BIGGBY COFFEE

1851 Franchise: Tell us about the founding of BIGGBY.Bob Fish: The first store opened March 15, 1995 in East Lansing, Michigan in what was an old Arby’s. We had plans to open a second location, but we needed a manager to do that. My partner at the time suggested I interview Mike for that role.&nbsp;As is the way with Mike and I, we didn’t sit down for long for the interview. We started walking down the streets of East Lansing and through Michigan State’s campus. Three to four hours later, we came back with an idea. That idea was that we would start a company that would grow BIGGBY® COFFEE (then known as Beaner’s Gourmet Coffee).&nbsp;Mike McFall: We started the company that day from a mental/emotional perspective — we were all-in after that walk and a handshake. From there, we opened another store in the fall of 1997, made the decision to franchise in the summer of 1998 and slowly started building from there.1851: What are BIGGBY’s key differentiators that make it stand out in the industry?Fish: For the two of us, it was a discovery of an alignment of values. 25 years younger, we were more unconventional and ambitious, and we were really excited by the potential that the coffee industry offered. Today, BIGGBY is a much more purpose-driven company.McFall: The idea of the coffee shop represents this wonderful place for us to be able to employ our philosophy that centers around taking care of people. The greatest feeling in the world is having someone walk into our store in the morning and sending them out with more energy and more enthusiasm for their day because they’ve had that interaction. That’s one of the core roots that holds this tree up.&nbsp;Fish: Another standout is the strength in our partnership. Us getting together wasn’t that different than a couple dating and deciding to get married without knowing quite everything about each other — you feel like there’s this journey of discovery ahead of you, and this is the person you want to do it with. We’re big proponents of the idea of partnership and the idea that people are really the most essential component of any business transaction.1851: What are the milestones in the brand’s history that have led to its success?Mike: I would have to say one of the biggest milestones has been the transition to being a purpose-driven company, and that meant first settling on a purpose: Build a life you love. We decided this starts with workplace culture. American workplaces have employees conform to what they need versus what employees need, and that leads to stress among other negatives. If we can improve that even a little bit and make a change, the impact is big. That’s the passion behind the vision.&nbsp;1851: What is BIGGBY doing really well right now?&nbsp;McFall: I think our performance during the COVID-19 crisis has really been a demonstration of the coming together of the vision and the purpose. We’ve been able to connect with owner-operators, consumers and baristas in a way that was unique, meaningful, intentional and real. The evidence is really in our same-store sales compared to major brands like Starbucks or Dunkin’ — we’ve outperformed both of them. I do believe that our purpose-driven approach is what made that particular difference. Right now, we couldn’t possibly be in a stronger position.McFall: The other thing we’ve seen success in is the modular drive-thru. We can’t keep up with the number of franchise agreements we’re signing because of the desirable nature of this model during the pandemic. You get all the visibility of a standalone building for what it would normally cost to build an in-line strip-center location, it limits the construction time and costs and it has significantly sped up the process of getting franchisees open for business. These locations require connecting plumbing and electricity, and then they are up and running. The model has been such a huge success that we even have franchisors signing up to do it.Fish: One of our side missions is to make the word “love” as ubiquitous in business as the word “profit.” Love is not a word used often in business or in foodservice and to do it in an effective manner, it has to be more than a marketing message.&nbsp;1851: What’s the biggest lesson you learned this year that will inform the way you do business in 2021 and beyond?&nbsp;McFall: So much of what we did was natural because we were supporting people we love with what they needed to survive. Franchisees expected us to lead, and we led.&nbsp;Fish: The purpose of our brand was definitively tested. Companies have meaningless mission statements, and ours was tested during a crisis and has been proven to be strong and effective. We figured out in a hurry we were on the right path. We do believe that we are the center of every community that we’re in. When COVID-19 hit, our service — whether it be to employ people or to serve people — was an obligation to the community. People needed it.&nbsp;McFall: There’s genuine love there.

BIGGBY® COFFEE | Executive Q&A 

1851 Franchise

Co-Founders and co-CEOs Bob Fish and Mike McFall explain what makes BIGGBY’s franchise opportunity stand out from the competition.

