21 Best Coffee Shop Franchise Opportunities

The coffee shop franchise industry is growing in the United States. By the end of 2021, the U.S. coffee industry will have earned almost $82 billion in revenue. This sector has not lost momentum despite the “third wave” of coffee culture’s rise to prominence.

For instance, Dunkin’ Brands Group has opened 1,500 additional outlets in just five years. And they’re not alone; new coffee shop franchisers have recently turn up, attracting thousands of new franchisees. 

Starting a coffee shop franchise can be profitable if you know what you’re doing. Find the Best Coffee Shop Franchise Opportunities in the following article. Know the company culture behind each brand and compare the costs.

21 Best Coffee Shop Franchise Opportunities

The following are some of the best coffee shop franchise options for business entrepreneurs. These companies are well known for their high-quality coffee beans, diverse product offerings, and professionally prepared beverages.

1. Techy Cafe

Techy Cafe is a global company with hundreds of locations in dozens of countries. The Techy Cafe Franchise Package is an exciting new chance to start a business.

When you buy a techy Cafe franchise, you’ll get:

• Classes to learn how to do skilled repairs and give great customer service
• Working with big stores can help bring people to your store.
• Help in finding the right team to help with day-to-day tasks

The franchise’s primary appeal is allowing investors to cash in on the perennial coffee market and Techy’s well-respected technological services and products. While having their electronics serviced, customers may relax with a cup of specialty coffee. 

This innovative combo will allow customers to stay in one place longer and spend more money. The cafe’s decor is in sync with the aesthetics of today’s technology, making it a magnet for young people and gadget lovers. 

Additionally, the cafe provides more than just a selection of coffees; it also sells mobile and computer equipment, gaming gear, headphones, and more, guaranteeing a wide spectrum of income.

• Franchise Fee: $50,000
• Initial Investment: $20,000
• Royalty Fees: 1%

2. Dunn Brothers Coffee 

Dunn Brothers Coffee has operated over 75 cafes in 8 U.S. states since 1987. Team members at Dunn Bros Coffee are all former franchisees eager to help new business owners get off the ground. The company offers services like assisting clients to establish a business plan and find funding sources for franchises.

Dunn Brothers Coffee does its coffee roasting right in front of consumers. Dunn Brothers Coffee also sells pastries and breads like many other coffee shops.

• Franchise Fee: $37,500
• Initial Investment: $590,393
• Royalty Fees: 5%

3. Dunkin’

The original Dunkin’ Donuts shop was opened in 1948 by William Rosenberg. You may find their coffee and pastries in a variety of locations across the globe. Dunking Donuts is an American multinational corporation that operates in 42 different countries and has over 12,900 locations. 

This is an excellent option for a franchise for a seasoned company owner in the food service or retail sector because of the brand’s reputation for portability, quality, and client loyalty.

• Franchise fee: $40,000 to $90,000
• Initial Investment: $526,900 to $1,787,700
• Royalty Fees: 5.9%

4. Aroma Joe’s Coffee

Aroma Joe’s Coffee was established in 2000 and has become well-known for its high-quality coffee, food, and other products. Aroma Joe’s collaborates with a local, award-winning roaster in Maine to provide special roasts made from their unique bean mixes. 

All of their coffee and espresso are made from 100% Arabica bean mixes that are sustainably cultivated and ethically sourced, making them even more flavorful and rich.

Aroma Joe’s is just one of several coffee shops that offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This franchise opportunity may be ideal for people who enjoy coffee and seek a social gathering spot.

• Franchise fee: $15,000.      
• Total initial investment: $256,500 to $702,000.
• Royalty fees: 8%

5. Cafe2U

In the year 2000, two sets of brothers established Aroma Joe’s Coffee. This may be the best option for those interested in getting into the coffee franchise business but on a tighter budget. 

It operates out of 50- to 1,200-square-foot drive-through and retail locations. This benefit of a less-imposing storefront also contributes to reducing rent expenses. 

• Initial Investment: $109,146-$154,521
• Franchise Fee: $25,000
• Royalty Fees: $175/week

6. Xpresso Delight

Established in 2003, Xpresso Delight is an innovative franchise that provides free installation of high-quality commercial coffee equipment in offices. It then bills those businesses by the cup for the coffee it serves. With its coffee-as-a-service strategy, X.D. is thrilled to shake up the espresso coffee market. They provide high-tech Swiss coffee makers and a unique mix of Arabica beans. 

The firm has carved out a niche, supplying premium coffee systems and its particular blend of coffee to corporations in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

• Franchise fee: $37,500.
• Total Initial Investment: $84,500 to $107,000
• Royalty fees: 1 to 3%.

7. Scooter’s Coffee

Don and Linda Ackles formed the company in Bellevue, Nebraska, in 1998; they started offering franchises in 2001. Scooter’s Coffee is highly recommended for anyone considering opening a coffee shop franchise, as it is ranked highly in Entrepreneur’s 2020 Franchise 500.

