As the coffee industry thrives and demand for specialty brews from the best coffee franchises reaches new heights, there’s never been a better time to turn your passion into a successful business. According to the National Coffee Association, nearly half of Americans drink a specialty coffee daily, marking a 13-year high. Americans turn to coffee to improve mental focus and increase physical endurance. At least 51% of Americans believe coffee is good for their health.
While one high-profile coffee giant falters, other coffee chains are growing. Many regional coffee brands are gaining ground by offering unique flavors and community feel. But how do you determine which coffee franchise is a good fit for coffee connoisseurs in your local area? Discover the characteristics of the best coffee franchises for entrepreneurs who love coffee. Plus, uncover how one brand with mountain vibes and quality brew can turn your love for a good cup of joe into a rewarding business venture in the Mountain West region and beyond.
Why a Coffee Franchise is a Smart Choice
A successful coffee shop pairs high-quality coffee with a stellar experience. When weighing if franchising is right for you, a coffee franchise has many perks:
- Proven business model: A recognized brand with a built-in customer base, training, support, and marketing.
- Quality assurance: Consistent products and supplier partnerships to lower costs.
- Operational efficiency: Streamlined processes for smooth operations.
7 Qualities of Leading Coffee Franchises
Opening a coffee shop can be a rewarding venture if you love coffee. And having a franchise partner to turn to can give you a head start.
Whether you want to open a drive-thru shop or a community cafe, there’s a franchise for you. Here are seven must-have qualities of the best coffee franchises and how Beans & Brews Coffeehouse stays ahead of the competition:
- High-quality coffee: It’s all about the java. A coffee franchise needs to have high-quality coffee, specialty menus, alternative beverages, and the right food items to drive business all day. Beans & Brews’ high-altitude roasted coffee has a smooth, unmatched flavor.
- Comprehensive training: A top coffee choice must have a robust training program to set its franchisees up for success.
- Low Initial investment: Foodservice franchises can have high startup costs, making them unattainable for many new entrepreneurs. However, the average Beans & Brews location is only about 1,700 square feet, allowing for a low initial investment starting at $455,500.*
- Strong ROI: A franchise with low operational costs and strong customer demand typically generates a high return on investment. The top 60% of all Beans & Brews franchise locations generate an AUV of $883,000.*
- Growth potential: A leading franchise has room for growth in your market. Beans & Brews is focused on expansion in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. The chain recently tapped foodservice veteran Doug Willmarth as CEO to take the chain to the next level.
- Flexible prototypes: To drive growth and cater to a wide array of customers, a coffee franchise with flexible prototypes is an asset. Beans & Brews has a standard and express model to fit consumer and real estate demands and is exploring drive-thru-only options to match convenience expectations and boost franchisee revenue.
- Innovative industry leader: An innovative coffee franchise focuses on what customers want. It is ready to change or add new products to stay current. The coffee franchise regularly debuts seasonal specials and new beverage options to keep its menu fresh. Beans & Brews recently added a Crème Brule Latte to its menu and plans to add three new flavors of Cold Brew in May, as well as Protein Coffee this summer.
Beans & Brews: An Elevated Coffeehouse Leader
With a business-friendly climate and a strong coffee culture, the Mountain West states are attractive for entrepreneurs. The number of people flocking to the region is surging. Utah, Colorado, Nevada, and Arizona have some of the fastest-growing populations in the country, according to U.S. Census data. The International Franchise Association reports that Arizona and Colorado are two of the top 10 states for franchise growth.
In the Mountain West, coffee shops serve as community hubs for locals and tourists visiting the area.
Beans & Brews opened its first location more than 34 years ago in Salt Lake City at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains and has become the local favorite in mountain communities throughout the West. The flavor profile of its high-altitude coffee sets it apart and Beans & Brews has now grown to more than 80 locations in five Mountain West states and Texas, with more than 110 additional stores being planned.
“Our key to long-term success is giving franchise owners the tools and support they need to succeed while continuing to grow a brand that customers genuinely love,” Willmarth said.
Get started to learn more about opening a coffee franchise with Beans & Brews. Gain insights on the best questions to ask as you research franchise opportunities.
*See FDD for details.
