Are you looking for the best coffee franchises in the business? Look no further! In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive list of some of the most popular and successful coffee franchises in operation today. Whether you are looking for traditional coffee shop franchises or something more unique, we have you covered.
Keep in mind that we are going to cover multiple types of coffee franchises as well. Some will be your traditional coffee shop offering little more than coffee and small food items. Others are a combination of fast food and coffee shop, and some are actually in the business of selling coffee beans, not the actual brew.
So if you don’t see a coffee franchise that looks like your cup of tea (I mean coffee), right off the bat, don’t give up; there’s something here for every coffee lover.
So, sit back and relax with a hot cup of joe as we take you through the best coffee franchises out there!
More popular franchise opportunities
Best Coffee Franchises
1) Dunkin' Donuts
Franchise fee: $40k – $90k
Continuing franchise Fee: 2-6%
Minimum net worth: $500k
Minimum Liquid Assets: $250k
Investment range: $526,900 – $1,787,000
Dunkin’ Donuts is one of the most iconic coffee franchises in the world and has been serving up fresh coffee and baked goods since 1950. With over 12,000 locations worldwide, Dunkin’ Donuts is a household name in many countries. If you are looking for a well-established franchise with a proven track record of success, Dunkin’ Donuts is a great option.
Why do we like it?
In almost all franchise industries, name recognition and the experience of the franchisor is critical. If you haven’t heard of Dunkin, then you’ve been hiding under a rock for quite some time. Their brand name is second only to Starbucks in the world of coffee, and with it comes a huge network and amount of experience.
While a Dunkin franchise isn’t cheap, you’re buying into a business that knows its market extremely well. There are no guarantees in the world of business, but if you wanted to place a bet, a Dunkin franchise would be a good one.
What are the requirements?
A Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee must complete a multi-step application and selection process that may last 60 to 90 days. The initial franchise fee is $40,000 to $90,000, with a total investment of $395,000 to $1.6 million.
Dunkin has strict requirements for potential franchisees, including a minimum net worth of $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $250,000.
If you are ready to take on the challenge of owning your own Dunkin’ Donuts franchise, visit their website to learn more about the application process.
Who’s a good fit
Because these are relatively large operations likely to have a large amount of traffic from the get-go, having a good amount of business experience is a nice-to-have. If you have experience in franchising or the restaurant business, even better.
2. Tim Hortons
Franchise fee: $50k (standard shop), $25k (non-standard shop)
Royalty fees: 4.5% – 6%
Cost to build: $1,017,600 – $1,370,500
Tim Hortons is a Canadian coffee chain that was founded in 1964. The company has since expanded to over 4000 locations worldwide, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Asia. Tim Hortons is best known for their wide range of coffee and tea drinks as well as their baked goods such as donuts and muffins.
Why do we like it?
If Dunkin is right behind Starbucks, then Tim Hortons is a close third (or maybe it’s a tie). Most people have heard of Tim Hortons, but some may associate it more with the food than the coffee. But enough people enjoy their coffee that it made our list of best coffee franchises. If you’d rather stay away from franchises with a higher percentage of food sales, then you’ll probably want to move on down the list.
Services offered by Tim Hortons include dine-in, drive-thru, and delivery. In recent years, the company has also begun offering a mobile app for ordering and payment.
What are the requirements?
To become a Tim Hortons franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $75,000. The initial franchise fee is $25,000, with a total investment of $300,000 to $1.4 million.
Who’s a good fit?
As with Dunkin, a Tim Hortons is no small operation so business or restaurant experience is a bonus. Because of their name recognition, a Tim Hortons can be a busy location, so you should be prepared to put in a lot of work, especially on the front end.
To learn more about Tim Hortons franchising opportunities, visit their website.
3. Aroma Joe's
Franchise fee: $25,000
Initial investment: $296,000 – $1,046,500
Net worth: $350,000
Liquid assets: $150,000
Royalty fee: 8%
Aroma Joe’s is a New England-based coffee chain that was founded in 2002. The company has since expanded to over 30 locations in the northeastern United States. Aroma Joe’s is known for their focus on customer service and their wide range of specialty coffee drinks. Services offered by Aroma Joe’s include in-house coffee roasting, drive-thru service, and catering.
Why do we like it?
Aroma Joe’s may not be as well-known nationally, but they are expanding at a fast rate. They’ve more than doubled their units since 2017 and are expanding into areas outside where they were founded in the Northeast. While the franchise fee and initial investment are significant, it’s still a more affordable option than the first two on our list.
What are the requirements?
An Aroma Joe’s franchisee must have a minimum net worth of $250,000 and liquid assets of at least $75,000. The initial franchise fee is $7500 – $15,000 with a total investment of $275,500 to $346,500.
To learn more about Aroma Joe’s franchising opportunities, visit their website.
4. The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Franchise fee: $25,000
Initial investment: $192,250 – $785,500
Net worth: $350,000
Liquid assets: $150,000
Royalty fee: 5.5%
The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is a Los Angeles-based coffee chain that was founded in 1963. The company has since expanded to over 1000 locations worldwide, including the United States, Asia, and the Middle East.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is known for their wide range of specialty coffee and tea drinks as well as their commitment to social responsibility. The company sources their coffee beans and tea leaves from small farmers around the world.
To become a franchisee with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, you must have a minimum net worth of $250,000 and liquid assets of at least $100,000. The initial franchise fee is $25,000 with a total investment of $184,000 to $615,500.
To learn more about The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf franchising opportunities, visit their website.
5. Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies
Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies is a franchise that specializes in Hawaiian-themed coffee and smoothie drinks. The company was founded in 1982 and has since expanded to over 600 locations worldwide.
Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies offers a wide range of both hot and cold coffee drinks as well as smoothies made with real fruit. The company also offers a mobile catering service for special events such as parties and weddings.
To become a Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $100,000 and liquid assets of at least $50,000. The initial franchise fee is $30,000 with a total investment of $28,900 to $189,050.
To learn more about Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies franchising opportunities, visit their website.
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6. Gloria Jean’s Coffees
Gloria Jean’s Coffees is an American-Australian coffee chain that was founded in 1979. The company has since expanded to over 1000 locations in more than 40 countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Asia.
Gloria Jean’s Coffees offers a wide variety of coffee and espresso drinks, as well as a selection of pastries and other food items. The company has a strong focus on customer service and offers a loyalty program called “Gloria Jean’s Perks” which gives customers discounts and freebies.
If you’re looking for a coffee franchise that has a global reach, then Gloria Jean’s Coffees may be the right choice for you. To become a franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $450,000 and liquid assets of at least $200,000. The initial franchise fee is $7,500 – $15,000 with a total investment of $178,700 – $496,000.
To learn more about Gloria Jean’s Coffees franchising opportunities, visit their website.
7. Scooter’s Coffee
Scooter’s Coffee is a coffee franchise that was founded in 1998 in Omaha, Nebraska. The company has since expanded to over 400 locations across the United States.
Scooter’s Coffee is known for their wide range of specialty coffee drinks as well as their made-from-scratch food items such as pastries and breakfast sandwiches. The company has a strong focus on community and giving back, and offers a franchise scholarship program for military veterans.
If you’re looking for a coffee franchise with a strong community focus, then Scooter’s Coffee may be the right choice for you. To become a franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $250,000 and liquid assets of at least $200,000. The initial franchise fee is $40,000 with a total investment of $512,000 to $860,000.
To learn more about Scooter’s Coffee franchising opportunities, visit their website.
8. Cafe2U
Cafe2U is a coffee franchise that specializes in mobile cafes. The company was founded in Australia in 2000 and has since expanded to over 500 locations in more than 20 countries around the world.
Cafe2U offers a wide range of coffee and espresso-based drinks, as well as a selection of pastries and snacks. The company has been ranked as one of the fastest growing franchises in the world and was named one of the top coffee franchises by Entrepreneur magazine in 2013.
