
- ------------------------------------  ------------      ---------- ----------- -----------
<S>                                   <C>               <C>        <C>         <C>
Lutheran Brotherhood......               537,900            8.6%       8.4%        6.8%
 625 Fourth Avenue
 5th Floor
 Minneapolis, MN 55415
Robertson Stephens Global
Low-Priced Stock Fund.....               432,000            6.9%       6.6%        5.5%
 555 California Street
 San Francisco, CA 94104
R. Ramin Kamfar...........               426,120(2)         6.8%       6.6%        5.4%
 Chief Executive Officer
 and
 President and Director
Gwenn M. Cagann...........               345,296(3)(4)      5.5%       5.3%        4.3%
 Director
Kevin R. Greene...........               144,159(5)         2.3%       2.2%        1.8%
 Director
Jerold E. Novack..........               103,315(6)         1.6%       1.6%        1.3%
 Vice President-Finance
Steven A. Rothstein.......                94,100(7)         1.5%       1.4%        1.2%
 Director
Keith F. Barket...........                37,837(8)           *          *           *
 Director
Jack Bush.................                14,000(8)           *          *           *
 Director
Ronald S. Hari............                11,000(9)           *          *           *
 Director
Edward McCabe.............                10,000(9)           *          *           *
 Director
All directors and
 executive officers
 as a group (9 persons)...             1,185,827           17.7%      17.2%       14.1%
</TABLE>    
- --------
 * Less than one percent (1%).
   
(1) Assumes the issuance of 166,667 and 1,666,667 shares in the Minimum
    Offering and Maximum Offering, respectively.     
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
(2) Includes 29,156 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options
    which will be exercisable within 60 days. Does not include 139,578 shares
    underlying stock options which are not exercisable within 60 days.
(3) Includes 53,734 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options
    which will be exercisable within 60 days.
(4) Ms. Cagann is married to Ross A. MacIntyre who is also a shareholder. Each
    holds his or her shares pursuant to a separate property agreement.
    Accordingly, each disclaims beneficial ownership of the other's shares.
(5) Includes 141,159 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of
    presently exercisable options and warrants.
(6) Includes 103,315 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of
    presently exercisable options. Does not include 65,000 shares underlying
    stock options which are not exercisable within 60 days.
(7) Includes 94,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of
    presently exercisable common stock purchase warrants and 100 shares which
    are owned by one of Mr. Rothstein's children.
(8) Includes 14,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of
    presently exercisable options.
(9) Includes 10,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of
    presently exercisable options.
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
   
  The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 20,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, $0.001 par value, and 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock,
$0.001 par value. As of May 1, 1997, 6,245,498 shares of Common Stock, 145
shares of Series A Preferred Stock and 137.5 shares of Series B Preferred
Stock were outstanding.     
 
COMMON STOCK
 
  The holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all
matters to be voted on by stockholders and are entitled to receive such
dividends, if any, as may be declared from time-to-time by the Board of
Directors from funds legally available therefor, subject to the dividend
preferences of the Preferred Stock, if any. Each member of the Company's Board
of Directors stands for election at each annual meeting of the Company's
stockholders. Upon liquidation or dissolution of the Company, the holders of
Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets available for
distribution after payment of liabilities and liquidation preferences of the
Preferred Stock, if any. Holders of Common Stock have no preemptive rights, no
cumulative voting rights and no rights to convert their Common Stock into any
other securities. Any action taken by common stockholders must be taken at an
annual or special meeting and may not be taken by written consent. The
outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and the shares of Common Stock to be
outstanding upon the completion of this Offering will be, fully paid and
nonassessable.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
   
  The Company's authorized capital stock includes 2,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock, $.001 par value per share. As of May 1, 1997, the Company had
no shares of Preferred Stock outstanding except for 145 shares of Series A
Preferred Stock and 137.5 shares of Series B Preferred Stock described below.
The Company has entered into an agreement with the holder of 30 shares of
Series A Preferred Stock to exchange such shares for registered shares of
Common Stock. The Company continues to negotiate with the holders of 115
shares of Series A Preferred Stock to exchange such shares for Series B
Preferred Stock and/or unregistered shares of Common Stock. The Board of
Directors of the Company has the authority, without shareholder approval, to
issue the Preferred Stock in one or more series and to fix the relative rights
and preferences thereof. The terms of such Preferred Stock could include the
right to vote, separately or with any other series of Preferred Stock, on any
proposed amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation or any other
proposed corporate action, including business combinations and other
transactions. Such rights could adversely affect the voting power of the
holders of Common Stock. In addition, the ability of the Company to issue the
authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock could be utilized to impede
potential take-overs of the Company.     
 
SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
 
  The Series A Preferred Stock ranks: (i) junior to any other class or series
of capital stock of the Company hereafter created specifically ranking by its
terms senior to the Series A Preferred Stock (collectively, the "Senior
Securities"); (ii) prior to all the Common Stock; (iii) prior to any class or
series of capital stock of the Company hereafter created not specifically
ranking by its terms senior to or on parity with any Series A Preferred Stock
of whatever subdivision (collectively, with the Common Stock, "Junior
Securities"); and (iv) on parity with the Series B Preferred Stock and any
class or series of capital stock of the Company hereafter created specifically
ranking by its terms on parity with the Series A Preferred Stock ("Parity
Securities") in each case as to distributions of assets upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary.
 
  The Series A Preferred Stock bears no dividends, and the holders of shares
of Series A Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to received dividends on the
Series A Preferred Stock.
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
  In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company,
either voluntary or involuntary, the Holders of shares of Series A Preferred
Stock shall be entitled to receive, immediately after any distributions to the
Senior Securities required by the Company's Certificate of Incorporation or
any certificate of designation, and prior in preference to any distribution to
Junior Securities but in parity with any distribution to Parity Securities, an
amount per share equal to the sum of (i) $10,000 for each outstanding share of
Series A Preferred Stock and (ii) an amount equal to eight percent (8%) of
$10,000 per annum for the period that has passed since the date that, in
connection with the consummation of the purchase by Holder of shares of Series
A Preferred Stock from the Company, the escrow agent first had in its
possession funds representing full payment for the shares of Series A
Preferred Stock.
   
  Right to Convert. Each record holder of shares of Series A Preferred Stock
shall be entitled, subject to the Company's right of redemption under certain
circumstances, to convert Series A Preferred Stock (in multiples of one (1)
share) into that number of fully-paid and non-assessable shares of Common
Stock of the Company calculated in accordance with a formula set forth in the
Series A Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation. Assuming conversion as of
May 7, 1997, the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock were
convertible into an aggregate 974,790 shares of Common Stock.     
 
  The Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock have no voting power whatsoever,
except as otherwise provided by Delaware Law.
 
  Pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation of Series A
Preferred Stock, the Company may not create a new series of stock on parity
with the Series A Preferred Stock without the prior approval of the Holders
representing at least 75% of the then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred
Stock and at least 75% of the then outstanding Holders. In connection with the
creation of the Series B Preferred Stock, the Company has obtained the consent
of at least 75% of the then outstanding Holders but has not yet obtained the
consent of at least 75% of the then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred
Stock.
          
  A holder of shares of Series A Preferred Stock has alleged in a lawsuit
filed against the Company on May 6, 1997 in the Delaware Court of Chancery in
New Castle County, Delaware that the Company breached its obligations to such
holder pursuant to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation because it
failed to notify such holder of the Company's attempt to create Series B
Preferred Stock and failed to obtain the necessary consents of the holders of
Series A Preferred Stock prior to the issuance of Series B Preferred Stock.
Such holder has requested that the court cancel the Series B Preferred Stock
and enjoin the Company from creating any new series of stock on parity with
the Series A Preferred Stock without complying with the Company's Certificate
of Incorporation. The Company is vigorously defending this action. In the
event (i) that such holder of Series A Preferred Stock successfully challenges
the validity of the issuance of Series B Preferred Stock and (ii) such action
results in the cancellation of the Series B Preferred Stock, and (iii) such
action results in monetary damages in a material amount, such event could have
a material adverse effect on the Company, its financial condition, business,
and operations. See "Description of Capital Stock."     
 
  Pursuant to the terms of a registration rights agreement, the Company is
obligated to file a registration statement under the Securities Act with
respect to the shares of Common Stock into which the shares of Series A
Preferred Stock may be converted. As of the date of this Prospectus, the
Company has not satisfied such obligation. The Company intends to file a
registration statement with respect to such shares following the date of this
Prospectus.
 
SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK
 
  The Series B Preferred Stock ranks: (i) junior to any other class or series
of capital stock of the Company hereafter created specifically ranking by its
terms senior to the Series B Preferred Stock (collectively, the "Senior B
Securities"); (ii) prior to all the Common Stock; (iii) prior to any class or
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
series of capital stock of the Company hereafter created not specifically
ranking by its terms senior to or on parity with any Series B Preferred Stock
(collectively with the Common Stock, "Junior B Securities"); (iv) on parity
with the Series A Preferred Stock and any class or series of capital stock of
the Company hereafter created specifically ranking by its terms on parity with
the Series B Preferred Stock ("Parity B Securities") in each case as to
distributions of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company, whether voluntary or involuntary.
 
