BIGGBY COFFEE

When the first <a href="https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=biggby-coffee-ends-2020-with-record-84-franchise-units-sold-19-new-units-opened-and-plans-to-continue-growing-in-the-new-year-2715208" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">BIGGBY® COFFEE</a> opened its doors in East Lansing, Michigan 25 years ago, co-founders and co-CEOs <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/biggbybob/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=biggby-coffee-ends-2020-with-record-84-franchise-units-sold-19-new-units-opened-and-plans-to-continue-growing-in-the-new-year-2715208" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bob Fish</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-biggby/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=biggby-coffee-ends-2020-with-record-84-franchise-units-sold-19-new-units-opened-and-plans-to-continue-growing-in-the-new-year-2715208" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mike McFall</a> knew they were onto something special.&nbsp;Initially, Fish met McFall to interview him to be a manager, as the brand was planning to open a second location. They soon found themselves walking through Michigan State University’s campus, and over the course of the next three to four hours, they decided to create what is now BIGGBY. What began as a deal sealed with a handshake has since evolved into a 240-plus unit franchise with locations across nine states. And despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, those numbers continue to grow.&nbsp;In 2020, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/biggbycoffee">BIGGBY® COFFEE</a> sold a record 85 locations and opened 18 new units, proving that the brand’s business model is built to survive even the most difficult economic conditions. This ability to adapt to its circumstances aided by BIGGBY’s innovative <a href="https://biggby.com/biggby-coffee-announces-new-b-cubed-concept/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=biggby-coffee-ends-2020-with-record-84-franchise-units-sold-19-new-units-opened-and-plans-to-continue-growing-in-the-new-year-2715208" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">modular-unit store model, called BCubed</a>.&nbsp;The BCubed concept, which has been received well by franchisees and customers alike at its existing locations, is designed for maximum efficiency — the model increases speed to market and costs significantly less to build than standard store models in the coffee space.“We can’t keep up with the number of modular drive thrus that we’re selling,” said McFall. “It’s been such a huge success throughout COVID, and we have franchise owners lining up to open them.”BCubed locations also offer customers access to a drive-thru, enabling guests to order their favorite BIGGBY items from the comfort and safety of their own cars, which proved to be essential over the course of 2020, when COVID concerns emerged and social distancing became the norm. BCubed locations continue to be a major element of the BIGGBY strategy in 2021 as well — there are currently 45 modular units in development in addition to the 9 units currently open.&nbsp;The success that BIGGBY saw over the course of 2020 is also due in part to the brand’s <a href="https://1851franchise.com/biggbycoffee/nearly-250-unit-biggby-coffee-drives-franchise-development-success-with-dedicated-area-representative-team-2714305">Area Representative program</a>, which was first introduced in 2018. The program selects BIGGBY franchisees to become area representatives, who can drive growth in designated markets. Once these representatives are chosen and go through training, they work to grow the BIGGBY brand in their development territories while building strong relationships with business owners and customers.Lisa Oak, chief development officer for BIGGBY, says that despite her extensive experience in the franchise industry, the growth that the brand has found through the Area Representative program, the BCubed locations and other recent advancements is impressive by any standard.“Coffee is such an amazing category, and our coffee is special. Customers are responding well to our brand and becoming franchisees themselves. We really pride ourselves on the fact that our prospective franchisee can be anyone; people who love our coffee and what we’re about can truly be successful with us,” said Oak.That kind of love and dedication is ultimately what makes the BIGGBY business model work. At its core, Fish says the brand isn’t focused on selling a specific number of units every year — it’s about changing people’s lives for the better. That purpose-driven mindset has been an integral part of the brand’s culture since day one.“Us getting together and starting BIGGBY wasn’t that different than a couple dating and deciding to get married without knowing everything about one another. We understood that our values were the same, but we knew that there would be this journey of discovery ahead of us,” said Fish. “We’re big proponents of the idea of partnership and the idea that people are really the most essential component of any business transaction.”The COVID-19 pandemic has tested that purpose and mindset over the past year, and BIGGBY showed that not only is it true to its mission, but the mission is working.“I was so scared during the first few weeks of the pandemic — I was working the line myself to try and save on labor,” said Shanna Novosel, a BIGGBY franchisee and area representative for the Greater Cincinnati area. “Now we’re busier than we were this time last year. The thing is, there’s a ‘shop local’ aspect of the business. My stores are in smaller communities, so customers know me and know the business is locally owned. They know they’re helping me and our employees support our kids, not just sending all the money we earn to Seattle.”Mo Elfakir, another BIGGBY® COFFEE franchise owner, agrees.“I love being able to connect with my customers and build relationships with them,” Elfakir said. “It’s great to be able to make people smile with a cup of coffee every day — everybody loves coffee. We’re a part of something that’s much larger than just making money — we’re building a community. Happiness for me comes through making other people happy.”On the heels of its most successful year to date, BIGGBY® COFFEE only has plans to grow in the new year and beyond. Not only is the brand on pace to open its milestone 250th location in 2021, it’s also planning to continue fostering growth through its development team, area representatives and BCubed locations. But even as the brand continues to grow, there are no plans to stray from its purpose-driven roots and commitment to creating a community of love and support above anything else.“Our purpose is supporting people in building a life that they love. That’s what Bob and I have been going throughout our entire history together, McFall said. “We’re supporting people every day when we wake up on multiple levels. For customers, it’s as simple as the fact that when they walk in one of our stores in the morning, we have the opportunity to be a positive force in their life at that moment. For our staff, we put together a process to help them develop in their careers and build a life and future they love. And for our franchisees, we work with them to build a successful business.”The initial investment to franchise with BIGGBY® COFFEE ranges from $189,550 to $378,600, including a $20,000 franchise fee. For more information on franchising with BIGGBY COFFEE, please visit <a href="https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=biggby-coffee-ends-2020-with-record-84-franchise-units-sold-19-new-units-opened-and-plans-to-continue-growing-in-the-new-year-2715208" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/</a>.About BIGGBY® COFFEEBIGGBY® 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. BIGGBY® COFFEE’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® 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 more than 240 cafes across many states including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Florida. In 2018, BIGGBY® launched an Area Representative Program and currently has 14 Area Representatives in 8 states.