More than 275 outlets of this rapidly expanding chain already span 17 states. Scooter’s Coffee franchises have far better profit margins than competitors. Scooter’s Coffee has a 550-square-foot drive-thru from which it claims to sell ethically sourced coffee.

• Franchise fee: $40,000.
• Total initial investment: $331,000 to $638,000.
• Royalty fees: Ongoing royalty fee of 6%, ad royalty fee of 2%.

8. Tim Hortons

In 1964, Canadian icon Tim Horton opened the first Tim Hortons franchise since 1965. With 4,613 stores in nine countries, Tim Hortons is the most widespread fast-food chain in the world. Donuts, snacks, hot and cold drinks, and more may be on the menu. 

Investing in a Hortons franchise might open many doors for you in the food industry. An entrepreneur who invests in a Tim Hortons franchise gains access to the franchisor’s support, training programs, advice on maintaining a healthy cost-benefit ratio, and methods for maximizing the store’s potential for growth.

• Franchise Fee: $25,000
• Initial Investment: $680,900
• Royalty Fees: 4.5%–6%

9. The Human bean 

The original Human Bean espresso shop debuted in 1998 in Ashland, Oregon. Espresso, coffee, tea, cocktails, and beverages for kids are now all available at this franchise. Currently, over 300 Human Bean outlets can be found across 25 states. 

However, if you’re looking for a drive-thru espresso, check out The Human Bean. It’s the best and has reasonable entry prices compared to similar businesses. Due to the lack of a required seating arrangement and associated royalties/marketing costs, the entry barrier is lowered.

• Franchise fee: $30,000.
• Total Initial Investment: $211,625 to $738,375
• Royalty fees: 1%

10. P.J.’s Coffee of New Orleans

New Orleans native Phyllis Jordan started her coffee company, P.J.’s, in 1978. Along with its vast menu of iced, frozen, hot, cold brew, and nitro-infused coffees brewed from the finest Arabica beans, the shop also serves organic tea and morning pastries. P.J.’s Coffee, which has a branch in New Orleans, markets itself as a competitor to Starbucks by offering a menu with similar items and asserting that it uses higher-quality beans and roasting procedures.

• Franchise Fee: $35,000
• Initial Investment: $200,775 – $584,000
• Royalty Fees: 5%

11. Biggby Coffee

Biggby Coffee, a 1994 startup, is making headlines with its new B-Cubed mini-location format for franchisees. A decade ago, there were 133 sites; today, there are 304 (up from 262), all of which are in the United States. Modular and taking up only 350 square feet, its drive-thru/walk-up units may be set up in as little as 48 hours.

Espresso-based beverages are among the many drinks available to clients at this café. Pastries, sandwiches, different snacks, whole bean coffee, coffee products, and accessories are all available at the eatery.

• Franchise Fee: $20,000
• Initial Investment: $202,450 – $418,700
• Royalty Fees: 6%

12. Coffee Beanery 

In 1976, Jo Anne and Julius Shaw, a husband and wife partnership, established the Coffee Beanery in Dearborn, Michigan. Since 1985, they have opened more than 200 locations nationwide as part of their franchise expansion. 

Due to its family company philosophy, corporate culture, and commitment to providing top-notch goods and services, Coffee Beanery has established a reputation as a pioneer in the sector.

Coffee, tea, and other beverages complement the toasted signature sandwiches, specialty wraps, and panini selection.

• Franchise Fee: $15,000
• Initial Investment: $185,000 – $472,500
• Royalty Fees: 4%

13. Gloria Jean’s Coffees

The first Gloria Jean’s location opened in 1979. Currently, it is being introduced to 50 additional U.S. locales each year. There are almost 800 cafes in different countries.

This company provides its franchisees with a proven business plan and extensive training resources. When a franchisee joins Gloria Jean’s team, they gain access to resources, including business advice and marketing and operations strategies.

Gloria Jean’s Coffees sells its ground coffees via a subscription service specializing in flavored coffees. The company also features a menu with various hot and cold exotic coffee beverages.

• Franchise fee: $25,000
• Initial Investment: $173,150 to $473,000.
• Royalty Fees: 6%

14. Ziggi’s Coffee

After opening its first location in a tiny storefront on Main Street in downtown Longmont, Colorado, in 2004, Ziggi’s Coffee has expanded to 55 locations across the United States, including 55 drive-thrus and coffeehouses (8 of which are owned by the company) and 37 previously reported sites.

Ziggi’s Coffee strongly emphasizes obtaining its coffee and other items from regional suppliers when possible. Coffee, coffee substitutes, frozen “blenders,” fruit smoothies, and a limited number of food items are all available on the menu. 

• Franchise Fee:  $40,000
• Initial Investment: $467,000 to $2,000,000
• Royalty Fees:  6% 

15. Grind Coffee House

It all started in 1994, when Marty Cox and Louise Montgomery opened up shop called Grind Coffee. It began franchising in 2000, and as of March of this year, there were 21 sites (four of which were situated in countries other than the United States).