  The Series B Preferred Stock bears no dividends and the holders of shares of
Series B Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to receive dividends on the
Series B Preferred Stock.
 
  In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company,
either voluntary or involuntary, the Holders of Series B Preferred Stock shall
be entitled to receive, immediately after any distributions to the Senior B
Securities required by the Company's Certificate of Incorporation or any
certificate of designation, and prior in preference to any distribution to
Junior B Securities but in parity with any distribution to Parity B
Securities, an amount per share equal to the sum of (i) $11,800 (the "Original
Series B Issue Price") for each outstanding share of Series B Preferred Stock
and (ii) an amount equal to eight percent (8%) of the Original Series B Issue
Price per annum (the "Series B Premium") for the period that has passed since
the date of issuance (the "Issue Date") of Series B Preferred Stock by the
Company.
 
  Each record holder of shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall be entitled
(at the times and in the amounts set forth below) and subject to the Company's
right of redemption under certain circumstances to convert whole or (if
necessary to convert the maximum amount allowable) fractional shares of Series
B Preferred Stock as follows:
 
  Lock-Up Period. The Series B Preferred Stock shall not be convertible into
Common Stock until six (6) months following December 1, 1996 (the "Lock-Up
Period").
 
  Conversion Quota. Beginning on the first day following the termination of
the Lock-Up Period (the "Initial Conversion Gate"), each Holder shall accrue
the right to convert into Common Stock up to 20% of the aggregate number of
shares of Series B Preferred Stock issued to such Holder, and for each month
that expires thereafter, Holder shall accrue (the "Accrual Rate") the right to
convert an additional 20% of the shares of the Series B Preferred Stock issued
to such Holder (the number of shares that may be converted at any time, in the
aggregate, is herein referred to as the Conversion Quota), all at the Series B
Conversion Rate (as defined below). In the event that Holder elects not to
convert its full Conversion Quota during any month, the unconverted amount
shall be carried forward and added to the Conversion Quota. Each Holder may,
from time to time, convert any portion of the Conversion Quota; provided,
however, that in no event shall Holder convert during any month more than 25%
of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock issued to Holder.
   
  If the Closing Bid Price (as defined in the Certificate of Designation of
Series B Preferred Stock) of the Common Stock is $3.40 or greater for twenty
consecutive trading days at any time before the end of the Lock-Up Period,
notwithstanding the Lock-Up Period, each Holder's Accrual Rate for each month
during which the twentieth day of such trading days falls shall equal 25% of
the shares of Series B Preferred Stock issued to such Holder.     
   
  The Initial Conversion Gate and each subsequent one month period referenced
above are hereinafter referred to singularly as a Conversion Gate. At the
applicable Conversion Gate and at any time thereafter, the percentage of
Series B Preferred Stock issued to such Holder which is available for
conversion as set forth above is convertible into that number of fully-paid
and non-assessable shares of Common Stock of the Company calculated in
accordance with a formula set forth in the Certificate of Designation of
Series B Preferred Stock (the "Series B Conversion Rate"). Assuming conversion
as of May 7, 1997, the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock were
convertible into an aggregate 477,207 shares of Common Stock.     
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
  The Holders of the Series B Preferred Stock have no voting power whatsoever,
except as provided by Delaware Law.
 
  Pursuant to the terms of agreements entered into between the Company and
holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock, the Company is required to
register under the Securities Act the shares of Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock within 60 days after the completion
of the exchange of the Series A Preferred Stock for Series B Preferred Stock
and/or unregistered shares of Common Stock. The Company intends to file a
registration statement with respect to such shares following the date of this
Prospectus.
 
WARRANTS
   
  As of May 7, 1997, the Company had outstanding warrants exercisable for an
aggregate of 757,398 shares of Common Stock at a weighted average exercise
price of $5.64 per share.     
 
TRANSFER AGENT
 
  The transfer agent for the Common Stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust
Company.
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
   
  Sales of a substantial number of shares of Common Stock into the public
market following the date of this Prospectus could materially adversely affect
the prevailing market price for the Common Stock. In addition to the shares of
Common Stock offered hereby, as of the Effective Date, there will be 6,245,498
shares of Common Stock outstanding, 1,194,440 of such shares are Restricted
Shares. The Company is obligated to file registration statements covering the
resale of all Restricted Shares. With respect to the shares issuable upon
conversion of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, the Company
is currently obligated to fulfill its registration obligation. The Company is
negotiating with the holders of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred
Stock to exchange such shares for Series B Preferred Stock and/or unregistered
shares of Common Stock. With respect to the shares issuable in connection with
the exchange of Series A Preferred Stock and upon conversion of the Series B
Preferred Stock, the Company will become obligated to file a registration
statement within 60 days after the completion of the exchange of Series A
Preferred Stock for Series B Preferred Stock and/or unregistered shares of
Common Stock. Subject to certain exceptions, no shares of Series B Preferred
Stock may be converted into Common Stock until June 1, 1997 at which time such
shares of Preferred Stock may be converted at a rate not to exceed 25% per
month. In April 1997, the Company filed registration statements on behalf of
an aggregate of 1,312,727 Restricted Shares.     
          
  In general, under Rule 144, beginning May 1, 1997, a person (or persons
whose shares are aggregated), who has beneficially owned shares for at least
one year, including a person who may be deemed an Affiliate of the Company,
may sell within any three-month period, a number of shares of Common Stock
that does not exceed the greater of (1) 1% of the then outstanding shares of
Common Stock of the Company (approximately 64,122 or 79,122 shares immediately
after the Minimum Offering or Maximum Offering, respectively) or (ii) the
average weekly trading volume in the Common Stock as reported through the
Nasdaq during the four calendar weeks preceding the sale. Sales under Rule 144
are also subject to certain restrictions relating to manner of sale, notice
and the availability of current public information about the Company. In
addition, under Rule 144(k), a person who is not an Affiliate of the Company
at any time (90) days preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned shares
for at least two years, would be entitled to sell such shares immediately
following this offering without regard to the volume limitations, manner of
sale provisions or notice or other requirements of Rule 144.     
 
  Any employee, officer or director or consultant to the Company who purchased
his or her shares pursuant to a written compensatory plan or contract may be
entitled to rely on the resale provisions of Rule 701. Rule 701 permits
affiliates to sell their Rule 701 shares under Rule 144 without complying with
the holding period requirements of Rule 144. Rule 701 further provides that
non-affiliates may sell such shares in reliance on Rule 144 without having to
comply with the public information, volume limitation or notice provisions of
Rule 144. In both cases, a holder of Rule 701 shares is required to wait until
90 days after the date of this Prospectus before selling such shares.
 
  Certain holders of shares of Common Stock of the Company are entitled to
certain registration rights. See "Description of Capital Stock--Registration
Rights."
   
  The Company intends to file registration statements on Form S-8 under the
Securities Act to register the shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
under its 1994 Plan and the Director's Option Plan, thus permitting the resale
of such shares by nonaffiliates in the public market without restriction under
the Securities Act, subject to vesting restrictions with the Company. All such
shares shall be subject to the officer and director lock-up agreements
described above. As of May 7, 1997, there were a total of approximately
680,724 shares subject to options which are expected to be the subject matter
of such registration statements.     
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
                             PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
          
  The shares of Common Stock are being offered directly by the Company. The
Minimum Offering is being offered on a "best efforts" basis. The proceeds from
the sale of the Common Stock will be held in an escrow account for the benefit
of the subscribers by the Escrow Agent until the Minimum Offering has been
sold or earlier termination of the Offering. In the event that subscriptions
for the Minimum Offering are not received by the Termination Date, the
Offering will terminate and all funds will be returned promptly by the Escrow
Agent without any deductions therefrom or interest thereon. In any event, this
Offering will expire on the earlier to occur of (i) 45 days after the date of
this Prospectus or (ii) the sale of all the Common Stock offered hereby.     
          
  The Company reserves the right to seek the support of certain members of the
National Association of Securities Dealers ("Finders") to assist with
introductions to prospective investors. In this regard such Finders will be
paid a finder's fee equal to eight and one-half percent of the gross price
paid by purchasers of the Common Stock.     
   
  Proceeds may be sent by check or wire transfer to American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company as Escrow Agent. During the period of the escrow, subscribers
will not have the right to any return of subscriptions, and no interest will
be paid on escrow funds.     
   
  In the event that subscriptions for the Minimum Offering are not received by
the Termination Date, the Offering will terminate and all funds will be
returned promptly by the Escrow Agent without interest and without any
deduction therefrom.     
       
       
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
       
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
   
  The validity of the Common Stock offered hereby will be passed upon for the
Company by Camhy, Karlinsky & Stein LLP, New York, New York. A partner of
Camhy Karlinsky & Stein LLP serves at the request of the Board of Directors of
the Company as Secretary of the Company. Such partner beneficially owns 3,000
shares of Common Stock. In addition, such partner and one other partner hold
options to acquire an aggregate of 50,000 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $5.50 per share.     
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The financial statements of New World Coffee, Inc. for the years ended
December 29, 1996 and December 31, 1995, included in this Prospectus and
elsewhere in the registration statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen
LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their report with respect
thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm
as experts in accounting and auditing in giving said reports.
 
                            ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
  The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act, and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").
Such reports, proxy statements and other information may be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room
1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at
the Northeast Regional Office of the Commission at Seven World Trade Center,
Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and Northwestern Atrium Center, and at
the Midwest Regional Office of the Commission located at Citicorp Center, 500
W. Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies may be
obtained at the prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington,
D.C. 20549. The Commission maintains a Web Site that contains reports, proxy
information and statements and other information regarding the Registrant that
is filed electronically with the Commission and the address is
http://www.sec.gov.
 
  The Company has filed with the Commission in Washington, D.C. a Registration
Statement on Form SB-2 (together with all amendments thereto, the
"Registration Statement"), under the Securities Act with respect to the shares
of Common Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all the
information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits and
schedules filed therewith, certain portions of which have been omitted as
permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further
information with respect to the Company and the Common Stock offered hereby,
reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and to the exhibits and
schedules filed therewith. Statements contained in this Prospectus regarding
the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily
complete and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such contract
or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such
statement being deemed to be qualified in its entirety by such reference. The
Registration Statement, including all exhibits and schedules thereto, may be
inspected without charge at the principal office of the Commission, at
Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549,
and at the Midwest Regional Office of the Commission located at Citicorp
Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and
at the Northeast Regional office of the Commission at Seven World Trade
Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material may be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, upon the payment of
prescribed fees.
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
  The Company intends to furnish its stockholders with annual reports
containing financial statements certified by an independent public accounting
firm and quarterly reports containing unaudited financial information for the
first three quarters of each fiscal year.
 
  The Company will provide without charge to each person who receives a
prospectus, upon written or oral request of such person, a copy of any of the
information that was incorporated by reference in the Prospectus (not
including exhibits to the information that is incorporated by reference unless
the exhibits are themselves specifically incorporated by reference). Such
requests should be made to Mr. Jerold Novack, Vice President--Finance, at New
World Coffee, Inc., 379 West Broadway, New York, New York 10012, (212) 343-
0552.
 
                     DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON
                INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES
 
  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been
advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Company on the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities
being registered, the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed
by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
 
 
                             NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC.
 
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 29, 1996
                         TOGETHER WITH AUDITORS' REPORT
 
<PAGE>
 
                      NEW WORLD COFFEE INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         PAGE
                                                                      ----------
<S>                                                                   <C>
Report of independent public accountants.............................        F-2
Financial statements:
  Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 29, 1996.................        F-3
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December
   31, 1995 and December 29, 1996....................................        F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in the Stockholders' Equity for
   the Years Ended December 31, 1995 and December 29, 1996...........        F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December
   31, 1995 and December 29, 1996....................................        F-6
  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements..................... F-7 - F-16
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
                   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To New World Coffee, Inc.:
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of New World
Coffee, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiary as of December 29, 1996,
and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1995 and
December 29, 1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of New World Coffee, Inc. and
subsidiary as of December 29, 1996 and the results of their operations and
their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1995 and December 29, 1996,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          Arthur Andersen, LLP
 
New York, New York
March 6, 1997
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 
                               DECEMBER 29, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                               <C>
                                    ASSETS
                                    ------
Current Assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents...................................... $  1,419,786
  Receivables....................................................      288,329
  Inventories....................................................      450,722
  Prepaid expenses...............................................      116,533
                                                                  -------------
    Total current assets.........................................    2,275,370
Property and equipment, net......................................   10,208,339
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $69,851.............    3,567,721
Other assets, net................................................      904,757
                                                                  -------------
    Total assets................................................. $ 16,956,187
                                                                  =============
                     LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                     ------------------------------------
Current Liabilities:
  Accounts payable............................................... $    866,098
  Accrued expenses...............................................    1,100,942
  Accrued compensation...........................................      318,487
  Current portion of notes payable...............................      846,645
  Current portion of obligations under capital leases............      230,022
                                                                  -------------
    Total current liabilities....................................    3,362,194
                                                                  -------------
Deferred rent....................................................      614,285
                                                                  -------------
Notes payable....................................................    2,200,269
                                                                  -------------
Obligations under capital leases.................................      496,961
                                                                  -------------
Commitments (Note 9)
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $.001 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized..           --
  Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, $.001 par value; 400
   shares authorized, 375 issued, 320 outstanding................           --
  Common Stock, $.001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized;
   5,034,812 shares issued and outstanding.......................        5,035
  Additional paid-in capital.....................................   20,820,172
  Accumulated deficit............................................  (10,542,729)
                                                                  -------------
    Total stockholders' equity...................................   10,282,478
                                                                  -------------
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity................... $ 16,956,187
                                                                  =============
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated balance sheet.
 
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
          FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND DECEMBER 29, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1995         1996
                                                       ------------ ------------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>
Revenues.............................................  $ 9,572,019  $11,340,199
Cost of sales and related occupancy costs............    5,995,396    6,473,515
Store operating expenses.............................    3,362,490    3,521,350
                                                       ------------ ------------
  Store operating income.............................      214,133    1,345,334
Depreciation and amortization........................    1,033,846    1,352,961
General and administrative expenses..................    1,784,257    2,738,975
Provision for store closings and reorganization
 costs...............................................           --    1,800,000
                                                       ------------ ------------
  Operating loss.....................................   (2,603,970)  (4,546,602)
Interest expense, net of interest income of $17,000
 and $76,036 in 1995 and 1996, respectively..........      297,587       74,349
Write-off of debt issuance costs.....................           --    1,050,000
                                                       ------------ ------------
  Net loss...........................................  $(2,901,557) $(5,670,951)
                                                       ============ ============
Net loss per common shares...........................  $     (2.71) $     (1.26)
                                                       ------------ ------------
Pro forma loss per common shares.....................  $     (1.73) $        --
                                                       ------------ ------------
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
  Historical.........................................    1,398,912    4,517,801
                                                       ------------ ------------
  Pro forma..........................................    2,187,166           --
                                                       ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
          FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND DECEMBER 29, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             TOTAL
                         PREFERRED STOCK      COMMON STOCK     ADDITIONAL                STOCKHOLDERS'
                         ----------------  ------------------   PAID-IN     ACCUMULATED     EQUITY
                         SHARES   AMOUNT     SHARES   AMOUNT    CAPITAL       DEFICIT      (DEFICIT)
                         -------  -------  ---------- ------- ------------ ------------- -------------
<S>                      <C>      <C>      <C>        <C>     <C>          <C>           <C>
Balance, December 31,
 1994...................      --   $   --  1,213,725  $1,214  $   248,867  $ (1,068,091) $  (818,010)
 Warrants issued to
  Series C preferred
  stockholder...........      --       --         --      --      887,250      (887,250)          --
 Warrants issued in
  connection with bridge
  financing.............      --       --         --      --      753,627            --      753,627
 Net loss...............      --       --         --      --           --    (2,901,557)  (2,901,557)
                          -------  ------- ---------- ------- ------------ ------------- ------------
Balance, December 31,
 1995...................      --       --  1,213,725   1,214    1,889,744    (4,856,898)  (2,965,940)
 Issue of warrants in
  connection with bridge
  financing.............      --       --         --      --      246,373            --      246,373
 Common Stock shares
  issued in connection
  with the Initial
  Public Offering, net
  of offering expenses..      --       --  2,500,000   2,500   10,884,920            --   10,887,420
 Common Stock shares
  issued in connection
  with the conversion of
  Series A, B, and C
  convertible,
  redeemable, preferred
  stock and preferred
  stock warrants, net of
  offering expenses.....      --       --    900,723     901    4,218,120            --    4,219,021
 Shares issued in
  connection with the
  exercise of stock
  options and bridge
  financing warrants....      --       --    176,356     176       61,070            --       61,246
 Issuance of Series A
  convertible preferred
  stock, net of offering
  expenses..............     375       --         --      --    3,320,189            --    3,320,189
 Common Stock shares
  issued in connection
  with the conversion of
  Series A convertible
  preferred stock.......     (55)      --    221,022     221         (221)           --           --
 Common Stock shares
  issued in connection
  with the acquisition
  (Note 7)..............      --       --     22,986      23      199,977            --      200,000
 Net loss...............      --       --         --      --           --    (5,670,951)  (5,670,951)
 Dividends paid on
  Series A preferred
  stock.................      --       --         --      --           --       (14,880)     (14,880)
                          -------  ------- ---------- ------- ------------ ------------- ------------
Balance, December 29,
 1996...................     320   $   --  5,034,812  $5,035  $20,820,172  $(10,542,729) $10,282,478
                          =======  ======= ========== ======= ============ ============= ============
</TABLE>
 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
 