BIGGBY® COFFEE Ends 2020 With Record 84 Franchise Units Sold, 19 New Units Opened and Plans to Continue Growing in the New Year

1851 Franchise

The expansion of its innovative modular-unit store buildout and a rapidly growing Area Representative program are only two of the ways the leading coffee brand continues to outshine the competition.

biggby-coffee-ends-2020-with-record-84-franchise-units-sold-19-new-units-opened-and-plans-to-continue-growing-in-the-new-year

FRANCHISE INFORMATION

Own a BIGGBY COFFEE

BIGGBY COFFEE Growth

Franchisee Highlight

30 Years of BIGGBY COFFEE

Learn

Visit Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

YouTube

SOCIAL MEDIA

BIGGBY® COFFEE Marks Midyear Momentum with Brand Refresh, Leadership Expansion, and Values-Aligned Growth

The Sweetest Season: BIGGBY® COFFEE Rings in the Holidays With Cookie-Themed Drinks and the Return of Peppermint Favorites

BIGGBY® COFFEE Named No. 2 Best Coffee Chain in the Nation by USA Today

BIGGBY COFFEE MOST READ STORIES

1851 LOGIN

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

ABOUT BIGGBY COFFEE

CONTACT BIGGBY COFFEE

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

State Of Interest

How did you hear about us?

