Combine your passion for coffee with your drive to pursue entrepreneurship by opening a gourmet coffee franchise. Beans & Brews Coffeehouse’s step-by-step guide can help you research coffee and espresso franchises to make an informed decision before investing.
Types of Gourmet Coffee Franchises
The average American coffee drinker enjoys 2.8 cups daily, and 87% of Americans think they are “somewhat or full-on coffee obsessed.” According to World Coffee Portal, the U.S. branded coffee market jumped 8% over the past year to $49.5 billion, making it a viable business opportunity for savvy entrepreneurs. There are a variety of coffee shop business models from standalone shops to kiosks. Each model offers something that sets it apart from the rest of the market.
- Coffeehouse: Standalone coffee shops are traditional locations that offer a full menu of coffee beverages, often accompanied by food and a comfortable seating area. These establishments focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere where customers can relax, work, or socialize.
- Drive-thru: Drive-thrus catering to on-the-go consumers looking for quick service without compromising on the quality of their coffee are seeing a surge in growth. Many beverage chains are developing new drive-thru formats and carry-out focused prototypes as they concentrate on growing their off-premise consumption channels, according to Technomic. Their convenience and efficiency are appealing, especially in locations with high traffic.
- Grab-and-go: Kiosks are compact and versatile, often located in high-foot traffic areas like malls, airports, and grocery stores. They serve a limited menu, and their small footprint makes them a cost-effective option for entrepreneurs.
- Cafe: A cafe blends the traditional coffeehouse with elements designed to attract customers looking for an experience beyond just a caffeine fix. It might include a bookshop, an art gallery, or live music, creating a community hub around the coffee culture.
Research to Find the Right Fit
When conducting your research, you’ll need to ask certain questions to ensure a franchise aligns with your goals. Here are the research steps you need to follow:
- Determine the brand’s vision. Does the franchise’s mission resonate with your vision? Understanding a brand’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and community can help you align with a franchise that shares your values.
- Find out the franchise’s unique selling proposition (USP). What makes it stand out? Whether it’s their bean selection, roasting techniques, or store concept, identifying the USP will help you understand how they differentiate themselves in the market.
- Evaluate the level of training and support. Comprehensive training and ongoing support are vital for maintaining high standards and achieving business growth. Look for franchises that offer extensive resources.
- Analyze the numbers. To assess the potential return on investment, pay close attention to the financial aspects of the franchise, including the initial investment, ongoing fees, and financial performance of existing franchises.
- Conduct franchise validation. Speaking with current franchisees can provide invaluable insights into their experiences, challenges, and the support they receive from the franchisor.
- Analyze the market. Stay informed about current and emerging trends in coffee consumption to help you evaluate whether a franchise is adaptable and poised for success in a changing market.
- Identify territory availability. The right location is crucial for a coffee shop’s success. Consider franchises that help with site selection and have a strategic approach to territory planning.
Beans & Brews Rises Above
Beans & Brews sources high-quality beans and roasts them at high altitudes, ensuring a delicious coffee experience that sets us apart. From initial training to ongoing operational support, Beans & Brews is dedicated to the success of its franchisees. Understanding the importance of staying current, we regularly innovate our menu and store concepts to keep up with industry trends.
Whether you’re interested in a standalone shop or a kiosk, Beans & Brews offers flexibility to match your vision. Our standalone coffeehouse requires an initial investment of $518,500 to $761,500. We offer a full menu of high-altitude roasted coffees, breakfast foods, sandwiches, sodas, energy drinks, and teas. The average unit volume for a Beans & Brews coffeehouse is $880,000.*
As you’re doing your research, connect with Beans & Brews to learn how our brand can help you achieve your entrepreneurial goals. Get started brewing a new future today!
*This is a historical representation of what some of our franchised stores earned as described further in Item 19 of the FDD. This information is based upon 15 of 25 units that were open during the entire 2022 calendar year and provided complete information. Your results may differ. There is no guarantee you will stay in business that long or that you will achieve the stated levels of same-store sales growth within that time period. See Item 19 of the FDD for more information.