If you’re a coffee enthusiast with dreams of entrepreneurship, owning a coffee shop might have crossed your mind more than once. But what’s it really like to helm a caffeine-filled enterprise? Beans & Brews Coffeehouse can help you delve into the day-to-day life of a coffee franchise owner, the responsibilities you’ll shoulder, and whether this path is right for you.
Coffee Shop Operations 101: What You Need to Know
Before embarking on your coffee shop journey, it’s essential to understand the intricacies of the business. Coffee shops are often considered the heart of their neighborhoods and communities, where people gather to connect and find comfort in their daily routines. While coffee itself is a staple, successful coffee shop ownership entails more than just brewing a great cup of joe.
Owning a coffee shop is like being the conductor of a well-choreographed symphony of coffee, flavors, and community. Around 51% of Americans agreed with the sentiment that “coffee is pure pleasure to me,” according to Statista. Each day begins with the enticing aroma of freshly roasted beans and the promise of a bustling establishment.
Former professional baseball player Ben Zobrist famously said, “Each new day has a different shape to it. You just roll with it.” As a coffee shop owner, you’ll find each day presents bright moments and challenges. Let’s unravel the process by detailing your daily responsibilities in managing coffee shop operations.
- Quality control: Ensuring the coffee and beverages meet the high standards that your brand and customers expect. The quest for the perfect brew is a never-ending journey.
- Staff management: Leading and supporting your team of baristas, bakers, and service staff. Training, scheduling, and maintaining a positive work environment are important aspects of the job.
- Inventory: Monitoring and ordering supplies, from coffee beans to pastries, to keep your offerings fresh and available.
- Customer service: Engaging with customers, taking orders, and fostering a welcoming atmosphere. The connections you build with your patrons can be one of the most rewarding aspects.
- Marketing and promotion: Implementing local marketing strategies, participating in community events, and exploring digital marketing to attract new customers while keeping regulars coming back for more.
- Financial management: Handling financial matters, such as budgeting, tracking expenses, and ensuring profitability. Beans & Brews provides support in this crucial area, offering you peace of mind.
Profitability and Fulfillment: The Coffee Shop Equation
The question on many aspiring coffee shop owners’ minds is whether owning a coffee shop is profitable. Coffee shops, when well-run, can be lucrative. The cafe industry’s market size jumped 10.8% in 2022 and is valued at $45.8 billion, according to Project Café USA 2023, a study from the World Coffee Portal. At least 44% of coffee drinkers order coffee from cafes several times a week.
Our franchisees enjoy the advantage of operating under a well-established brand that resonates with communities. We’ve got over 70 locations in the heart of the Midwest and development deals in seven states. We’re also targeting multi-unit franchise owners in the Eastern U.S. To spearhead growth, we recently tapped Chad Gretzema, previously brand president at Del Taco, where he oversaw approximately 600 locations in 15 states.
“Beans & Brews has given me the freedom to do the things that I love and the financial freedom to live my life the way I want to,” says Annie Thomas, a multi-unit franchise owner. “It’s not just about profit; it’s about the freedom and financial stability to live life on your terms.”
We have two coffee shop business models to enable franchisees to meet consumer demand. Our Express Model is a kiosk-style outlet tailored for high-traffic locations, such as airports or retail stores. Our flagship model is designed to give customers a full-scale coffeehouse experience and includes a drive-thru for people on the go. In 2022, the average net sales for 25 of our full-scale locations was $745,238, and eight non-traditional locations had average net sales of $341,705.*
Nearly 55% of customers in our fast-paced world prefer drive-thru options over entering a coffee shop. Yet the rise of remote work is solidifying our coffee shop locations as community hubs where people come to work, socialize, and decompress. Having an alternative to a home office can help break up the daily grind and give people who work from home a fresh perspective.
Beans & Brews: Your Competitive Franchise Advantage
We’re a franchise opportunity that combines your passion for coffee with the support and resources necessary for thriving in this industry. The statistics point to the coffee shop sector’s growth, but owning a coffee shop requires the right brand, training, and commitment to creating a welcoming coffee haven for your community.
As a Beans & Brews franchisee, you’re not just opening a coffee shop — you’re joining a family of coffee enthusiasts and entrepreneurs who are dedicated to crafting exceptional coffee experiences. As part of our initial investment of $518,500 to $761,500, you’ll get the tools you need to be successful. We offer comprehensive support systems that empower franchisees to thrive, including 66 hours of classroom training and 81 hours of on-the-job training, as well as ongoing support. Our extensive training and resources ensure you’re well-prepared to navigate the complexities of coffee shop ownership.
“They’ve got the support systems in place to help you grow and be successful,” said Matt Sauk, a multi-unit franchisee who co-owns the business with his wife, Michele.
Having a successful marketing strategy will help increase your profit potential and stand out from the competition. Our franchisees receive professionally designed marketing materials, ensuring a consistent and appealing brand image across all locations. We also help franchisees tailor their marketing strategies to suit their communities, acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in the diverse world of coffee enthusiasts.
In the digital realm, Beans & Brews Coffeehouse assists franchisees in establishing and maintaining an online presence, leveraging websites and social media, to connect with customers.
In the competitive coffee industry, having the right support, leadership, and a strong brand can make all the difference in your success. “You’re getting great leadership, processes, a fantastic brand, and an opportunity to grow,” says Scott Sutterfield, another multi-unit franchisee with 11 locations.
Drive-Thru and Takeaway Preferences
The cafe industry has witnessed a significant shift in consumer preferences. According to Business Insider, more than two-thirds of the nation’s largest coffee chain’s orders are now made through drive-thrus, mobile orders, or delivery. Nearly 55% of customers prefer drive-thru options over entering a coffee shop.
Beans & Brews Coffeehouse recognizes the importance of catering to these preferences. With drive-thru and e-commerce options, franchisees can meet the demands of on-the-go customers and capture a larger share of the market.
Learn More About Beans & Brews
Owning a coffee shop can put you on a path toward financial freedom and self-sufficiency. If you’re ready to take the next step to owning a coffee shop, get started by connecting with someone from our franchise team to learn more about the opportunities that await you.
*This is a historical representation of what some of Beans & Brews Coffeehouse’s franchised agencies earned, as described further in Item 19 of the FDD.
