LAST UPDATED: May 2026
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/
1851 NEWSROOM: https://1851franchise.com/biggbycoffee
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS:
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $296,250 - $1,011,500
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $720,465 (average gross sales per store for FY 2024)
BIGGBY® COFFEE is a people-first business built on the foundation of community, care and connection. From its humble beginnings to its widespread national footprint, BIGGBY® has always remained committed to helping entrepreneurs live fulfilling lives through a business that brings people together over quality coffee and good conversation.
BIGGBY® was founded in 1995 by Bob Fish and Michael J. McFall. Originally launched in East Lansing, Michigan, the brand was born from a shared vision: to create a coffee shop that not only served exceptional beverages but also served as a hub for community engagement. Today, the co-founders serve as co-CEOs and remain hands-on in guiding the brand’s mission, values and long-term strategy.
Mission: The BIGGBY® mission is to support franchisees, employees and customers in building a life they love and to create a world where people are energized by purpose, connected by community and uplifted through everyday interactions. This purpose fuels everything from training and leadership to customer service and product development.
Vision: BIGGBY® has a long-term vision to become a $1 billion company by 2028 with a presence of 1,000+ units, while focusing on conscious capitalism, ethical sourcing and the improvement of workplace culture in America.
BIGGBY® is in the midst of targeted expansion. For more information on franchising opportunities and available territories, complete and submit the online application form.
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a BIGGBY® franchise ranges from $296,250 to $658,000 for a whitebox leasehold model (e.g. strip mall or other similar location), $533,500 to $9499,000 for a modular location model (pre-fabricated drive-thru only) and $412,972 to $1,011,500 for a site-built location model (building constructed on an approved location). The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
Whitebox Leasehold Model
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $140,000 | $351,000 |
| Equipment, Furniture & Décor | $70,000 | $129,000 |
| Architectural & Engineering | $7,500 | $15,000 |
| Building Permits | $3,750 | $16,000 |
| Signage (Interior & Exterior) | $14,000 | $25,000 |
| Real Property Rental or License | $6,000 | $18,500 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Insurance | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Utility Expense | $500 | $4,000 |
| License, Permits & Other | $1,000 | $5,500 |
| Initial Advertising & Grand Opening Promotions | $9,500 | $9,500 |
| Misc. Travel & Living for Training | $500 | $5,000 |
| Organizational Expenses | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $10,000 | $40,000 |
Modular Location Model
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Site Improvements | $230,000 | $481,000 |
| Construction Costs | $172,000 | $202,500 |
| Equipment, Furniture & Décor | $51,000 | $103,000 |
| Architectural & Engineering | $13,000 | $24,000 |
| Building Permits | $6,500 | $18,500 |
| Real Property Rental or License | $6,000 | $18,500 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Insurance | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Utility Expense | $500 | $5,000 |
| License, Permits & Other | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Initial Advertising & Grand Opening Promotions | $9,500 | $9,500 |
| Misc. Travel & Living for Training | $500 | $5,000 |
| Organizational Expenses | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $10,000 | $40,000 |
Site-Built Location Model
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Construction Costs | $226,472 | $712,000 |
| Equipment, Furniture & Décor | $86,000 | $114,000 |
| Architectural & Engineering | $18,000 | $20,000 |
| Building Permits | $8,500 | $15,000 |
| Signage (Interior & Exterior) | $13,000 | $30,000 |
| Real Property Rental or License | $6,000 | $18,500 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Insurance | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Utility Expense | $500 | $5,000 |
| License, Permits & Other | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Initial Advertising & Grand Opening Promotions | $9,500 | $9,500 |
| Misc. Travel & Living for Training | $500 | $5,000 |
| Organizational Expenses | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $10,000 | $40,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: BIGGBY® charges an initial franchise fee of $20,000, which is due upon signing the franchise agreement. A discount on the initial franchise fee may also be available for qualifying active or honorably discharged military service members.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, BIGGBY® franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty | 6% of gross sales (5% for certain existing Michigan operators)/day |
| Advertising Fund Contribution | Greater of $100 or 3% of gross sales)/week |
| Minimum Local Advertising | Up to 3% of gross sales/month |
| Cyber Liability Insurance | $5 - $78/month |
| POS Hardware Support | $75/month |
| PERC Services License | $23 per terminal, tablet or kiosk/month |
| Microsoft Office 365 License | $12 to $25 per store/month |
| Back of House Hardware Support | $40 per store/month |