The best quality is the Espresso, iced Coffee, mixed beverages, bagels, muffins, rolls, and other pastries. Customers can unwind in the curved-back couches while sipping their whole-grain Coffee at this blues and jazz-themed cafe. Coffee, tea, baked goods, and bagels.

• Franchise Fee: $36,000
• Initial Investment: $173,150 – $473,000
• Royalty Fees: 6%

16. Caffebene

Caffeine was established in 2008 and began offering franchises that same year. It’s a successful business that takes its cues from classic European cafes, right down to the waffles, medium-roasted Coffee, and cozy atmosphere. Medium roasts, instead of dark roasts, will bring out the Coffee’s natural flavor without masking it. 

In its first four years, CafféBene opened 650 locations, demonstrating remarkable expansion. The 1,600 locations are spread globally, and the corporation constantly explores new opportunities in foreign markets.

• Franchise Fee: $35,000
• Initial Investment: $414,500 – $899,600
• Royalty Fees: 6.9%

17. Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies

Maui Wowi® was established in 1982 by Jeff and Jill Summerhays to provide their ‘ohana (family) with a nutritious option to the ubiquitous sugary and fatty foods. The Summerhayses were similarly enthusiastic, and they wanted to find a way to take their all-natural, fresh-fruit smoothies on the road with them. 

Michael Haith, one of the franchise’s original partners, rethought the business model and added new items, including Hawaiian Coffee and Espresso, to the menu.

• Franchise Fee: $30,000 – $50,000
• Initial Investment: $34,900 – $382,200
• Royalty Fees: Varies

18. Bottoms Up Espresso

Bottoms Up Espresso began in 2011, and since then, it has opened locations throughout the U.S. Franchising opportunities to open up a Bottoms Up Espresso coffee shop can now be found all over the globe.

Top-notch Coffee and other beverages with hip names and attractive baristas set the Bottoms Up Espresso brand apart from its competitors. The cafe is set up to be driven through. 

Moreover, traditional coffee beverages, smoothies with soy or whey protein, and “Twisted Energy” fruit juice drinks with an optional energy shot are available at Bottoms Up Espresso. Besides clothing and accessories, the company also sells various drinkware, coats, headwear, and accessories.

• Franchise Fee: $35,100 – $39,000
• Initial Investment: $110,000 – $250,000
• Royalty Fees: 6%

19. Ellianos Coffee Company

They began franchising in 2002, the same year Ellianos Coffee Company was established. Currently, Ellianos is a popular franchise option in around 35 different states. The six flagship drinks—Caffé Venetian Vanilla Crème, Tuscany Toffee, Dolce, Milan Mint Mocha, Sicilian Smoothie, and Cookies & Cream Freezer—are just the tip of the iceberg of the extensive menu that also includes a variety of teas and other beverages. 

Moreover, Ellianos offers a premium beverage for every one of their customers by providing an additional eight kinds of hot Coffee, chai tea latte, nine types of iced drinks, hot chocolate, a wide variety of teas, five kinds of “freezers,” and five kinds of smoothies. Food products, including lunch, muffins, sandwiches, bagels, and brownies, are also available at many stores.

• Franchise Fee: $25,000
• Initial Investment: $397,500-$690,000
• Royalty Fee: 5%

20. Caribou Coffee

John and Kim Puckett started the company in 1992 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and while it has been franchising internationally for some time, its domestic franchise program didn’t launch until 2021.

Caribou Coffee has become a part of the Panera Brands family, including Panera Bread and Bagel Brands. According to the most up-to-date press materials, the chain operates around 750 cafes in 11 countries (339 company-owned, 144 non-traditional, and 288 franchised).

Under the slogan “Life is short,” Caribou Coffee offers what it claims to be high-quality, handcrafted coffee-forward beverages. Every location serves various beverages, including Coffee, tea, cocoa, and other hot drinks, and breakfast foods, including bagels, pastries, and sandwiches all day.

• Franchise Fee: $30,000
• Initial Investment: $268,100
• Royalty fee: 5% 

21. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, founded in 1963 by Herb Hyman, is known for its premium coffee selection. The brand has grown from its California roots to more than 1,200 outlets globally. You may shop in bookstores at airports, colleges, and military facilities. 

They use a multi-unit operator structure for their franchising business. Franchisees often make multi-store commitments. However, this varies by territory negotiated with the corporation.

Due to its various benefits, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is among the most significant coffee businesses. The variety of available coffees, the welcoming environment, and the high popularity make it an excellent place for occasional and frequent coffee lovers.

• Franchise fee: $15,000
• Total Initial Investment: $192,250 to $785,500
• Royalty Fee: 5%

Final Verdict 

The best coffee shop franchise opportunity supports professional and personal development while providing a solid basis for future growth. You can embark on an exciting journey in coffee entrepreneurship with passion, dedication, and a well-chosen coffee shop franchise.

You’ve found helpful information regarding franchise possibilities in the coffee shop industry in this article.