BIGGBY® COFFEE Celebrates Installation of 50th BCubed Modular Drive-Thru Location in East Lansing, Michigan

EAST LANSING, MI – BIGGBY® COFFEE, the coffee concept with over 350 units, is gearing up to celebrate the opening of its 50th modular drive-thru facility, also known as the BCubed concept. The new location is slated to open in East Lansing, Michigan. This milestone marks the quick success and growth of BCubed, which has effectively “revolutionized” the coffee industry with its unique approach to drive-thru coffee shops.

The story of the BCubed concept began when Jeff Konczak, an entrepreneur and current BIGGBY® COFFEE multi-unit operator, recognized the need for a drive-thru at a separate fast-food franchise. Konczak then sketched plans for a modular drive-thru facility on the back of a napkin during his lunch, and the BCubed concept was born. He then brought the idea to BIGGBY® COFFEE founders Bob Fish and Michael McFall, who were instantly captivated by the idea.

In 2018, Konczak became the proud owner of the first BCubed concept for BIGGBY® COFFEE in Alpena, Michigan. By 2019, five total BCubed locations were open and operating, proving the appeal of the concept. According to Konczak, the 50th location in East Lansing is a testament to the exponential growth and widespread recognition that BCubed has achieved in just five years.

BCubed buildings provide franchisees with a shortened project duration. Similar to a traditionally constructed building the franchisee collaborates with an engineer to create a site plan for approval of the use on the land. BCubed provides guidance for the site plan and site construction. 

The modular structures are fully pre-build, pre-wired and pre-plumbed in a dedicated facility in Alpena, Michigan. After assembly and inspection, they are delivered to the designated locations, where they are reassembled quickly. In total, manufacturing takes about four weeks, and installation takes as little as six to eight hours. The opening date depends on completion of site construction, including connection to utilities, landscaping, and paving. This efficient process ensures cost-effective establishment and swift operations for franchisees.

According to Konczak, the BCubed concept provides “infinite opportunities” and enables franchisees to keep costs under control.

“The beauty of BCubed is that it puts people in business, allows them to grow their business and have multiple units. The small footprint makes it attainable and accessible for a lot of people to own their own gig,” said Konczak.

The success of BCubed lies in its mutual benefits for franchise owners and consumers alike. Franchisees enjoy affordability due to the shorter project duration, increased quality, and green construction methods. . BCubed locations require fewer parking spots and furniture, and can result in as much as 40% lower operating costs than conventional storefronts. From a consumer perspective, BCubed locations provide efficient service with its drive-thru model and are designed to handle high volumes and ensure quicker operations.

To commemorate the 50th BCubed location, Konczak says the BCubed team will be holding a celebration to recognize the collaborative effort between BCubed and BIGGBY® COFFEE that has helped propel the BCubed concept.

“It’s an important milestone for us. Fifty units is a very significant milestone,” he said.

Looking ahead, Konczak is already exploring new ways to improve the concept, including the development of a larger version of the modular facility that offers franchisees more space to accommodate increased volume. This larger BCubed XL represents the next phase of growth and expansion for BCubed for BIGGBY® COFFEE.

With the 50th location set to open in East Lansing, the BCubed concept is poised to continue evolving alongside the growth of BIGGBY® COFFEE.

“We're looking at all corners of the United States to put BCubed for BIGGBY® COFFEE units, and you’ll start to see us pop up sooner than you think,” Konczak concluded.

About The BIGGBY® COFFEE Franchise

BIGGBY® COFFEE, based in East Lansing, Mich., was started with a single store on March 15, 1995. One year later, and on the cusp of opening a second location, Bob Fish and Michael McFall, on a handshake and $4,000, decided to franchise the concept. The brand’s cultural values of Make Friends, Have Fun, B Yourself and Share Great Coffee help coffee-lovers and the coffee-curious alike benefit from a less pretentious and fun approach to the standard gourmet cafe paradigm. Besides connoisseur-worthy drinks with names like Teddy Bear® and Caramel Marvel®, BIGGBY® COFFEE baristas provide a unique experience focused on brightening their customers’ day and supporting them in building a life they love. The “Big ‘B’” on the orange background caught on, and today BIGGBY® COFFEE has 350+ cafes across many states, including Virginia, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Idaho, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Florida.