Own a BIGGBY Coffee

EAST LANSING, Mich. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/">BIGGBY® COFFEE</a>, the people-focused coffee franchise with over 450 locations, was named on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-customer-service/">Forbes Best Customer Service 2026 list</a>, ranking No. 115 among the top 300 brands recognized nationwide. The annual ranking, published October 14 and conducted in partnership with customer-insights firm&nbsp;<a href="https://hundredx.com/">HundredX</a>, highlights companies that deliver exceptional personal interaction, speed, service quality and problem resolution.The 2026 list was developed from an extensive online survey fielded from August 2024 through July 2025, in which 158,000 consumers shared more than 3.8 million ratings across more than 3,500 brands. Respondents freely selected the companies they reviewed, and each brand required at least 400 evaluations to qualify.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/biggbycoffee/info">BIGGBY® COFFEE’s</a> strong placement reflects consistent, positive experiences reported directly by guests across the United States.“This recognition means a lot because it comes straight from our customers,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekaylorcpa/">Erin Kaylor</a>, president of BIGGBY® COFFEE. “Every day in our stores, our baristas work to make people feel seen, valued and cared for. Customer service isn’t a department here, it’s our culture. Being named to this list affirms that the moments of connection we focus on are making a real impact.”This is Forbes’ third annual Best Customer Service list, which evaluates companies across industries using criteria tailored to each sector. Restaurants, for example, are evaluated heavily on speed, accuracy and the guest experience, areas in which BIGGBY® COFFEE continues to invest.“We believe people always remember how you make them feel,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikejmcfall/">Mike McFall,</a> CEO of BIGGBY® COFFEE. “From the very beginning, our purpose has been to make the world a better place. When guests walk into a BIGGBY® café, we want them to leave feeling better than when they arrived. Earning this recognition is a reflection of the heart our franchise owners and baristas bring to that mission.”The placement on Forbes’ 2026 Best Customer Service list comes during a period of strong momentum for the brand. BIGGBY® COFFEE recently introduced a refined visual identity, expanded its leadership team and continued to open new locations across the country with a focus on values-aligned, people-first growth. The franchise also remains committed to ethical sourcing and aims to reach 100% Farm-Direct coffee purchasing by 2028.“This honor reinforces what we work toward every day,” Kaylor said. “Great coffee matters, but great connection matters even more. We’re grateful to every guest who took the time to share their experience.”About The BIGGBY® COFFEE FranchiseBIGGBY® COFFEE, headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, is a national coffee franchise with over 450 locations across 13 states. Since opening its first store in 1995, BIGGBY® has remained 100% franchise-owned and operates under a fully franchised business model designed to help local entrepreneurs grow successful, community-minded businesses.The company is guided by a people-first philosophy and a commitment to values-aligned growth — supporting franchise owners and baristas, creating positive experiences for guests, and partnering with coffee producers who treat people well, respect the environment, and invest in their communities.In 2024, BIGGBY® introduced a refined visual identity anchored by the tagline BIGGBY® Makes it Better, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to consistent quality, human connection and uplifting everyday interactions.For more information on BIGGBY® COFFEE or franchise opportunities, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.biggby.com">www.biggby.com</a>.