This brand page has been paid for by BIGGBY COFFEE. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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Fresh Starts and Sweethearts: BIGGBY® COFFEE Brings Back Winter Favorites and Adds a TWIX® Twist for Valentine’s Season

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EAST LANSING, Mich.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/">BIGGBY® COFFEE</a>, the high-energy coffee franchise with more than 460 locations, is continuing to invest in what matters most — its people — with the announcement that it has joined the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ana.net/">Association of National Advertisers (ANA)</a>.&nbsp;Guided by a people-first philosophy and a commitment to values-aligned growth, BIGGBY® COFFEE will leverage ANA’s industry-leading training, research, and peer-to-peer communities to accelerate innovation across brand, digital &amp; social, AI, media, loyalty, and pricing strategy, which are key priorities for the brand as it continues to scale nationally while staying deeply rooted in local communities.In recent years, BIGGBY® has kept evolving how it shows up, including a refreshed look and the message “BIGGBY® Makes it Better.” That work has come from what the brand has always believed in: real connection, consistent quality and making everyday moments a little brighter. Through ANA, the team will continue to grow those efforts, learning new ways to improve while being true to who they are.“At BIGGBY® COFFEE, everything starts with people: our team members, our franchise owners and the communities we serve,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritabettino05/">Rita Bettino,&nbsp;</a>Chief Marketing Officer. “When we invest in our people, we’re investing in better ideas, better experiences and ultimately a better brand. Joining ANA gives our team the chance to keep learning, growing and bringing fresh thinking back into our shops, so we can show up stronger for our franchisees and create even more meaningful moments for our guests.”As BIGGBY® continues to expand across the country, it remains focused on building strong local businesses, supporting franchise owners and creating spaces where people feel welcomed and valued.About The BIGGBY® COFFEE FranchiseBIGGBY® COFFEE, headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, is a national coffee franchise with over 460 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>.About the ANAThe Association of National Advertisers (ANA) is the definitive voice of the marketing industry. Since 1910, we have set and advanced the agenda for marketing transformation, connecting over 1,600 member companies to an influential global network, insights and resources that drive growth. Our members represent 20,000 brands and $400 billion in annual marketing investment. Through industry-leading research, the CMO Growth Council, and our proprietary Growth Agenda and Practices, the ANA empowers marketers to shape the future of marketing and create lasting impact for their organizations and the industry.

BIGGBY® COFFEE Joins Association of National Advertisers 

The beloved Michigan-based coffee franchise continues building a better experience for franchisees, baristas and guests.

BIGGBY® COFFEE Joins Association of National Advertisers to Accelerate People-First Growth, Digital Innovation, and Brand Excellence

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BIGGBY® COFFEE Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

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BIGGBY® COFFEE Launches Limited-Time Cherry Sakura Red Bull® Lineup for Spring Energy Boost

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Luck Is Brewing: BIGGBY® COFFEE Brings Back Fan-Favorite Irish Cream Lineup for St. Patrick’s Day

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EAST LANSING, Mich. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/">BIGGBY® COFFEE</a>, the 460-plus-unit coffee franchise, is congratulating longtime supplier and sustainability partner&nbsp;<a href="https://paramountcoffee.com/">Paramount Coffee</a> on receiving the&nbsp;<a href="https://green.nd.edu/news/third-annual-sustainability-celebration-honors-a-decade-of-impact-campus-partners/">Human Rights and Social Responsibility Award</a> at the University of Notre Dame’s 3rd Annual Sustainability Celebration.The annual awards recognize organizations that make sustainability “an integral part of their business practices while partnering with the University of Notre Dame.” Paramount Coffee was honored for its Farm-Direct sourcing efforts, which help the university serve coffee with traceable supply chains sourced from farms that prioritize worker well-being and community development.Additionally, Paramount Coffee was recently recognized as a finalist for the&nbsp;<a href="https://sca.coffee/sustainabilityawards">Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) 2026 Sustainability Award</a>, a major global honor of which the company is incredibly proud. According to the SCA, the awards recognize those “dedicated to confronting the enormous challenges facing our industry – from climate change to gender equality – but also to collaborating across geographies, cultures, and supply chain roles, and to sharing the lessons they have learned for the benefit of the entire coffee sector.”“It’s exciting to see Paramount Coffee recognized for its commitment to responsible sourcing,”&nbsp; said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/biggbybob/">Bob Fish</a>, Co-CEO of BIGGBY® COFFEE and founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.onebiggislandinspace.com/">OBIIS (One BIGG Island in Space)</a>. “We’ve been working with Paramount since 1999, and they’ve been with us every step of the way as we’ve challenged ourselves to build a better coffee system. Together, we’re proving that coffee can be a force for good, creating real opportunities for farmers, strengthening communities and helping ensure every cup tells a story of care, connection and impact.”Founded in 1935, Paramount Coffee has been a key supplier to BIGGBY® COFFEE and has supported the company’s Farm-Direct sourcing efforts through OBIIS. Together, these initiatives are helping BIGGBY® COFFEE progress toward its goal of becoming 100% Farm-Direct sourced by the end of 2028.BIGGBY® COFFEE’s ongoing farm-direct program ensures its coffee is purchased from farmers who treat their people well, invest in their communities and embrace practices that are better for the planet. OBIIS visits each farm personally to validate its practices, confirm its values and forge healthy, long-term relationships with the farmers.“We’re proud that the University of Notre Dame recognizes our commitment to sustainability,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-schaafsma-35111823">Rich Schaafsma</a>, President of Paramount Coffee. “We believe in creating enduring positive impact for the people and communities we serve, and our mission is to offer coffee blends that are sourced with integrity. Buying farm-direct coffee is a simple way we can all make a positive impact on people, planet and community.”These efforts and relationships are helping BIGGBY® COFFEE serve up more than just a great cup of coffee. They’re bringing the brand closer to a future where every cup has a story: one connected to the farmer who grew the beans, the community that nurtured them and the journey they took to get into customers’ hands. Along the way, BIGGBY® COFFEE is proud to work with trusted partners like Paramount Coffee, whose commitment to doing the right thing aligns with the values that guide the brand every day.About the BIGGBY® COFFEE FranchiseBIGGBY® COFFEE, headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, is a national coffee franchise with over 460 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>.&nbsp;

