BIGGBY® COFFEE, the over 300-unit franchise dedicated to helping its franchisees, employees and customers build a life they love, is well on its way to its 2028 goal: 1,000 units open. There are currently 316 open locations, with an additional 153 in development, and the brand is not slowing down.

“We have had a strong year of openings because of the momentum we built from 2020 and into 2021. Despite the issues most have been facing with inflation, labor shortages, real estate challenges and supply chain impact, we have not been slowing down on our growth,” explained Tony DiPietro, VP of emerging market development at BIGGBY® COFFEE.

This year alone, the brand has opened 38 new stores and signed franchise agreements for 59 more. 28 stores are projected to open in Q4 alone, bringing the year’s total to 66 anticipated new openings.

Much of this can be attributed to the company’s culture, intentional growth strategy and Area Representative Program.

BIGGBY® COFFEE’s Area Representative Program allows there to be “boots on the ground” in most markets, generating leads, closing deals and supporting local franchisees as they open and build their business. Each representative is a franchisee as well, equipping them with the personal experience they need to discuss the brand and guide their peers through the process.

This program is one aspect of a larger cultural initiative.

“One of the most important things at BIGGBY® is our cultural values,” added Bob Fish, co-founder and co-CEO. “We support people in building a life that they love. A lot of the franchisees coming in share that desire and see the value in getting involved with their community and staff.”

Finally, the concept’s multi-unit growth strategy has skyrocketed growth thanks to driven, successful franchisees. About 20% of current owner-operators are slated for additional locations after having strong years in 2020 and 2021, and multi-unit owner-operators currently own 75% of existing stores.

“We don’t sell multi-unit ‘pack’ deals, but that’s not a barrier to having multi-unit owner-operators,” Fish said. “We focus on having a successful first store. When franchise owners are happy, profitable and feel supported, they feel confident expanding, and we are able to build well with the right people rather than simply expanding for the sake of increasing unit counts.”

As the brand’s leadership looks forward, its long-term goal is to establish at least one location per 20,000 people in emerging markets such as the Greater Boise, Greater Atlanta (Fulton County), Greater Nashville and Greater Illinois areas, as well as in Memphis and Virginia Beach.

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 300-plus cafes across many states, including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Florida and Idaho.