BIGGBY® COFFEE Recognized on Forbes’ 2026 Best Customer Service List

biggby-coffee-forbes-2026-best-customer-service

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/biggbybob/">Bob</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-fish-54ab23188/">Michelle Fish,</a> co-founders of the 450+ unit coffee franchise&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/">BIGGBY® COFFEE</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.onebiggislandinspace.com/">One Bigg Island in Space (OBIIS)</a>, were recently featured on the podcast&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoXYFCmfPyA">“It Shouldn’t Be This Hard,”</a> where they talked about&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/biggbycoffee">BIGGBY® COFFEE’s</a> push toward regenerative agriculture. During the episode, they explained how direct work with farmers is shaping the company’s sourcing goals, why it matters for the future of coffee and how these efforts are influencing the way they think about building the brand.The episode highlights BIGGBY® COFFEE’s goal to source 100% of its beans through farm-direct, regenerative agriculture by 2028. Through its work with OBIIS, the company is partnering directly with farmers around the world, creating relationships that support soil health, strengthen communities and build long-term resilience in coffee-growing regions facing the realities of climate change.Bob and Michelle describe this approach as “capitalism with boundaries” — the idea that businesses must operate within planetary limits and moral responsibilities. It’s not philanthropy, they explain, but a pathway to survival for companies that rely on global agricultural systems under increasing strain.Throughout the conversation, the Fishes emphasize the role of empathy, storytelling and personal purpose in leading a sustainable brand. They also outline how direct-to-farmer sourcing creates transparency for coffee drinkers, helping them connect more deeply with the people who grow their beans.For BIGGBY® COFFEE, regenerative agriculture isn’t a marketing angle. It’s a long-term business strategy and a core part of its mission to build a company that supports people, protects the planet and inspires others in the industry to rethink what good business can look like.Watch the episode&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoXYFCmfPyA">here</a>.&nbsp;To learn more about franchising with BIGGBY® COFFEE, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/.">https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/.</a>&nbsp;

“It Shouldn’t Be This Hard” Podcast: BIGGBY Coffee’s Journey to 100% Regenerative Sourcing

biggby-coffee-regenerative-sourcing-podcast

EAST LANSING, Mich. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/">BIGGBY® COFFEE</a>, the 450-plus unit high-energy coffee franchise,&nbsp; has officially been named the&nbsp;<a href="https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-coffee-chain/">No. 2 Best Coffee Chain</a> in the United States by&nbsp;<a href="https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-coffee-chain/">USA Today’s10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards</a>. The brand ranked above major national players including Starbucks, Dunkin’, Dutch Bros, Scooter’s and Caribou Coffee.The annual USA Today poll recognizes the most beloved coffee brands across the nation, with nominations and rankings determined by coffee lovers and readers nationwide. BIGGBY® COFFEE’s ranking highlights its growing reputation as a franchise built on connection, community and consistency — not just caffeine.“We’re beyond honored to see&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/biggbycoffee/info">BIGGBY® COFFEE</a> recognized among the top coffee chains in the country — and even more proud that this ranking comes from our guests,” said President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekaylorcpa/">Erin Kaylor</a>. “This isn’t just a win for our brand; it’s a win for every barista, franchise owner and community that has embraced our mission to make the world a better place, one cup at a time.”Since opening its first shop in East Lansing, Michigan, in 1995, BIGGBY® has built its success on simple values: to build communities where people feel connected, valued, uplifted and inspired. The 100% franchise-owned brand continues to expand nationwide while staying rooted in its purpose-driven approach — to create a world where people are energized by purpose, connected by community, and uplifted through everyday interactions.“This recognition validates what our customers and franchise owners already know — BIGGBY® COFFEE is different,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikejmcfall/">Mike McFall</a>. “We’ve never chased trends or corporate metrics. We’ve focused on people, and people are the reason we’re here. We’re grateful to everyone who voted and continues to share in our journey.”BIGGBY® COFFEE’s placement in USA Today’s 10Best list comes during a banner year for the brand, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, introduced a refreshed visual identity under the tagline “BIGGBY® Makes it Better” and continues to open new stores across the country at record pace.About The BIGGBY® COFFEE FranchiseBIGGBY® COFFEE, headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, is a national coffee franchise with over 450 locations across 13 states. Since opening its first store in 1995, BIGGBY® has remained 100% franchise-owned and operates under a fully franchised business model designed to help local entrepreneurs grow successful, community-minded businesses.The company is guided by a people-first philosophy and a commitment to values-aligned growth — supporting franchise owners and baristas, creating positive experiences for guests, and partnering with coffee producers who treat people well, respect the environment, and invest in their communities.In 2024, BIGGBY® introduced a refined visual identity anchored by the tagline BIGGBY® Makes it Better, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to consistent quality, human connection, and uplifting everyday interactions.For more information on BIGGBY® COFFEE or franchise opportunities, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.biggby.com">www.biggby.com</a>.