| LMS (Learning Management System) | $15 per store/month |
| Freshdesk (Shared Support Portal) | $20 per store/month |
| Cybersecurity Monitoring | $30 per store/month |
| Online Menu Integration | $50 per store/month |
| ProfitKeeper (Benchmarking) | $10 per store/month |
ROI Potential: According to the 2025 FDD, the 358 BIGGBY® locations operational for the entirety of FY 2024 reported the following gross sales:
| Quartile | Average | Median | High | Low |
| Top Quartile (90) | $1,002,706 | $980,665 | $1,506,051 | $839,987 |
| Second Quartile (90) | $767,056 | $761,914 | $836,101 | $702,701 |
| Third Quartile (89) | $633,144 | $626,128 | $702,079 | $573,820 |
| Bottom Quartile (89) | $475,261 | $490,092 | $569,717 | $262,729 |
| Total (358) | $720,465 | $702,752 | $1,506,051 | $262,729 |
Prior to opening, the franchisor assists with site selection by reviewing proposed locations for approval based on demographics and traffic counts. BIGGBY® provides architectural specifications for store construction or improvements and establishes requirements for necessary equipment, fixtures and initial inventory. Franchisees also receive access to the proprietary operations manual and must complete initial training. Additionally, the franchisor provides a representative for up to five days to assist with store setup and initial staff training and offers guidance on product pricing and grand opening advertising plans.
BIGGBY® franchisees undergo hands-on training at the brand’s headquarters, which includes both classroom and in-store experience. Owners learn everything from product preparation and inventory management to customer service, point-of-sale systems and team leadership.
Franchisees receive ongoing support in site selection, lease negotiation, buildout oversight and operations. Dedicated field teams visit stores regularly, while HQ offers system-wide training updates, webinars and marketing toolkits to keep franchisees ahead of the curve.
BIGGBY® provides a POS system, inventory management tools, performance tracking dashboards and a digital resource hub. These tools are designed to help franchisees streamline operations, manage costs and enhance the customer experience.
BIGGBY® does not stipulate any franchisee requirements with regard to liquid assets or net worth.
The brand looks for franchisees who bring strong leadership skills, a customer-first mindset and a commitment to being active in their local community. While prior coffee or restaurant experience is not required, successful owners are typically hands-on operators who are comfortable managing teams, following established systems and building relationships with customers and employees. BIGGBY® values entrepreneurs who take personal ownership of their stores and are willing to stay closely involved in daily operations.
BIGGBY® franchisees are required to be actively involved in the direct, full-time supervision of their stores, often serving as the Designated Manager for at least the first year of operation. This role demands a significant on-floor presence, including working behind the espresso bar for a minimum of six hours a day, five days a week. Franchisees must also adhere to specific operational hours while strictly following the brand's proprietary operations manual and standardized POS systems. Additionally, they are committed to selling only authorized products and services, maintaining ongoing staff training programs and providing detailed financial reporting to the corporate office.
BIGGBY® does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. The franchisor also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations for its franchisees.
“BIGGBY® now means home. It means family. It's a company that stands behind and supports you - and that's so important. The business model is very systems oriented, if you follow the systems and processes that they lay out for you, it works.”
- Kris Kildea, Multi-Unit Franchise Owner — Michigan
“All I had to do was follow the system, focus on my people, and focus on my customers. It's incredibly rewarding to build relationships with our communities, and this really sets us apart from other brands."
- Tara Walston, Multi-Unit Franchise Owner — Michigan and Indiana
The global coffee market was valued at $269.27 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $369.46 billion by 2030. This growth presents a major opportunity for brands like BIGGBY®, which are positioned to thrive with high-quality products.
While the coffee category is crowded with big names like Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee, PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, Caribou Coffee, Scooter’s Coffee and Dunkin’ Donuts, BIGGBY® competes by offering a distinctly local feel, a commitment to purpose and a people-first approach. Its fully franchised model gives franchisees more direct access to resources and leadership, while its flexible formats allow it to enter markets many competitors overlook.
Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves.
Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
| BIGGBY COFFEE Experts Investment Range | $296,250 - $1,011,500 |
| No. of Units Currently Open | 450+ |
| No. of Units Expected to Open this Year | 60 |
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 |
| Royalty(%) | 6% |
BIGGBY COFFEE
SPONSORED
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: BIGGBY® COFFEE is a community-focused coffee franchise that combines purpose-driven ownership with a simplified, scalable business model.