 
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
          FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND DECEMBER 29, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1995         1996
                                                      ------------ ------------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
 Net loss............................................ $(2,901,557) $(5,670,951)
 Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used
  in operating activities--
 Depreciation and amortization.......................   1,033,846    1,352,961
 Write-off of non-cash debt issuance costs...........          --    1,000,000
 Accrued interest on notes payable...................          --       34,881
 Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes
  in operating assets and liabilities--
  Receivables........................................      11,213      380,720
  Inventories........................................     (69,492)     (38,950)
  Prepaid expenses...................................     136,210        9,692
  Deposits and other assets..........................    (185,324)    (263,264)
  Accounts payable...................................     245,242     (379,672)
  Accrued expenses...................................     286,932      294,627
  Accrued compensation...............................     123,443        1,709
  Deferred rent......................................     291,506      106,853
 Charges due to restructuring and store closing
  activities:
  Provision for store closing costs and
   restructuring charges.............................          --      785,112
  Payment of store closing costs and restructuring
   charges...........................................          --     (602,215)
  Write-off of fixed assets..........................          --    1,014,888
                                                      ------------ ------------
   Net cash used in operating activities.............  (1,027,981)  (1,973,609)
                                                      ------------ ------------
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
 Capital expenditures................................  (3,241,876)  (3,604,514)
 Acquisitions (Note 7)...............................          --   (1,418,902)
                                                      ------------ ------------
   Net cash used in investing activities.............  (3,241,876)  (5,023,416)
                                                      ------------ ------------
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
 Issuance of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock,
  net of issuance costs of approximately $430,000....          --    3,320,189
 Issuance of common stock shares in connection with
  the initial public offering, net of offering
  expenses...........................................          --   11,074,159
 Redemption of Series C Convertible Redeemable
  Preferred Stock ...................................          --   (1,999,997)
 Issuance of Series A, B, C Convertible Preferred
  Stock and Redeemable Preferred Stock, net of
  issuance costs of approximately $250,000...........   2,744,529           --
 Payments of deferred offering costs.................    (177,000)          --
 Proceeds from issuance of notes payable.............   2,250,000           --
 Expenses paid in relation to Series A, B and C
  Convertible Preferred Stock to Common Stock........          --      (11,033)
 Shares issued in connection with the exercise of
  stock options and bridge financing warrants........          --       61,246
 Proceeds from bridge financing......................     755,000      245,000
 Repayments of bridge financing......................          --   (1,000,000)
 Repayments of capital leases........................     (52,118)    (155,415)
 Repayments of notes payable.........................    (500,000)  (4,053,813)
 Dividends paid on Series A Convertible Preferred
  Stock..............................................          --      (14,880)
                                                      ------------ ------------
   Net cash provided by financing activities.........   5,020,411    7,465,456
                                                      ------------ ------------
   Net increase in cash..............................     750,554      468,431
Cash, beginning of year..............................     200,801      951,355
                                                      ------------ ------------
Cash, end of year....................................     951,355    1,419,786
                                                      ------------ ------------
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
 Cash paid during the period for interest, net of
  amount capitalized.................................     314,600       76,483
 Noncash investing and financing activities--
 Equipment acquired under capital leases.............     156,527      712,535
 Conversion of Series A, B and C Convertible
  Preferred Stock to Common Stock....................          --    4,230,054
 Conversion of Series A Convertible Redeemable
  Preferred Stock to Common Stock....................          --      550,000
 Issuance of warrants in connection with bridge
  financing..........................................     753,627      246,373
 Issuance of warrants to Series C preferred
  stockholder........................................     887,250           --
 Issuance of notes related to the acquisitions (Note
  7).................................................          --    3,012,033
 Issuance of Common Stock related to the acquisition
  (Note 7)...........................................          --      200,000
 Details of acquisitions (Note 7)
 Fair value of assets acquired.......................          --   (1,662,672)
 Goodwill............................................          --   (3,637,572)
 Liabilities assumed.................................          --      669,309
 Notes issued........................................          --    3,012,033
 Common Stock issued.................................          --      200,000
                                                      ------------ ------------
   Net cash paid for acquisitions....................          --   (1,418,902)
                                                      ============ ============
</TABLE>
 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                    DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND DECEMBER 29, 1996
 
1. NATURE OF BUSINESS, ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Nature of Business and Organization
 
  New World Coffee, Inc. (the "Company") is incorporated in Delaware and sells
freshly brewed gourmet coffees, coffee-based beverages and an assortment of
light food products through its 40 specialty coffee cafes located in New York,
New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
 
  Commencing October 25, 1996, the Company began operating a roasting facility
in connection with the acquisition of Willoughby's, Incorporated, a
Connecticut corporation ("Willoughby's") (see Note 7).
 
  The consolidated financial statements herein include the accounts of the
Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Willoughby's. All material
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
 
  The Company faces various risk factors related to owning and operating an
espresso bar retail chain and expanding its number of stores into current and
new geographical regions. In order to achieve and maintain the anticipated
growth rate, the Company believes that it will have to obtain bank financing
or sell additional debt or equity (or hybrid) securities in public or private
financings. There can be no assurance that any such financing will be
available, or if it is available, that it will be in such amounts and on such
terms as will be satisfactory to the Company. Other risk factors include
seasonal fluctuations, fluctuations in availability and cost of green coffee,
geographic concentrations, and reliance on key personnel.
 
 Change in Fiscal Year
 
  In 1995, the Company changed its year-end from a calendar year to a fiscal
year ending on the Sunday nearest December 31.
 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
  Cash and cash equivalents included cash and other liquid short-term
instruments with original maturities of less than ninety days.
 
 Inventories
 
  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being
determined by the first-in, first-out method.
 
 Property and Equipment
 
  Property and equipment are recorded at cost and include direct and
incremental costs incurred in the development and construction of new stores.
Indirect costs in connection with leasing new store locations are expensed as
incurred. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and renewals of minor items
are generally charged to expense as incurred. Leasehold improvements are
amortized over the shorter of their useful lives or the term of the related
leases by use of the straight-line method. Depreciation of property and
equipment is provided using the straight-line method over the following
estimated useful lives:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                            <C>
   Leasehold improvements........................................ 8 to 15 years
   Store equipment...............................................  3 to 7 years
   Furniture and fixtures........................................  5 to 7 years
   Office equipment..............................................       5 years
</TABLE>
 
 Goodwill
 
  Goodwill is amortized using the straight-line method over a period ranging
between 10 to 20 years.
 
 Capitalized Interest
 
  Interest on borrowed funds during the construction of new stores is
capitalized.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
 Long-lived Assets
 
  The Company's policy is to record long-lived assets at cost, amortizing
these costs over the expected useful life of the related assets. In accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 ("SFAS 121"),
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-lived Assets and for Long-lived Assets
to be Disposed Of," these assets are reviewed on a periodic basis for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amounts of the assets may not be realizable. Furthermore, the assets
are evaluated for continuing value and proper useful lives by comparison to
expected future cash flows. Initial adoption of SFAS 121 during the year did
not have a material effect on the Company.
 
 Store Preopening Costs
 
  Certain incremental costs and expenses incurred, which are directly related
to new store openings (primarily payroll costs incurred prior to opening), are
deferred and amortized commencing on the store opening date, on a straight-
line basis over a twelve-month period.
 
 Store Operating Costs
 
  Store operating costs primarily consist of salaries, wages and benefits of
store personnel, utilities and supplies.
 
 Deferred Rent
 
  Certain of the Company's lease agreements provide for scheduled rent
increases during the lease term or for rental payments commencing at a date
other than initial occupancy. Provision has been made for the excess of
operating lease rental expense, computed on a straight-line basis over the
lease term, over cash rentals paid.
 
 Net Loss Per Share
 
  Historical Net Loss Per Share
 
  Year Ended December 31, 1995--Net loss per share is computed by dividing net
loss plus the excess fair value of consideration over the carrying amount of
the Redeemed Series C Preferred Stock (see note 6) by the weighted average
number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The weighted
average shares outstanding is based on (i) the provisions of Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 83 whereby stock options and warrants issued during the twelve
months preceding the initial filing of the offering at prices below the
expected initial public offering price have been included, even though anti-
dilutive, to calculate historical net loss per share for the year ended
December 31, 1995 for the period from January 1, 1995 to October 1, 1995 and
(ii) Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 15, "Earnings per share," (APB
15) for the period after October 1, 1995, which excludes options and warrants
as they are antidilutive.
 