If you’re looking for a coffee franchise with a global reach, then Cafe2U may be the right choice for you. To become a franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $100,000 and liquid assets of at least $25,000. The initial franchise fee is $25,000 with a total investment of $,000 with a total investment of $109,146 – $262,346.
To learn more about Cafe26U franchising opportunities, visit their website.
9. Biggby Coffee
Biggby Coffee is a coffee franchise that was founded in 1995 in East Lansing, Michigan. The company has since expanded to over 290 locations across the United States.
Biggby Coffee is known for their wide range of specialty coffee drinks as well as their made-from-scratch food items such as pastries and breakfast sandwiches. The company has a strong focus on customer service and offers a loyalty program called “Biggby’s Best” which gives customers discounts and freebies.
If you’re looking for a coffee franchise with a strong focus on customer service, then Biggby Coffee may be the right choice for you. To become a franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $250,000 and liquid assets of at least $100,000. The initial franchise fee is $20,000 with a total investment of $202,450-$418,700.
To learn more about Biggby Coffee franchising opportunities, visit their website.
10. Xpresso Delight
Xpresso Delight is a coffee franchise that specializes in mobile cafes. The company was founded in the United Kingdom in 2000 and has since expanded to over 500 locations in more than 20 countries around the world.
Xpresso Delight offers a unique franchising opportunity for those looking to start their own business in the coffee industry. The company provides a complete turnkey solution, which includes everything from branding and marketing support to training and ongoing operational assistance.
If you are looking for a coffee franchise that offers a proven business model and strong support system, Xpresso Delight may be the right choice for you. To become a franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $200,000 and liquid assets of at least $100,000. The initial franchise fee is $37,500 with a total investment of $84,500-$107,000.
To learn more about Xpresso Delight franchising opportunities, visit their website.
11. PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans
PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans is a coffee franchise that was founded in 1978 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The company has since expanded to over 140 locations across the United States.
PJ’s Coffee is known for their signature blends of coffee as well as their wide range of specialty drinks. The company also offers a variety of food items, including breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and salads.
If you’re looking for a coffee franchise with a strong focus on quality, then PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans may be the right choice for you. To become a franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $350,000 and liquid assets of at least $100,000. The initial franchise fee is $35,000 with a total investment of $190,000-$584,000.
To learn more about PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans franchising opportunities, visit their website.
12. The Human Bean
The Human Bean is a coffee franchise that was founded in 1998 in Ashland, Oregon. The company has since expanded to over 100 locations across the United States.
The Human Bean is known for their drive-thru espresso bars as well as their wide range of specialty coffee drinks. The company also offers a variety of food items, including pastries and breakfast sandwiches.
If you’re looking for a coffee franchise with a strong focus on quality and convenience, then The Human Bean may be the right choice for you. To become a franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $400,000 and liquid assets of at least $200,000. The initial franchise fee is $30,000 with a total investment of $346,825-$835,225.
To learn more about The Human Bean franchising opportunities, visit their website.
13. Hard Bean Coffee
Hard Bean Coffee Company is a coffee franchise that was founded in 2010 in San Diego, California. The company has since expanded to over 100 locations across the United States.
Hard Bean Coffee Company is known for their specialty coffee drinks as well as their wide range of food items. The company also offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free options.
If you’re looking for a coffee franchise with a strong focus on quality and healthy options, then Hard Bean Coffee Company may be the right choice for you. To become a franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $250,000 and liquid assets of at least $60,000. The initial franchise fee is $35,000 with a total investment of $230,000-$280,000.
To learn more about Hard Bean Coffee Company franchising opportunities, visit their website.
14. Dunn Brothers Coffee
Dunn brothers coffee founded in 1987 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company has since expanded to over 60 locations across the United States.
Dunn Brothers Coffee is known for their focus on freshness, and they roast all of their coffee beans in-house. They also offer a wide variety of specialty drinks, including espresso drinks, iced coffees, teas, and more.
To become a franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $100,000. The initial franchise fee is $37,500 with a total investment of $421,020-$700,932.
To learn more about Dunn Brothers Coffee franchising opportunities, visit their website.
15. Coffee Beanery
Coffee Beanery is a coffee franchise that was founded in 1976 in Flint, Michigan. The company has since expanded to over 70 plus locations across the United States.
Coffee Beanery is known for their wide range of specialty coffees as well as their baked goods. The company also offers a variety of breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, and soups.
If you’re looking for a coffee franchise with a strong focus on quality and variety, then Coffee Beanery may be the right choice for you. To become a franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $300,000 and liquid assets of at least $125,000. The initial franchise fee is $15,000 with a total investment of $185,00-$476,000.
To learn more about Coffee Beanery franchising opportunities, visit their website.
16. Cafe Barbera
Cafe Barbera is a coffee franchise that was founded in 1870 in Sicily, Italy. The company has since expanded to over 60 locations across the United States.
Cafe Barbera is known for their focus on quality and tradition. All of their coffee beans are roasted in-house, and they offer a wide variety of specialty drinks, including espresso drinks, iced coffees, teas, and more.
Cafe Barbera may be the ideal coffee franchise for you if you’re searching for a company that puts a strong emphasis on quality and heritage. The initial franchise fee is $35,000 with a total investment of $187,000-$305,000.
To learn more about Cafe Barbera franchising opportunities, visit their website.
17. Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea
Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea is a coffee franchise that was founded in 1993 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The company has since expanded to over 30+ locations across the United States.
Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea is known for their focus on quality and sustainability. All of their coffee beans are ethically sourced, and they offer a wide variety of specialty drinks, including espresso drinks, coffees, teas, frozen, desserts and much more.
If you’re looking for a coffee franchise with a strong commitment to quality and sustainability, then Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea may be the right choice for you. To become a franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $100,000. The total initial investment is estimated between $260,000-$400,000.
To learn more about Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea franchising opportunities, visit their website.
18. Ziggi’s Coffee
Ziggi’s Coffee is a coffee franchise that was founded in 2004 in Longmont, Colorado. The company has since expanded to over 100+ locations across the United States.
Ziggi’s Coffee is known for their focus on quality, convenience, and customer service. Most coffee houses don’t just sell coffee, they offer a wide variety of specialty drinks, including espresso drinks, chocolate milk, cinnamon syrup, teas, and more.
If you’re looking for a coffee franchise with a strong focus on quality and customer service, then Ziggi’s Coffee may be the right choice for you. To become a franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $350,000 and liquid assets of at least $100,000. The estimated total investment is $199,700 to $910,500.
To learn more about Ziggi’s Coffee franchising opportunities, visit their website.
19. Euro Café
Euro Café is a fast growing, family owned and operated company that was founded in Virginia in 1997. The company has since expanded to over 100+ locations across the globe.
Euro Café is known for their focus on quality, affordability, and customer service. All of their coffee beans are roasted in-house, and they offer a wide variety of specialty drinks, including iced drinks, hot beverages, frozen drinks, fruit smoothies, and much more.
If you’re looking for a coffee franchise with a strong focus on quality and affordability, then Euro Café may be the right choice for you. There is an initial franchise fee of $15,000 and the total investment ranges from $248,000 to $446,000.
To learn more about Euro Café franchising opportunities, visit their website.
21. Bottoms Up Espresso
Bottoms Up Espresso is a coffee franchise that was founded in 1995 in San Diego, California. The company has since expanded to over 40+ locations across the United States.
Bottoms Up Espresso is known for their focus on quality, customer service, and community involvement. The services they offer include espresso, coffee, tea, and smoothies.
To become a franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $100,000 and liquid assets of at least $65,000. The estimated total investment is $110,000 to $250,000.
To learn more about Bottoms Up Espresso franchising opportunities, visit their website.
22. Rock ‘n’ Joe Coffee Bar
Rock ‘n’ Joe Coffee Bar is a coffee franchise that was founded in 1993 in New Jersey. The company has since expanded to over 50 plus locations across the United States.
It’s all about creating the best cup of coffee for every customer, and they do this by using the highest quality coffee beans and state of the art brewing methods. They offer a wide variety of specialty drinks, including breakfast sandwiches, pastries, frappes, and much more.
If you’re searching for a coffee business that is committed to providing excellent service, Rock ‘n’ Joe Coffee Bar may be the ideal fit for you. To become a franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $350,000 and liquid assets of at least $100,000. The total investment ranges from $215,000 to $418,000.
To learn more about Rock ‘n’ Joe Coffee Bar franchising opportunities, visit their website.
How to buy a coffee franchise
The first step is to assess your financial situation. You’ll need enough money for a down payment and the franchise fee, and you may also be required to provide proof that you have liquid assets. Not everyone qualifies for a coffee franchise, so if this sounds like something you might want to pursue, go ahead and take a look at your finances.
The next step is to research different coffee franchises. This means looking into the different brands, their costs, and what they offer. There are many ways to do this research, but one of the best is to attend a franchise expo. These events bring together different franchisors and potential franchisees, and they’re a great way to learn about the industry and get started in the franchise process.
Once you’ve chosen a coffee franchise, it’s time to start the process of franchising. This usually begins with filling out an application and then going through an interview process. If you’re approved, you’ll be able to sign a franchise agreement and start working on opening your very own coffee shop.
There are many things to consider before buying a coffee franchise, but if you do your research and find the right opportunity, it can be a great way to get started in the business.
How much do they cost?
Coffee franchises can be expensive, but there are many factors to consider before making a decision. Some of the costs include the franchise fee, inventory, and marketing. There are also other ongoing expenses to keep in mind, such as rent and employee wages. So how much does it really cost to own a coffee franchise?
The answer varies depending on the brand and location, but on average, a coffee franchise can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $1 million. This is a significant investment, but it’s important to remember that you’re also investing in a proven business model. With the right location and marketing strategy, a coffee franchise can be a very successful endeavor.
Of course, the costs don’t stop once you’ve opened your doors. You’ll need to continue to invest in marketing and advertising to keep customers coming back. And, of course, you’ll need to keep up with the ever-changing trends in the coffee industry. But if you’re passionate about coffee and willing to put in the work, a coffee franchise can be a great way to turn your love for the drink into a successful business.
Benefits of a coffee franchise
There are many benefits to owning a coffee franchise. First of all, you’ll be your own boss. This means you’ll have the freedom to set your own hours and make your own decisions. And, since you’ll be investing in a proven business model, you won’t have to worry about the trial-and-error that comes with starting a business from scratch.
Of course, there are also some financial benefits to owning a coffee franchise. For one thing, you’ll be able to take advantage of economies of scale. This means that you’ll be able to get discounts on bulk purchases of coffee beans and other supplies. You’ll also be able to benefit from the brand recognition that comes with owning a franchise. Customers will already be familiar with the name and the product, which can give you a leg up on the competition.
If you’re looking for a way to be your own boss and invest in a proven business model, a coffee franchise could be the perfect opportunity.
Here’s a list of some other benefits of owning a coffee franchise:
1. You get to be your own boss
2. There’s a proven business model
3. You have access to training and support
4. The coffee industry is constantly growing
5. You have a wide variety of brands to choose from
6. Franchises are sometimes affordable compared to starting a business from scratch
The bottom line
Owning a coffee franchise can be an excellent way to invest in a proven business model and have the freedom to set your own hours. If you’re looking for ways to turn your love of coffee into a successful enterprise, this may be the perfect opportunity for you.
As with any investment, there are financial considerations that should factor into whether or not it’s the right decision for you. But if you’re willing to put in the work, a coffee franchise can be a very rewarding experience.
Coffee franchises are a great way to get started in the coffee industry with a proven business model. With the right location and marketing strategy, owning a coffee franchise can be a very successful endeavor. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are some significant costs involved. But if you’re passionate about coffee and willing to put in the work, a coffee franchise can be a great way to turn your love for the drink into a successful business.