LAST UPDATED: May 2026
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/
1851 NEWSROOM: https://1851franchise.com/biggbycoffee
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS:
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $296,250 - $1,011,500
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $720,465 (average gross sales per store for FY 2024)
BIGGBY® COFFEE is a people-first business built on the foundation of community, care and connection. From its humble beginnings to its widespread national footprint, BIGGBY® has always remained committed to helping entrepreneurs live fulfilling lives through a business that brings people together over quality coffee and good conversation.
BIGGBY® was founded in 1995 by Bob Fish and Michael J. McFall. Originally launched in East Lansing, Michigan, the brand was born from a shared vision: to create a coffee shop that not only served exceptional beverages but also served as a hub for community engagement. Today, the co-founders serve as co-CEOs and remain hands-on in guiding the brand’s mission, values and long-term strategy.
Mission: The BIGGBY® mission is to support franchisees, employees and customers in building a life they love and to create a world where people are energized by purpose, connected by community and uplifted through everyday interactions. This purpose fuels everything from training and leadership to customer service and product development.
Vision: BIGGBY® has a long-term vision to become a $1 billion company by 2028 with a presence of 1,000+ units, while focusing on conscious capitalism, ethical sourcing and the improvement of workplace culture in America.
BIGGBY® is in the midst of targeted expansion. For more information on franchising opportunities and available territories, complete and submit the online application form.
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a BIGGBY® franchise ranges from $296,250 to $658,000 for a whitebox leasehold model (e.g. strip mall or other similar location), $533,500 to $9499,000 for a modular location model (pre-fabricated drive-thru only) and $412,972 to $1,011,500 for a site-built location model (building constructed on an approved location). The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
Whitebox Leasehold Model
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $140,000 | $351,000 |
| Equipment, Furniture & Décor | $70,000 | $129,000 |
| Architectural & Engineering | $7,500 | $15,000 |
| Building Permits | $3,750 | $16,000 |
| Signage (Interior & Exterior) | $14,000 | $25,000 |
| Real Property Rental or License | $6,000 | $18,500 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Insurance | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Utility Expense | $500 | $4,000 |
| License, Permits & Other | $1,000 | $5,500 |
| Initial Advertising & Grand Opening Promotions | $9,500 | $9,500 |
| Misc. Travel & Living for Training | $500 | $5,000 |
| Organizational Expenses | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $10,000 | $40,000 |
Modular Location Model
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Site Improvements | $230,000 | $481,000 |
| Construction Costs | $172,000 | $202,500 |
| Equipment, Furniture & Décor | $51,000 | $103,000 |
| Architectural & Engineering | $13,000 | $24,000 |
| Building Permits | $6,500 | $18,500 |
| Real Property Rental or License | $6,000 | $18,500 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Insurance | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Utility Expense | $500 | $5,000 |
| License, Permits & Other | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Initial Advertising & Grand Opening Promotions | $9,500 | $9,500 |
| Misc. Travel & Living for Training | $500 | $5,000 |
| Organizational Expenses | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $10,000 | $40,000 |
Site-Built Location Model
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Construction Costs | $226,472 | $712,000 |
| Equipment, Furniture & Décor | $86,000 | $114,000 |
| Architectural & Engineering | $18,000 | $20,000 |
| Building Permits | $8,500 | $15,000 |
| Signage (Interior & Exterior) | $13,000 | $30,000 |
| Real Property Rental or License | $6,000 | $18,500 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Insurance | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Utility Expense | $500 | $5,000 |
| License, Permits & Other | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Initial Advertising & Grand Opening Promotions | $9,500 | $9,500 |
| Misc. Travel & Living for Training | $500 | $5,000 |
| Organizational Expenses | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $10,000 | $40,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: BIGGBY® charges an initial franchise fee of $20,000, which is due upon signing the franchise agreement. A discount on the initial franchise fee may also be available for qualifying active or honorably discharged military service members.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, BIGGBY® franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty | 6% of gross sales (5% for certain existing Michigan operators)/day |
| Advertising Fund Contribution | Greater of $100 or 3% of gross sales)/week |
| Minimum Local Advertising | Up to 3% of gross sales/month |
| Cyber Liability Insurance | $5 - $78/month |
| POS Hardware Support | $75/month |
| PERC Services License | $23 per terminal, tablet or kiosk/month |
| Microsoft Office 365 License | $12 to $25 per store/month |
| Back of House Hardware Support | $40 per store/month |