  Year ended December 29, 1996--Net loss per share is computed by dividing net
loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding
during the period. The weighted average shares outstanding is calculated in
accordance with the provisions of APB 15 and such calculation excludes options
and warrants as they are antidilutive.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
  Proforma Net Loss Per Share--Proforma net loss per share is computed in a
manner similar to historical net loss per share for the year ended December
31, 1995, discussed above, except for the Series A, B, and C Convertible
Redeemable Preferred Stock being considered outstanding for the year.
 
 Income Taxes
 
  The Company provides for income taxes using the liability method in
accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 ("SFAS No. 109"). SFAS No. 109 requires
the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future
tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company's
financial statements or tax returns.
 
 Stock-Based Compensation
 
  During October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based
Compensation ("SFAS No. 123"). This statement establishes financial accounting
and reporting standards for stock-based employee compensation plans. SFAS No.
123 encourages entities to adopt a fair value based method of accounting for
stock compensation plans. However, SFAS No. 123 also permits entities to
continue to measure compensation costs under pre-existng accounting
pronouncements with the requirement that pro forma disclosures of net income
and earnings per share be included in the notes to financial statements. The
Company has elected to adopt the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123
during 1996 and show pro forma results of net loss and earnings per share data
for the years ended December 29, 1996 and December 31, 1995.
 
 Use of Estimates
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
 
2. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
  Property and equipment consist of the following as of December 29, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                             <C>
   Leasehold improvements......................................... $ 7,441,156
   Store equipment................................................   3,039,564
   Furniture and fixtures.........................................     902,797
   Office equipment...............................................     814,834
                                                                   ------------
                                                                    12,198,351
   Less--Accumulated depreciation and amortization................  (1,990,012)
                                                                   ------------
                                                                   $10,208,339
                                                                   ============
</TABLE>
 
  Approximately $159,000 of capitalized interest is included in property and
equipment at December 29, 1996.
 
3. OTHER ASSETS
 
  Other assets consist of the following as of December 29, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                <C>
   Security deposits................................................. $574,640
   Store preopening costs, net of accumulated amortization of
    $117,133.........................................................  140,816
   Long-term receivable..............................................  145,835
   Other.............................................................   43,466
                                                                      ---------
                                                                      $904,757
                                                                      =========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
4. ACCRUED EXPENSES
 
  Accrued expenses at December 29, 1996 consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                               <C>
   Store closing costs (see Note 5)................................. $  182,897
   Negative book cash balance.......................................    407,949
   Other............................................................    510,096
                                                                     ----------
                                                                     $1,100,942
                                                                     ==========
</TABLE>
 
5. PROVISION FOR STORE CLOSINGS AND REORGANIZATION COSTS
 
  During 1996, the Company recorded a provision for store closings and
reorganization costs of $1,500,000 to provide for the closing of five
unprofitable stores. This represents a provision for writedowns of property
and equipment of approximately $1,000,000 for closed stores and provides for
an additional accrual of approximately $500,000 for other closure costs, which
include losses for continuing lease payments on closed stores, severance for
store employees, and other related costs. In addition, the Company provided
for a reorganization charge of approximately $300,000 which primarily
consisted of severance and related benefits. As of December 29, 1996, the
reserve balance related to non fixed asset costs is approximately $183,000 for
the remaining three stores to be closed of which one closed on January 10,
1997.
 
6. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 Initial Public Offering
 
  In February 1996, the Company completed its Initial Public Offering ("IPO")
of 2,500,000 shares of common stock (par value $.001) at a purchase price of
$5.50 per share, for aggregate net proceeds of approximately $11.1 million. A
portion of the proceeds was used to repay the outstanding balance under the
Company's then existing line of credit agreement ($3,500,000), the bridge
financing ($1,000,000) and the redeemable Series C Preferred Stock
($1,999,997). Also, in connection with the IPO, the Convertible Redeemable
Preferred Stock Series A, B, and C was converted into common stock of the
Company.
 
 Bridge Financing
 
  In December 1995 and January 1996, the Company received $1,000,000 in bridge
financing from a group of lenders, which included $200,000 from certain
related parties. This borrowing bore interest at 10% and was repaid from the
proceeds of the IPO. In conjunction with this bridge financing, the Company
issued warrants to purchase 181,818 at an exercise price of $.01 per share of
these 147,200 warrants were exercised in 1996. The Company recorded a write-
off of debt issuance costs related to the repayment of the bridge financing of
$1,050,000, which has been reflected in the consolidated statement of
operations for the year ended December 29, 1996.
 
 Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock
 
  The number of common shares which were issued upon conversion of all the
Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock, excluding Redeemable Preferred Stock
(see below), were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       DECEMBER 31,    SHARES
                                                           1995     CONVERTED TO
                                                       OUTSTANDING  COMMON STOCK
                                                       ------------ ------------
   <S>                                                 <C>          <C>
   Series A...........................................   282,539      169,795
   Series B...........................................   678,655      464,618
   Series C...........................................   210,519      153,841
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
  The holders of the Preferred Stock had the right, at any time, to convert
such shares into common stock. Under the terms of conversion, the Preferred
Stock shares automatically converted into common stock upon the consummation
of a firm commitment underwritten offering of the Company's common stock to
the public at an aggregate offering price of at least $7,500,000 and
automatically converted into common stock at such time as less than 30% of the
issued shares of Preferred Stock remain outstanding.
 
 Stock Subscription Note Receivable
 
  In October 1994, an officer of the Company purchased 29,213 shares of
Redeemable Convertible Series A stock for cash and a promissory note totaling
$80,000. Such shares were converted to 17,035 shares of common stock by the
officer. The promissory note, which bears interest at 4.5% per annum,
originally matured on October 15, 1997, but has been extended to March 15,
1998. The shares of common stock issued have been pledged as collateral.
 
 Preferred Stock Redeemed
 
  On July 21, 1995, the Company entered into an agreement with a Series C
preferred stockholder to purchase all the Preferred Stock and common stock, if
such preferred stockholder exercised his conversion rights, for $1,999,997 in
cash and a warrant to purchase 87,469 shares of common stock at an exercise
price of $.017 per share. On December 29, 1995, the agreement was amended to
extend the repurchase right until March 31, 1996. In connection with the
amendment, the Company issued an additional warrant to purchase 25,000 shares
at an exercise price of $.01 per share. Under the terms of the agreement, as
amended, the Company repurchased the stock at the closing of the Company's
initial public offering in February 1996. The fair market value of the
warrants issued in connection with the July 21, 1995 and December 29, 1995
agreements has been reflected in stockholders' equity as an increase in
additional paid-in capital and accumulated deficit and is included in the
calculation of net loss per share as of December 31, 1995. All warrants issued
in connection with this Redeemable Preferred Stock were exercised upon
completion of the Company's IPO.
 
 Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
 
  The Company completed the sale of 375 shares of Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock on June 28, 1996 realizing approximately $3,320,000 in net
proceeds after commissions and costs of approximately $430,000. During 1996,
certain individuals exercised their rights and converted 55 shares of Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock into 221,022 shares of Common Stock.
 
  In the event of a transaction or series of transactions by the Company in
which more than 50% of the voting power is transferred, the holders of the
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock have the option of redeeming their shares
at a redemption price equal to the original price of the stock purchased plus
an amount equal to eight percent per annum of the original price from the date
of original purchase through the date of redemption. In addition, the holders
have certain liquidation preferences, and dividend or voting rights and they
may convert into common shares at a conversion price calculation as set forth
in the Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
Agreement. All outstanding shares on June 27, 1999 will automatically convert
into common stock.
 
 Warrants
 
  As of December 29, 1996, the Company has 662,398 warrants outstanding. These
warrants have exercise prices ranging from $.01-$9.08 per share and have a
term ranging from 5 to 7 years. Such warrants were issued in connection with
the bridge loan financing and certain other services.
 
                                     F-11
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
 Stock Options
 
  The Company's 1994 Stock Plan (the "1994 Plan") provides for the granting to
employees of incentive stock options and for the granting to employees and
consultants of nonstatutory stock options and stock purchase rights. Unless
terminated sooner, the 1994 Plan will terminate automatically in August 2004.
The Board of Directors has the authority to amend, suspend or terminate the
1994 Plan, subject to any required stockholder approval under applicable law,
provided that no such action may affect any share of common stock previously
issued and sold or any option previously granted under the 1994 Plan.
 
  Options generally become exercisable in ratable installments over a four-
year period. A total of 750,000 shares of common stock is currently reserved
for issuance pursuant to the 1994 Plan. There were 221,968 and 177,124 shares
available for grant under the 1994 Plan at December 29, 1996 and December 31,
1995, respectively.
 
  The Company's 1995 Directors' Stock Option Plan (the "Directors' Option
Plan") was adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by the Company's
shareholders in August 1995. Unless terminated sooner, the Director's Option
Plan will terminate automatically in August, 2005. The Board of Directors may
amend or terminate the Directors' Option Plan at any time; provided, however,
that no such action may adversely affect any outstanding option without the
optionee's consent and the provisions affecting the grant and terms of options
may not be amended more than once during any six-month period. A total of
200,000 shares of common stock has been reserved for issuance under the
Directors' Option Plan. The Directors' Option Plan provides for the automatic
grant of nonstatutory stock options to nonemployee directors of the Company. A
total of 66,000 options were granted under the Directors' Option Plan as of
December 29, 1996. A total of 134,000 shares were available for grant under
the Director's Option Plan as of December 29, 1996.
 
  A summary of the status of the Company's two stock option plans at December
31, 1995 and December 29, 1996 and changes during the years then ended is
presented in the table and narrative below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1995             1996
                                             ---------------- -----------------
                                                     WEIGHTED          WEIGHTED
                                                     AVERAGE           AVERAGE
                                                     EXERCISE          EXERCISE
                                             OPTIONS  PRICE   OPTIONS   PRICE
                                             ------- -------- -------  --------
   <S>                                       <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>
   Outstanding at beginning of year......... 112,739  $0.83   202,750   $1.99
     Grant..................................  90,011   3.43   439,300    3.52
     Exercised..............................     --     --    (29,156)   2.37
     Forfeited..............................     --     --    (48,018)   3.74
                                             -------  -----   -------   -----
   Outstanding at end of year............... 202,750   1.99   564,876    3.09
                                             -------  -----   -------   -----
   Exercisable at end of year...............  56,854          205,943
                                             =======          =======
   Weighted average fair value of options
    granted................................. $  1.66          $  1.70
                                             =======          =======
</TABLE>
 
  A total of 101,077 of the 564,876 options outstanding at December 29, 1996
have exercise prices between $0.77 and $0.85, with a weighted average exercise
price of $0.84 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 7.75
years, 85,526 of these options are exercisable; their weighted average
exercise price is $0.84; 220,000 options have exercise prices between $2.00
and $3.00, with a weighted average exercise price of $2.34 and a weighted
average remaining contractual life of 9.7 years. None of
 
                                     F-12
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
these options are exercisable. A total of 106,699 options have exercise prices
between $3.00 and $4.00, with a weighted average exercise price of $3.65;
100,418 of these options are exercisable; their weighted average exercise
price is $3.43 with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 9.1
years. 137,100 options have exercise price of $5.50, with a weighted average
remaining contractual life of 9.1 years. 20,000 of these options are
exercisable, their weighted average exercise price is $5.50.
 
SFAS No. 123
 
  Had compensation cost for these plans been determined consistent with SFAS
No. 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share would have been
reduced to the following pro forma amounts:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1995         1996
                                                      -----------  -----------
   <S>                                                <C>          <C>
   Net loss:
     As reported..................................... $(2,901,557) $(5,670,951)
     Pro forma.......................................  (2,938,743)  (5,798,364)
   Net loss per common share:
     As reported.....................................       (2.71)       (1.26)
     Pro forma.......................................       (2.74)       (1.28)
</TABLE>
 
  Because the SFAS No. 123 method of accounting has not been applied to
options granted prior to January 1, 1995, the resulting pro forma compensation
cost may not be representative of that to be expected in future years.
 
  The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions used for grants in 1995 and 1996, respectively: risk-free interest
rates of 7.0 % and 6.1%; expected dividend yields of 0%; expected lives of 4.2
and 5 years; expected stock price volatility of 54% and 51%.
 
7. ACQUISITIONS
 
  On October 25, 1996, the Company purchased five Willoughby's locations (plus
one under construction) and its roasting facility by acquiring the common
stock of Willoughby's for total consideration of $3,100,000 (net of acquired
debt of $700,000 paid at closing). This amount consisted of $600,000 cash paid
at the closing with an additional $600,000 due on July 1, 1997, $200,000 worth
of restricted shares of the Company's common stock, and two promissory notes
in the aggregate principal amount of $1,700,000 with $600,000 due on January
5, 1998 and $1,100,000 payable due on January 5, 1999 bearing interest at 6%
per annum. The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed based on their fair market value at the date of
acquisition and the difference between the cost of acquiring the assets (which
included the effect of discounting the promissory notes using an interest rate
of 10%) and the underlying fair market value of the net assets acquired was
treated as goodwill, which is being amortized over 20 years. In connection
with the acquisition, the former shareholders of Willoughby's signed
employment agreements with the Company which terminate in October, 1998.
 
  On June 13, 1996, the Company purchased three Coopers Coffee Bar ("Coopers")
locations for $242,500 cash and a $770,000 note payable over 4 years which
bears interest at 6%. The purchase price has been allocated to the assets
acquired based on their fair value at the date of acquisition and the
difference between the cost of acquiring the locations (which included the
effect of discounting the promissory notes using an interest rate of 10%) and
the fair value of the net assets acquired was allocated to goodwill, which is
being amortized over 10 years.
 
                                     F-13
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
  On August 26, 1996 the Company purchased the Ridgefield Coffee Company store
("Ridgefield") for $150,000 cash and a $175,000 note payable over two years
bearing interest at 6%. The purchase price has been allocated to the assets
acquired based on their fair value at the date of acquisition and the
difference between the cost of acquiring the location (which included the
effect of discounting the promissory notes using an interest rate of 10%) and
the fair value of the net assets acquired was allocated to goodwill, which is
being amortized over 10 years.
 
  Interest expense of approximately $74,000 was recorded in 1996 for the notes
payable related to the acquisitions of Willoughby's, Coopers and Ridgefield.
 
  The consolidated statements of operations of the Company include the results
of Willoughby's, Ridgefield and Coopers since the date of acquisition.
 
  Following is the unaudited pro forma presentation as if the purchase of the
three Coopers locations, the acquisition of the stock of Willoughby's, and the
one Ridgefield location had occurred on January 1, 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1995         1996
                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                             (UNAUDITED)
   <S>                                                 <C>          <C>
   Revenue............................................ $12,993,000  $14,149,000
   Store operating income.............................   1,282,000    2,127,000
   Operating loss.....................................  (2,012,000)  (2,399,000)
   Net loss...........................................  (2,387,009)  (5,430,000)
   Net loss per share.................................       (2.34)       (1.20)
   Pro forma net loss per share.......................       (1.50)
</TABLE>
 
  The unaudited pro forma financial statements for 1996 includes accrued store
closing and restructuring costs of $1,800,000, the write-off of debt issuance
costs related to the bridge financing of $1,050,000. The statements do not
reflect the operating and net income benefit of $513,000 if the store closings
(see Note 5) had occurred as of January 1, 1995. The unaudited pro forma
financial statements for 1995 do not reflect the operating and net income
benefit of $368,000 if the store closings (see Note 5) had occurred as of
January 1, 1995.
 
  The pro forma information presented above does not purport to be indicative
of the results that actually would have been obtained if the combined
operations had been conducted during the periods presented, nor does it
purport to be indicative of future periods of the combined operations.
 
8. INCOME TAXES
 
  A summary of the significant components of deferred tax liabilities (assets)
as of December 29, 1996 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996
                                                                   -----------
   <S>                                                             <C>
   Provisions for store closing................................... $  (388,000)
   Fixed assets...................................................    (240,000)
   Store preopening costs.........................................      62,000
   Deferred rent..................................................    (270,000)
   Operating loss carryforwards...................................  (3,324,000)
                                                                   -----------
     Gross deferred tax assets....................................  (4,160,000)
   Valuation allowance............................................   4,160,000
                                                                   -----------
     Net deferred taxes........................................... $       --
                                                                   ===========
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
  The Company has recorded a full valuation allowance to reflect the estimated
amount of deferred tax assets which may not be realized. The change in the
valuation allowance during 1996 was an increase of approximately $2,453,000.
 
  At December 29, 1996, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of
approximately $7.5 million. These net operating loss carryforwards expire on
various dates through 2011. The Company's ability to utilize its net operating
loss carryforwards may be subject to annual limitations in future periods
pursuant to the "change in ownership rules" under Section 382 of the Internal
Revenue Code, as amended.
 
9. COMMITMENTS
 
 Leases
 
  The Company leases office and retail space under various noncancelable
operating leases. Property leases normally require payment of a minimum annual
rental plus a pro rata share of certain landlord operating expenses.
 
  As of December 29, 1996, approximate future minimum rental payments under
noncancelable operating leases for the next five years and the period
thereafter are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                               <C>
   Year ending:
    1997...........................................................  $ 3,379,680
    1998...........................................................    3,895,484
    1999...........................................................    3,331,045
    2000...........................................................    3,384,835
    2001...........................................................    3,414,816
    Thereafter.....................................................   17,101,975
                                                                     -----------
                                                                     $34,507,835
                                                                     ===========
</TABLE>
 
  Rent expenses under operating leases were approximately $2,128,000 and
$2,650,000 for the years ended December 31, 1995 and December 29, 1996,
respectively.
 
  The Company has capital leases for computer equipment used in its stores and
offices. As of December 29, 1996, approximate future minimum lease payments
for the next four years are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                <C>
   Year ending:
     1997............................................................ $ 330,022
     1998............................................................   315,822
     1999............................................................   209,813
     2000............................................................    71,326
                                                                      ---------
                                                                        926,983
     Less-Imputed interest...........................................  (200,000)
                                                                      ---------
                                                                      $ 726,983
                                                                      =========
</TABLE>
 
 Employment Agreements
 
  The Company has entered into employment agreements with six officers of the
Company expiring in various years through October 30, 1998. Minimum base
salaries and bonuses for the term of these
 
                                     F-15
<PAGE>
 
                     NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
employment agreements total approximately $1,116,000 of which the Company is
committed to pay $791,100 after December 29, 1996.
 
10. KEY PERSON LIFE INSURANCE
 
  The Company maintains life insurance totaling $1,500,000 for its chief
executive officer, in which it is the beneficiary.
 
11. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
  On February 27, 1997, the Company completed a private placement of 1,000,000
unregistered shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share, and realized
net proceeds of $1,345,000.
 
  In 1997, the Company repurchased 175 shares of the Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock and in exchange issued 137.5 shares of Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock, $.001 par value, and issued 194,440 shares of unregistered
common stock, par value $.001 per share. The Series B Convertible Preferred
Stock bears no dividend and has limited voting rights except as provided under
the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. The stock is convertible
into shares of common stock in accordance with the Certificate of Designation
of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock.
 
                                     F-16
<PAGE>
 
 
                                     (ART)
 
 [PHOTOGRAPH OF THE COMPANY'S ROASTER SURROUNDED BY 4 NEW HAVEN ADVOCATE "BEST
                      COFFEE AND/OR COFFEE HOUSE" AWARDS.]
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY IN-
FORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT
BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY. NEITHER THE DELIVERY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL CREATE ANY CIRCUMSTANCES,
CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE
COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO
SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY BY AN-
YONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATIONS IS NOT AUTHO-
RIZED OR WHICH THE PERSON MAKING THE OFFER IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO OR TO AN-
YONE TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION.     
 
                                ---------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Prospectus Summary........................................................    3
The Offering..............................................................    5
Summary Financial Data....................................................    6
Recent Developments.......................................................    7
Risk Factors..............................................................    8
Use of Proceeds...........................................................   12
Price Range of Common Stock...............................................   12
Dividend Policy...........................................................   12
Capitalization............................................................   13
Selected Financial Data...................................................   14
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
 Operation................................................................   16
Business..................................................................   23
Management................................................................   35
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions............................   43
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management............   45
Description of Capital Stock..............................................   47
Shares Eligible for Future Sale...........................................   51
Plan of Distribution......................................................   52
Legal Matters.............................................................   53
Experts...................................................................   53
Additional Information....................................................   53
Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification for Securities Act
 Liabilities..............................................................   54
Index to Financial Statements.............................................  F-1
</TABLE>    
 
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       [LOGO OF NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC]
 
                            NEW WORLD COFFEE, INC.
    
 MINIMUM OFFERING OF $250,000 AND MAXIMUM OFFERING OF $2,500,000 OF SHARES OF
                               COMMON STOCK     
 
 
                                ---------------
 
                                  PROSPECTUS
 
                                ---------------
                                  
                               MAY 8, 1997     
 
 
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 24. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
  The Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation limits, to the maximum extent
permitted by Delaware Law, the personal liability of directors and officers
for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duties as directors or
officers (other than liabilities arising from acts or omissions which involve
intentional misconduct, fraud or knowing violations of law or the payment of
distributions in violation of Delaware Law). The Certificate of Incorporation
provides further that the Company shall indemnify to the fullest extent
permitted by Delaware Law any person made a party to an action or proceeding
by reason of the fact that such person was director, officer, employee or
agent of the Company. Subject to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation,
the Bylaws provide that the Company shall indemnify directors and officers for
all costs reasonably incurred in connection with any action, suit or
proceeding in which such director or officer is made a party by virtue of his
or her being an officer or director of the Company except where such director
or officer is finally adjudged to have been derelict in the performance of his
or her duties as such director or officer.
 
  The Company has not entered into indemnification agreements with any of its
directors. The Company expects to enter into separate indemnification
agreements with its officers and directors containing provisions which are in
some respects broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained
in the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. The indemnification
agreements may require the Company, among other things, to indemnify such
directors and officers against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of
their status as directors and officers (other than liabilities arising from
willful misconduct of a culpable nature), to advance their expenses incurred
as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be
indemnified, and to obtain directors' and officers' insurance, if available on
reasonable terms. The Company believes that these agreements are necessary to
attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers.
 
  Reference is made to the following documents filed as exhibits to this
Registration Statement regarding relevant indemnification provisions described
above and elsewhere herein:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                              DOCUMENT                            EXHIBIT NUMBER
                              --------                            --------------
   <S>                                                            <C>
   Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended.........      3.1
   Registrant's By-laws, as amended..............................      3.2
</TABLE>    
 
ITEM 25. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
  The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, payable in connection
with the sale of the Common Stock being registered hereby. Except for the
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee, all expenses are
estimated.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                  ITEM                                  AMOUNT
                                  ----                                 --------
   <S>                                                                 <C>
   Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee................ $  2,009
   NASD Filing Fee....................................................    1,163
   Nasdaq National Market listing fee.................................   17,500
   Printing and engraving expenses....................................   20,000
   Legal fees and expenses............................................   23,000
   Auditors' accounting fees and expenses.............................   20,000
   Blue Sky expenses and legal fees...................................   10,000
   Registrar and transfer agent fees and expenses.....................    5,000
   Miscellaneous Fees and Expenses....................................   11,328
                                                                       --------
       Total.......................................................... $110,000
                                                                       ========
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 26. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
 
  The following is a summary of the transactions by Registrant during the last
three years involving sales of Registrant's securities that were not
registered under the Securities Act, however, the information in paragraphs
one through six below does not give effect to an approximately 1 for 1.715
reverse split of the Common Stock effected in November 1995:
 
    1. In July 1994 Registrant sold and issued 677,531 shares of its Series B
  Preferred Stock to a group of investors at a purchase price of $4.45 per
  share for cash in the aggregate amount of $3,015,013.
 
    2. In August 1994, Registrant issued warrants to purchase 40,710 shares
  of the its Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.45 to persons associated
  with the Company's private placement agent.
 
    3. In October 1994, Registrant sold and issued 29,213 shares of its
  Series A stock to an officer of the Company at a purchase price of $4.45
  per share for consideration consisting of cash and notes in an aggregate
  amount of $129,998.
 
    4. In November 1994, Registrant issued a warrant to purchase 65,364
  shares of its Common Stock at a price of $0.01 per share to Banco Popular
  de Puerto Rico in connection with the creation of a revolving credit
  agreement with Banco Popular de Puerto Rico.
 
    5. In April and June 1995, Registrant sold and issued 631,579 shares of
  its Series C Preferred Stock at a price of $4.75 per share for cash in the
  aggregate amount of $3,000,005.00 (see "Certain Relationships and Related
  Transactions").
 
    6. In July 1995, Registrant issued a warrant to purchase 150,000 shares
  of the Common Stock of the Company at a price of $0.01 per share to an
  entity affiliated with a stockholder and former director of the Company in
  connection with an agreement to repurchase shares of the Company's Series C
  Preferred Stock from the entity. In December 1995, the Company issued a
  warrant to purchase 25,000 shares of the Company's stock at a price of
  $0.01 per share to the same entity in connection with an agreement to amend
  the aforementioned agreement (see "Certain Relationships and Related
  Transactions").
 
    7. On December 1995 and January 1996, the Company issued warrants to
  purchase 181,818 shares of the Company's Common Stock to certain persons in
  connection with loans made to the Company (see "Certain Relationships and
  Related Transactions").
 
    8. On June 28, 1996, the Company completed the Series A Placement. The
  Series A Placement consisted of 375 shares of Series A Preferred Stock
  which accrue at a rate of 8% per annum payable at the time of conversion or
  redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock. The Series A Preferred Stock is
  convertible into Common Stock at a price not to exceed $3.975 per share.
  The Series A Preferred Stock shall automatically be converted into Common
  Stock of the Company by June 28, 1999.
 
    9. On February 1, 1997, the Company completed a restructure of a majority
  of the outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock. Pursuant to such
  restructure, the Company exchanged an aggregate of 180 shares of the Series
  A Preferred Stock for an aggregate of 137.5 shares of a new Series B
  Preferred Stock and 194,440 shares of unregistered Common Stock.
 
    10. On February 26, 1997, the Company completed a $1.375 million equity
  private placement. The Private Placement consisted of 1,000,000 shares of
  unregistered Common Stock.
 
  The issuances of the securities described above were deemed to be exempt
from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act as transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering.
In addition, the recipients of securities in each such transaction represented
their intentions to acquire the securities for investment only and not with a
view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof and
appropriate legends were affixed to the share
 
                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
certificates issued in such transactions. All recipients had adequate access,
through their relationships with the Registrant, to information about the
Registrant. The issuance described in Item 26.6 was deemed exempt from
registration under the Securities Act in reliance upon Rule 506 promulgated
under the Securities Act. The Registrant reasonably believes that all of the
purchasers of the securities described in Item 26.6 were accredited investors
as defined in Rule 501 promulgated under the Securities Act.
 
ITEM 27. EXHIBITS.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
   EXHIBIT
   NUMBER                         DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
   -------                        -----------------------
   <C>     <S>
    3.1    Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, as amended to date(1)
    3.2    By-laws of Registrant, as amended to date(2)
    4.1    Specimen Common Stock Certificate of Registrant(2)
    4.2    Form of Representatives' Warrant Agreement, including form of
           Representatives' Warrant(2)
    4.3    Certificate of Designation of Series A Preferred Stock(3)
    4.4    Certificate of Designation of Series B Preferred Stock(4)
    4.5    Registration Rights Agreement with respect to Series A Preferred
           Stock(3)
    4.6    Registration Rights Agreement by and among the Registrant and Barry
           H. Levine and Robert B. Williams(5)
    4.7    Promissory Note by and between the Registrant and Robert B.
           Williams(5)
    4.8    Promissory Note by and between the Registrant and Barry H. Levine(5)
    5.1    Opinion of Camhy Karlinsky & Stein LLP(6)
   10.1    1994 Stock Plan(2)
   10.2    Directors' Option Plan(2)
   10.3    Employment Agreement by and between the Registrant and Barry H.
           Levine(5)
   10.4    Employment Agreement by and between the Registrant and Robert B.
           Williams(5)
   10.5    Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Barry H. Levine, Robert B.
           Williams and Willoughby's Incorporated and the Registrant(5)
   10.17   Employment Agreement with R. Ramin Kamfar(4)
   10.18   Employment Agreement with Jerold Novack(4)
   10.19   Employment Agreement with Bruce Morningstar(4)
   11.1    Statement of Computation of Earnings per Share (included in the
           Financial Statements forming a part of this Registration
           Statement)(7)
   15.1    Letter from Arthur Andersen LLP regarding use of Unaudited Interim
           Financial Information (included as part of Exhibit 23.1)(7)
   21.1    List of Subsidiaries(7)
   23.1    Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP(6)
   23.2    Consent of Camhy Karlinsky & Stein LLP (included as part of Exhibit
           5.1)(6)
   24.1    Power of Attorney(7)
</TABLE>    
- --------
          
(1) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 from Registrant's Registration
    Statement on Form SB-2 (33-95764).     
   
(2) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
    SB-2 (33-95764).     
   
(3) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
    dated July 12, 1996.     
   
(4) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's 10-KSB dated April 4, 1997.
        
(5) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
    dated November 12, 1996.
   
(6) Filed herewith.     
   
(7) Previously filed.     
 
ITEM 28. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
 
    1. To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
  post-effective amendment to this registration statement.
 
      (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
    Securities Act;
 
      (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events which,
    individually or together, represent a fundamental change on the
    information in the registration statement;
 
                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 
      (iii) To include any additional or changed material information on
    the plan of distribution;
 
    2. That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities
  Act, treat each post-effective amendment as a new registration statement of
  the securities offered, and the offering of the securities at that time to
  be the initial bona fide offering.
 
    3. To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
  of the securities being registered which remains at the termination of the
  offering.
 
  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company
pursuant to the provisions described in Item 24, or otherwise, the Company has
been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable.
 
  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
(other than the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a
director, officer of controlling person of the Company in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director,
officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
 
  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
    For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the
  Registrant will treat the information omitted from the form of prospectus
  filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and
  contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant under Rule
  424(b)(1), or (4), or 497(h) under the Securities Act as part of this
  registration statement as of the time the Commission declares it effective.
 
    For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the
  Registrant will treat each post-effective amendment that contains a form of
  prospectus as a new registration statement for the securities offered in
  this registration statement, and that offering of the securities at that
  time as the initial bona fide offering of those securities.
 
                                     II-4
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
   
  IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE
REGISTRANT CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT IT MEETS
ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF FILING ON FORM SB-2 AND AUTHORIZED THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, IN THE
CITY OF NEW YORK, STATE OF NEW YORK, ON THE 8TH DAY OF MAY, 1997.     
 
                                          New World Coffee, Inc.
 
                                                    /s/ R. Ramin Kamfar
                                          By___________________________________
                                                      R. RAMIN KAMFAR
                                            CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PRESIDENT
                                                       AND DIRECTOR
 
                                                   /s/ Jerold E. Novack
                                          By___________________________________
                                                     JEROLD E. NOVACK
                                                  CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
       
                                     II-5
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                          DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
 -------                         -----------------------
 <C>     <S>
  3.1    Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, as amended to date(1)
  3.2    By-laws of Registrant, as amended to date(2)
  4.1    Specimen Common Stock Certificate of Registrant(2)
  4.2    Form of Representatives' Warrant Agreement, including form of
         Representatives' Warrant(3)
  4.3    Certificate of Designation of Series A Preferred Stock(3)
  4.4    Certificate of Designation of Series B Preferred Stock(4)
  4.5    Registration Rights Agreement with respect to Series A Preferred
         Stock(3)
  4.6    Registration Rights Agreement by and among the Registrant and Barry H.
         Levine and Robert B. Williams(5)
  4.7    Promissory Note by and between the Registrant and Robert B.
         Williams(5)
  4.8    Promissory Note by and between the Registrant and Barry H. Levine(5)
  4.9    Placement Agent Warrant Agreement (including form of Warrant
         Certificate)(1)
  5.1    Opinion of Camhy Karlinsky & Stein LLP(6)
 10.1    1994 Stock Plan(2)
 10.2    Directors' Option Plan(2)
 10.3    Employment Agreement by and between the Registrant and Barry H.
         Levine(5)
 10.4    Employment Agreement by and between the Registrant and Robert B.
         Williams(5)
 10.5    Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Barry H. Levine, Robert B.
         Williams and Willoughby's Incorporated and the Registrant(5)
 10.17   Employment Agreement with R. Ramin Kamfar(4)
 10.18   Employment Agreement with Jerold Novack(4)
 10.19   Employment Agreement with Bruce Morningstar(4)
 11.1    Statement of Computation of Earnings per Share (included in the
         Financial Statements forming a part of this Registration Statement)(7)
 15.1    Letter from Arthur Andersen LLP regarding use of Unaudited Interim
         Financial Information (included as part of Exhibit 23.1)(7)
 21.1    List of Subsidiaries(7)
 23.1    Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP(6)
 23.2    Consent of Camhy Karlinsky & Stein LLP (included as part of Exhibit
         5.1)(6)
 24.1    Power of Attorney(7)
</TABLE>    
- --------
          
(1) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 from Registrant's Registration
    Statement on Form SB-2 (33-95764).     
   
(2) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
    SB-2 (33-95764).     
   
(3) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
    dated July 12, 1996.     
   
(4) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's 10-KSB dated April 4, 1997
        
(5) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
    dated November 12, 1996.
   
(6) Filed herewith     
   
(7) Previously filed     

<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1

                                May 8, 1997 


New World Coffee, Inc.
379 West Broadway
New York, New York 10012

                Re: Registration Statement on Form SB-2
                    -----------------------------------

Ladies and Gentlemen:

        You have requested our opinion in connection with the above-captioned 
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 to be filed by New World Coffee, Inc., 
Complete Business Solutions, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, 
as amended (the "Act"), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder
(the "Rules"). The Registration Statement relates to the offering on a minimum
basis of such number of shares of common stock (the "Common Stock") resulting in
gross proceeds of $250,000 and on a maximum basis such number of shares of
Common Stock resulting in gross proceeds of $2,500,000.

        We have examined such records and documents and have made such 
examination of law as we considered necessary to form a basis for the opinions 
set forth herein. In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all 
signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, and 
the conformity with the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies 
thereof.

        Based upon such examination, it is our opinion that when there has been
compliance with the Act and applicable state securities laws, the Common Stock,
when issued, delivered and paid for, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-
assessable.



<PAGE>
 
 
New World Coffee, Inc.
May 8, 1997
Page 2


        We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the 
Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm under the caption "Legal
Matters" in the Registration Statement. In so doing, we do not admit that we are
in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act 
or under the Rules.

                                                        Very truly yours,


                                                        Alan I Annex

AIA:dg
Enclosure







<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
  As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report
and to all references to our Firm included in or made a part of the
registration statement on Form SB-2.
 
                                          Arthur Andersen LLP
 
New York, New York
   
May 8, 1997     


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