biggby-coffee-usa-today-best-coffee-chain-2025

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Just in time for the holidays,&nbsp;<a href="https://biggby.com/">BIGGBY® COFFEE</a>, the 450-plus-unit high-energy coffee franchise, is rolling out its seasonal menu, available November 1 through January 1, 2026.&nbsp;Back by popular demand are peppermint favorites: the scintillating Peppermint Stick Mocha and the Snow Mint Mocha (a white-chocolate twist on the classic). New this year is the Frostbite BIGGBY Blast®, a bold blend of blue raspberry and vanilla topped with sweet foam and boisterous blue sugar sprinkles — an energy drink that makes for the ideal afternoon pick-me-up! And yule love the new Frosted Sugar Cookie Latte. With buttery vanilla and sweet frosting flavors, topped with blue sugar sprinkle magic.&nbsp;The hearty Maple Waffle Sandwich lineup: sausage, bacon, egg and cheese, or customized, is now available through January 1. It’s the perfect breakfast combination of savory and sweet that’s sure to start the workday off right.BIGGBY® is also proud to introduce new seasonal snack offerings, including Double Chocolate Mini-Muffins and a merry array of individually-wrapped sugar cookies featuring festive snowmen, polar bears, snow-covered trees and sparkling snowflakes.On December 4, celebrate National Cookie Day with BIGGBY® with four additional, holiday inspired cookie beverages: Sweet Foam Frosted Sugar Cookie Cold Brew, Thumbprint Cookie Latte, Spice Cookie Latte, and Sweet Foam Scotchie Cookie Cold Brew.And the holiday season keeps getting sweeter, with these special BIGGBY® promotions:&nbsp;<ul><li>Veterans Day - BIGGBY® is proud to honor our veterans, offering veterans any 16 ounce beverage for just $1.99 on November 11.</li><li>Black Friday&nbsp;- On November 28, guests who stop in and make a purchase spending a certain amount will receive a BIGGBY® Black Friday BIGG scratch card with a discount reward.</li><li>12 Days of BIGGBY® - From December 13 through Christmas Eve, BIGGBY® will surprise guests with a limited-time or secret menu item each day between (with Santa delivering a daily discount!).</li></ul>Celebrate the holiday season with caffeinated peppermint classics, cool new drinks, merry food offerings and an array of festive fall and winter promotions as BIGGBY® COFFEE delivers a jolly end to 2025!To find a BIGGBY® COFFEE location near you, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.biggby.com">www.BIGGBY.com</a>.About The BIGGBY® COFFEE FranchiseBIGGBY® COFFEE, headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, is a national coffee franchise with over 450 locations across 13 states. Since opening its first store in 1995, BIGGBY® has remained 100% franchise-owned and operates under a fully franchised business model designed to help local entrepreneurs grow successful, community-minded businesses.The company is guided by a people-first philosophy and a commitment to values-aligned growth — supporting franchise owners and baristas, creating positive experiences for guests, and partnering with coffee producers who treat people well, respect the environment, and invest in their communities.In 2024, BIGGBY® introduced a refined visual identity anchored by the tagline BIGGBY® Makes it Better, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to consistent quality, human connection, and uplifting everyday interactions.For more information on BIGGBY® COFFEE or franchise opportunities, visit www.biggby.com.To learn more about franchising with BIGGBY® COFFEE, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/">https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/</a>.

Biggby Coffee food and drink, Christmas seasonal offerings peppermint. brownies

biggby-coffee-holiday-menu-peppermint-cookie-drinks-2025

BIGGBY® COFFEE Ends 2020 With Record 84 Franchise Units Sold, 19 New Units Opened and Plans to Continue Growing in the New Year

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS