Coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s a daily ritual for millions of people. In the fiscal year 2022/2023, the U.S. coffee consumption reached over 26.3 million 60-kilogram bags, underscoring the nation’s enduring love affair with coffee.
From cozy cafés to bustling drive-thrus, coffee shop franchises offer exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to tap into this thriving market. Whether you dream of creating the perfect cup for your community or want to invest in a well-established coffee brand, the coffee shop franchise business presents endless possibilities.
Brands like PJ’s Coffee and Scooter’s Coffee are leading the charge, offering franchise owners a chance to make a real difference by providing exceptional customer service and high-quality coffee. These companies have built systems that offer franchisees comprehensive training, ongoing support, and access to a growing market of coffee lovers.
If you’re curious about the different franchise models available, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore the top coffee franchise business models you can begin within 2025.
Why Franchise a Coffee Shop
Franchising a coffee shop offers a unique blend of opportunity and support that is hard to find in other industries. The coffee franchise business model provides franchisees with a proven system that works.
From the moment you decide to invest, you gain access to comprehensive training, marketing tools, and a strong support network designed to set you up for success.
Franchise partners benefit from:
- a built-in customer base,
- trusted brand recognition,
- and the backing of a company that’s committed to excellence.
One of the major advantages of owning a coffee shop franchise is the ability to offer exceptional customer service while serving a product people love. Coffee shops have become social hubs where communities gather, connect, and share moments over a perfect cup of coffee.
Whether it’s in a cozy store or a fast-paced drive-thru, having the right location plays a critical role in success.
Current franchisees will tell you that choosing the perfect location for your café or drive-thru is essential for building a loyal customer base. Franchise disclosure documents provide detailed insight into the total investment needed and what you can expect throughout the process, giving you clarity before you begin.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the four popular coffee shop franchise models that offer exciting opportunities in 2025.
4 Coffee Shop Franchise Models to Start this Year
1. Traditional Coffee Shops (Café Model)
The traditional café model is perfect for franchise owners who love creating warm, welcoming spaces. These coffee shops are all about ambiance, offering customers a place to relax, connect, and enjoy a variety of coffee beverages, from espressos to pour-overs.
Many cafés also serve light meals like…
- pastries,
- sandwiches,
- and desserts,
adding an extra touch to the experience.
For those who want to foster community spirit, a traditional coffee shop is an ideal choice.
PJ’s Coffee has perfected this café model by combining top-notch coffee with a friendly atmosphere. Franchisees benefit from ongoing support, comprehensive training, and a system designed to help them succeed. Whether you’re starting your business in a bustling city or a quiet neighborhood, this model provides the flexibility and support needed to thrive.
Estimated Costs
Starting a traditional café-style coffee franchise generally requires an initial investment between $100,000 and $500,000, depending on factors such as location, size, and equipment. This investment typically covers:
- initial franchise fee,
- leasehold improvements,
- furniture, and
- the necessary equipment to operate the business efficiently.
Additionally, costs may include initial inventory and marketing expenses to help launch your coffee shop successfully.
2. Coffee Bar or Coffeehouse
Coffeehouses have evolved into trendy spots where customers seek specialty drinks and a modern atmosphere. These locations cater to customers who enjoy unique brews like cold brews, espresso-based drinks, and single-origin coffee. The seating is often cozy and communal, attracting a younger crowd and professionals who enjoy working from cafés.
Scooter’s Coffee has successfully captured this coffeehouse model, offering a diverse menu that appeals to all age groups. Franchisees receive training on coffee preparation and customer service, ensuring they can meet the demands of an increasingly sophisticated coffee market.
With the right branding and customer-focused service, coffeehouses create a memorable experience for each visitor.
Estimated Costs
The total investment for starting a coffeehouse franchise ranges from $200,000 to $600,000, depending on factors like the size of the store and the market you’re entering. Ongoing marketing and royalty fees should also be factored in.
3. Drive-Thru Coffee Franchises
The drive-thru coffee franchise model is all about convenience. These coffee shops are designed to serve customers quickly while still offering high-quality coffee. With a simple menu focused on popular coffee drinks, this model appeals to busy individuals who want to grab their coffee on the go.
Drive-thru locations thrive in high-traffic franchise locations, making them ideal for franchise owners looking for a fast-paced, high-volume business.
Brands like Dutch Bros Coffee have embraced this model, proving that you can deliver great coffee with speed and convenience. Franchisees who opt for the drive-thru model benefit from streamlined operations and a steady flow of customers.
Estimated Costs
The initial investment for a franchised drive-thru coffee business can range from $50,000 to $250,000, depending on the location and equipment needed. Franchise disclosure documents provide detailed information on ongoing royalty fees and marketing expenses.
4. Grab-and-Go Coffee Kiosks
For those looking for a smaller, more flexible coffee franchise opportunity, grab-and-go kiosks are an excellent option. These kiosks are often located in high-traffic areas like…
- shopping malls,
- airports,
- or office buildings,
where customers can grab their coffee quickly without waiting in line. The simplicity of the kiosk model allows franchise owners to focus on high-quality coffee while keeping overhead costs low.
The kiosk model offers franchise owners the chance to create a real difference in how they serve their customers. Whether it’s through exceptional customer service or offering unique coffee blends, kiosks allow for a fast, efficient business operation.
Estimated Costs
Starting a grab-and-go coffee kiosk requires a smaller initial investment, ranging from $50,000 to $200,000. This covers kiosk setup, equipment, and initial inventory. Ongoing royalty fees are typically lower than larger café models.
Reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) offers a clear breakdown of investment costs, helping you understand all financial commitments before starting your franchise.
Conclusion
Franchising a coffee shop provides an exciting opportunity to enter the thriving coffee market with the support of a proven business model. Whether you want to open a traditional café, a trendy coffeehouse, a quick-service drive-thru, or a grab-and-go kiosk, the right franchise can offer you the tools and support to succeed.
Coffee franchise opportunities, such as PJ’s Coffee, Scooter’s Coffee, and Dutch Bros Coffee have showcased the enormous potential of the coffee franchise industry, providing established models for success.
However, these are just a few of the numerous coffee franchise opportunities available across the U.S., each presenting exciting growth prospects for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Ready to take the next step? Talk to a franchise consultant today to explore the perfect franchise opportunity for you. Your future in the coffee industry awaits, and the right franchise model is out there to help you begin your journey!
