25 Best Coffee Franchises to Own in USA
Read this guide to get familiar with the best coffee franchises to own in USA.
Owning a best coffee franchises may sound beneficial if you’re planning to start one. The coffee business brought in more than $81 million in revenue in 2021. Coffee is a national obsession; many Americans cannot begin their days without a strong caffeine fix.
Still, there are a lot of franchises for coffee shops. Which option do you choose? Which coffee shop is most suitable for your area and business? The best coffee franchises are listed here, along with information on franchise costs and brand culture.
15 Coffee Franchise Opportunities
Following are the best coffee franchises that we will discuss:
1. Aroma Joe’s Coffee
In the year 2000, two brother duo started Aroma Joe’s Coffee. If you’re headquartered in Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Florida, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, or New Hampshire, Aroma Joe’s Coffee could be a good franchise option for you.
Aroma Joe’s aims to reduce its environmental impact. It provides services at walk-in and drive-through locations with between 50 and 1,200 square feet of space. This more intimate storefront is an additional benefit that lowers real estate expenses. There is an initial franchise fee of $15,000 for new Aroma Joe’s franchisees. Veterans can receive discounts from the company. Additionally, you’ll need to start with $50,000 to $70,000 in liquid capital.
- Total initial investment: $256,500 to $702,000
- Franchise fee: $15,000.
- Royalty fees: Ongoing royalty fee of 8%, ad royalty fee of 4.5%.
2. Dunkin’ (Previously Dunkin’ Donuts)
Since William Rosenberg started Dunkin’ in 1948, the number of franchises has skyrocketed. In the United States, there are more than 9,000 sites as of 2021. In order to become a franchisee of Dunkin’ Donuts, you need to have liquid assets of at least $250,000. Each state has a different franchise cost, so you’ll need to check directly with the team.
- Total initial investment: $395,500 to $1,597,200.
- Agreement length: 20 years.
- Royalty fees: Ongoing royalty fee of 5.9%, ad royalty fee 5%.
- Franchise fee: $40,000 to $90,000.
3. Scooter’s Coffee
Americans may now more easily get coffee on the go and still get to work on time thanks to drive-through coffee shops. With its numerous coffee kiosks opening up around the country, Scooter’s Coffee is helping to make this a reality.
According to Scooter’s Coffee, its 550-square-foot drive-through locations provide their consumers with coffee that is ethically produced. Established in 1998 and present in more than 25 states, Scooter’s Coffee is looking for enterprising individuals to launch and manage their own coffee shops. You must have at least $100,000 in cash capital and pay a $40,000 franchise fee in order to start a Scooter’s Coffee store.
- Total initial investment: $331,000 to $638,000.
- Agreement length: 10 years
- Royalty fees: Ongoing royalty fee of 6%, ad royalty fee of 2%.
- Franchise fee: $40,000.
4. Biggby Coffee
Founded in 1995, Biggby Coffee now has over 200 stores around the country as of 2019. There are openings and positions available for this coffee franchise in the following states: Michigan, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin. Furthermore, in a bid to minimize initial costs and entice business owners to launch their coffee franchises under the Biggby Coffee brand, the company has cut its franchise price by 50% to $15,000.
- Total initial investment: $186,850 to $369,100.
- Agreement length: 10 years.
- Royalty fees: Ongoing royalty fee of 6%, ad royalty fee of 3%.
- Franchise fee: $15,000.
5. Cafe2U
If you’re looking for a revolutionary coffee business franchise, Cafe2U may be something to think about. One of the biggest mobile coffee franchises in the world is Cafe2U. Yes, Cafe2U offers coffee on wheels. Serving largely companies and special occasions, Cafe2U employs coffee shop workers to serve customers from a van. The $25,000 initial franchise fee pays for the Ford Transit Connect van that delivers coffee to your clients.
- Total initial investment: $109,146 to $154,621.
- Agreement length: 10 years.
- Royalty fees: $175 a week.