BIGGBY® COFFEE Celebrates Longtime Sustainability Partner;

The recognition highlights Paramount Coffee’s commitment to responsible sourcing and reflects shared values that have supported BIGGBY® COFFEE’s Farm-Direct journey.

BIGGBY® COFFEE Celebrates Longtime Sustainability Partner; University of Notre Dame Honors Paramount Coffee

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EAST LANSING, Mich.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://biggby.com/">BIGGBY® COFFEE</a>, the 460-plus-unit high-energy coffee franchise, is keeping the fun going this summer with a lineup inspired by road trips, campfires, sunny afternoons and those little moments that make the season unforgettable. Running now through Aug. 19, 2026, BIGGBY® COFFEE’s seasonal menu brings together nostalgic campfire flavors, juicy peach creations and feel-good promotions designed to make every summer adventure a little sweeter.This year’s lineup is built around two craveable flavor themes: S’mores and Peach.The Campfire collection captures the cozy magic of summer nights with toasted marshmallow, hazelnut and mocha flavors, all topped with graham cracker crumbles for the ultimate sip of nostalgia.&nbsp;Featured Campfire beverages include:<ul><li>Campfire Latte</li><li>Sweet Foam Campfire Cold Brew</li><li>Campfire Creme Freeze</li><li>‘Lil Camper Magic Milk (Available starting June 11)</li></ul>For guests looking for something bright, juicy and refreshing, the Peach lineup delivers real diced peaches and sunny flavor combinations made for warm-weather sipping.Featured Peach beverages include:<ul><li>Just Peachy BIGGBY Blast®</li><li>Sun of a Peach Creme Freeze</li><li>Blackberry Peach Lemonade</li><li>Peach Iced Tea</li></ul>BIGGBY® is also giving energy drink fans something to get excited about with Juneberry Red Bull® (Sea Blue Edition), featured in the Triple Berry Red Bull® Mocktail and available to customize across the brand’s energy lineup.And because summer cravings go beyond drinks, BIGGBY® is adding even more flavor to the menu with new food offerings. Guests can fuel up with the new Power Stack sandwich, featuring sausage and cheddar on a crispy hashbrown waffle, or snack on warm Pretzel Bites with cheese. This sandwich is a great protein boost and is also gluten friendly.&nbsp;One of the biggest highlights of the season is the refreshed BIGGBY® Kids Menu and the debut of the “Lil’ BIGGBY® Crew,” a playful cast of characters bringing extra fun to family coffee runs. With colorful lemonades, Magic Milks and kid-friendly favorites, BIGGBY® is making summer outings fun for kids and easy for parents.To keep the good vibes rolling all season long, BIGGBY® COFFEE is also serving up a variety of limited-time promotions:<ul><li>50% off BIGGBY® Blast Energy Drinks (May 21 to Aug. 19): Available exclusively through the BIGGBY® app</li><li>99-cent Kids Drinks (June 11 to Aug. 19): Available across the new Kids Menu</li><li>Father’s Day (June 21): Buy one, get one free or $1 off any drink, any size</li><li>Fourth of July (July 3 to 5): Buy one, get one free on select holiday beverages</li></ul>The fun continues June 29 through July 5 with a festive Fourth of July drink lineup featuring frozen beverages and a limited-time Star-Spangled Cake Pop.From campfire-inspired treats and peach-packed sips to family fun and summer road trip fuel, BIGGBY® COFFEE is serving up a season full of smiles, memories and reasons to celebrate.About the BIGGBY® COFFEE FranchiseBIGGBY® COFFEE, headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, is a national coffee franchise with over 460 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>.

With the season in full swing through Aug. 19, the brand is serving up nostalgic campfire treats, juicy fruit creations, energy boosts and new snacks designed for seasonal adventures.

BIGGBY® COFFEE | Executive Q&A

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