| LMS (Learning Management System) | $15 per store/month |
| Freshdesk (Shared Support Portal) | $20 per store/month |
| Cybersecurity Monitoring | $30 per store/month |
| Online Menu Integration | $50 per store/month |
| ProfitKeeper (Benchmarking) | $10 per store/month |
ROI Potential: According to the 2025 FDD, the 358 BIGGBY® locations operational for the entirety of FY 2024 reported the following gross sales:
| Quartile | Average | Median | High | Low |
| Top Quartile (90) | $1,002,706 | $980,665 | $1,506,051 | $839,987 |
| Second Quartile (90) | $767,056 | $761,914 | $836,101 | $702,701 |
| Third Quartile (89) | $633,144 | $626,128 | $702,079 | $573,820 |
| Bottom Quartile (89) | $475,261 | $490,092 | $569,717 | $262,729 |
| Total (358) | $720,465 | $702,752 | $1,506,051 | $262,729 |
Prior to opening, the franchisor assists with site selection by reviewing proposed locations for approval based on demographics and traffic counts. BIGGBY® provides architectural specifications for store construction or improvements and establishes requirements for necessary equipment, fixtures and initial inventory. Franchisees also receive access to the proprietary operations manual and must complete initial training. Additionally, the franchisor provides a representative for up to five days to assist with store setup and initial staff training and offers guidance on product pricing and grand opening advertising plans.
BIGGBY® franchisees undergo hands-on training at the brand’s headquarters, which includes both classroom and in-store experience. Owners learn everything from product preparation and inventory management to customer service, point-of-sale systems and team leadership.
Franchisees receive ongoing support in site selection, lease negotiation, buildout oversight and operations. Dedicated field teams visit stores regularly, while HQ offers system-wide training updates, webinars and marketing toolkits to keep franchisees ahead of the curve.
BIGGBY® provides a POS system, inventory management tools, performance tracking dashboards and a digital resource hub. These tools are designed to help franchisees streamline operations, manage costs and enhance the customer experience.
BIGGBY® does not stipulate any franchisee requirements with regard to liquid assets or net worth.
The brand looks for franchisees who bring strong leadership skills, a customer-first mindset and a commitment to being active in their local community. While prior coffee or restaurant experience is not required, successful owners are typically hands-on operators who are comfortable managing teams, following established systems and building relationships with customers and employees. BIGGBY® values entrepreneurs who take personal ownership of their stores and are willing to stay closely involved in daily operations.
BIGGBY® franchisees are required to be actively involved in the direct, full-time supervision of their stores, often serving as the Designated Manager for at least the first year of operation. This role demands a significant on-floor presence, including working behind the espresso bar for a minimum of six hours a day, five days a week. Franchisees must also adhere to specific operational hours while strictly following the brand's proprietary operations manual and standardized POS systems. Additionally, they are committed to selling only authorized products and services, maintaining ongoing staff training programs and providing detailed financial reporting to the corporate office.
BIGGBY® does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. The franchisor also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations for its franchisees.
“BIGGBY® now means home. It means family. It's a company that stands behind and supports you - and that's so important. The business model is very systems oriented, if you follow the systems and processes that they lay out for you, it works.”
- Kris Kildea, Multi-Unit Franchise Owner — Michigan
“All I had to do was follow the system, focus on my people, and focus on my customers. It's incredibly rewarding to build relationships with our communities, and this really sets us apart from other brands."
- Tara Walston, Multi-Unit Franchise Owner — Michigan and Indiana
The global coffee market was valued at $269.27 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $369.46 billion by 2030. This growth presents a major opportunity for brands like BIGGBY®, which are positioned to thrive with high-quality products.
While the coffee category is crowded with big names like Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee, PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, Caribou Coffee, Scooter’s Coffee and Dunkin’ Donuts, BIGGBY® competes by offering a distinctly local feel, a commitment to purpose and a people-first approach. Its fully franchised model gives franchisees more direct access to resources and leadership, while its flexible formats allow it to enter markets many competitors overlook.
Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves.
Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
| BIGGBY COFFEE Experts Investment Range | $296,250 - $1,011,500 |
| No. of Units Currently Open | 450+ |
| No. of Units Expected to Open this Year | 60 |
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 |
| Royalty(%) | 6% |
| BIGGBY COFFEE Experts Investment Range | $296,250 - $1,011,500 |
| No. of Units Currently Open | 450+ |
| No. of Units Expected to Open this Year | 60 |
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 |
| Royalty(%) | 6% |
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