- Franchise fee: $25,000.
6. The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, established in 1963 by Herb Hyman, takes great satisfaction in offering only premium coffee for sale. The website explains how the top 1% of Arabica beans, which are found in East Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific, are used to get coffee beans from “mountaintop to countertop”.
The company, which started in California, now has over 1,200 locations globally. Airports, college campuses, and military facilities all have stores. Although there isn’t a minimum liquid asset requirement mentioned on the company’s website, you should nonetheless fill out a form to find out.
- Total initial investment: $183,250 to $615,500.
- Agreement length: 10 years.
Coffee is a very profitable business. With 64% of adult Americans enjoying coffee daily and an average of over three cups, Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee a day, or 146 billion cups annually. Every day, each of the nation’s 24,000 coffee shops serves an average of 230 cups to customers, who may be people on the move seeking a caffeine fix or those who just want a place to sit and unwind with a drink.
7. Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies
Founded in 1982 by Jeff and Jill Summerhays, Maui Wowi has moved away from the comforting atmosphere of a coffee shop. Instead, Maui Wowi’s tropical branding creates a relaxed, Ohana-focused atmosphere.
One franchisee testimonial describes Maui Wowi as “a collaborative system with a genuine feeling of helping one another grow, thrive, and be successful,” demonstrating how this family-oriented attitude permeates the network. Maui Wowi requires a $30,000 franchise fee to become a member of their network, and they advise having between $40,000 and $50,000 in liquid assets.
- Total initial investment: $63,900 to $554,000.
- Franchise fee: $30,000.
- Agreement length: 10 years.
8. Dunn Brothers Coffee
Roasting coffee in front of consumers is what Dunn Brothers Coffee does. In addition to coffee, Dunn Brothers Coffee sells baked products and pastries. Starting your own Dunn Brothers Coffee has a significant entry barrier. All franchise applicants must have a net worth of $500,000 and $100,000 in liquid assets in addition to the $37,500 franchise fee.
Franchisees of Dunn Brothers Coffee are provided with a high level of support. The organization will assist you in obtaining franchise finance and writing a business plan.
- Total initial investment: $385,200 to $609,600.
- Franchise fee: $37,500.
- Royalty fees: Ongoing royalty fee of 5%, ad royalty fee of 3%.
9. Coffee Beanery
In 1976, a married couple launched Coffee Beanery. One of the first coffee shop franchises in the area to sell specialty coffee was this one, which started in Dearborn, Michigan. It now sells bags of its very own specialty coffee blends for consumers to take home in addition to coffee and tea.
There are about 100 Coffee Beanery locations, the most of which are found along the East Coast. $15,000. This is the first franchise charge to operate a Coffee Beanery location.
- Total initial investment: $185,000 to $472,500.
- Agreement length: 10 years.
- Royalty fees: Ongoing royalty fee of 4%, ad royalty fee of 2%.
- Franchise fee: $15,000.
10. Cafe Barbera
If you’re looking to work for a company with a long history that is family-owned, think about Cafe Barbera. Since 1870, this coffee chain has been in business. Yes, this brand has existed for more than a century. Genuine coffee roasted in Italy is served at Cafe Barbera.
Cafe Barbera first became available for franchising in 2004 and has since grown to include locations in Mexico and Canada. With a total investment ranging from $187,000 to $305,000, the initial franchising cost is $35,000.
- Total initial investment: $187,000 to $305,000.
- Franchise fee: $35,000.
- Agreement length: 10 years.
11. Brioche Doree
Brioche Doree is a coffee business to take into consideration if you’re interested in Parisian-style branding. Serving pastries and coffee with a French flair, Brioche Doree is more of a bakery than a coffee shop. Although Brioche Doree was established in 1976, franchising just began in 2013. Visit the Brioche Doree website to learn more about the total upfront cost and franchise fee if you’re interested in becoming a franchise partner.
- Total initial investment: $250,000 and up.
- Royalty fees: 5%.
12. Xpresso Delight
When you can sell the coffee system, why sell coffee? That’s what Xpresso Delight is attempting to accomplish with its unique selling proposition, a “coffee-as-a-service” approach. Xpresso Delight uses an automated espresso coffee system to provide coffee to businesses.
It is your responsibility as a franchisee to schedule the delivery and setup of the coffee makers. You will schedule a minimum of one weekly cleaning for your coffee makers as part of routine maintenance. Joining this franchise requires an upfront payment of $37,500.
- Total initial investment: $84,500 to $107,000.
- Franchise fee: $37,500.
- Royalty fees: Ongoing royalty fee of $0.11-$0.15/cup, ad royalty fee of 1 to 3%.
13. The Human Bean
The Human Bean is different from other coffee shop franchises in that it does not impose marketing costs or royalty fees that are calculated as a percentage of your sales. Instead, sales of supplies and coffee account for a substantial portion of its revenue.
The West Coast is home to the majority of the store locations, many of which are in California and Oregon. The Human Bean’s double-sided drive-through locations let customers grab-and-go coffee. The starting costs for opening a Human Bean business are estimated to be $30,000.
- Total initial investment: $211,625 to $738,375.
- Franchise fee: $30,000.
- Royalty fees: None.
14. PJ’S Coffee
Finca Terrerito or Agua Fresca are the sources of 100% Arabica coffee that PJ’s Coffee sources. This coffee chain started in New Orleans and has since expanded to several states as well as abroad, including Kuwait and Vietnam.
The franchise support system for PJ’s Coffee will assist you with site assessment, design and construction, as well as training and instruction. This guidance might be especially helpful for new franchisees who require extra help. For a single unit, the franchise cost is $35,000. However, there are discounts for opportunities involving multiple units.
- Total initial investment: $168,900 to $566,000.
- Agreement length: 10 years.
- Royalty fees: Unspecified weekly fee.
- Franchise fee: $35,000.
15. Rock ‘n’ Joe Coffee Bar
Another “Hard Rock Café” approach to coffee shops is Rock ‘n’ Joe Coffee Bar. In addition to a wide selection of rock music and memorabilia, the franchise serves sandwiches, wraps, salads, pastries, and specialty coffees from Dillanos Coffee Roasters in a relaxed atmosphere that evokes an exclusive backstage lounge. Its handcrafted coffees come in imaginative names like Black Dog, Sledgehammer, Unplugged, and Velvet Underground.
Currently operating eight locations—three in New Jersey, three in Pennsylvania, and two in Lincoln, Nebraska—the company was founded in New Jersey in 1993. Ablak Holdings acquired the chain in 2013 with the intention of expanding it nationally.
- Franchise Fee: Around $30,000 to $50,000.
- Royalty Fee: 5% of gross sales.
- Total Initial Investment: $250,000 to $450,000.
List of Other Coffee Shop Franchise Opportunities
Below you can find the list of other coffee shop franchise opportunities.
| Franchise | Initial Franchise Fee | Total Investment | Royalty Fee |
| Peet’s Coffee | $35,000 | $400,000 – $600,000 | 6% |
| Caribou Coffee | $25,000 | $300,000 – $500,000 | 5% |
| Tim Hortons | $35,000 | $500,000 – $1.5 million | 4.5% |
| Dutch Bros Coffee | $30,000 | $200,000 – $500,000 | 6% |
| Gloria Jean’s Coffees | $25,000 | $250,000 – $450,000 | 6% |
| Coffee Connection | $20,000 | $150,000 – $300,000 | 5% |
| Cafe Nero | $30,000 | $400,000 – $700,000 | 5% |
| Krispy Kreme | $12,000 | $500,000 – $3 million | 6% |
| Barnes & Noble Café | $35,000 | $300,000 – $500,000 | 5% |
| Einstein Bros. Bagels | $30,000 | $300,000 – $500,000 | 5% |
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