NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 

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.

1. What Is the Brand Overview for BIGGBY® COFFEE?

About the Brand

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.

Unique Selling Points (USPs)

• "Farm Direct" Commitment: The brand is moving toward 100% farm direct sourcing for its coffee, focusing on direct relationships with farmers to help them create sustainable economic models.
• Local Leadership: Every location is 100% franchise-owned and operated by local residents who are encouraged to be deeply rooted in their neighborhoods.
• Extensive Beverage Variety: The menu features a broad array of specialty lattes, teas, smoothies and energy beverages.
• Purpose-Driven Brand Identity: The brand’s mission goes beyond just selling coffee and focuses on making lives better for customers, communities and franchise owners.

2. What Are the Franchise Opportunity Details?

Why Franchise With BIGGBY® COFFEE?

• Low Startup Costs: BIGGBY® emphasizes a relatively low total investment and franchise fee compared to many coffee franchise options.
• Flexible Models: Franchisees can choose from multiple build-out models, including traditional Whitebox leaseholds, prefabricated Modular units (that can be assembled in days) or site-built locations with drive-thrus.
• Support: Franchisee support includes comprehensive initial and ongoing training, marketing help, operational guidance and field support throughout ownership.
• Purpose-Driven Culture: BIGGBY® promotes a supportive, people-focused culture intended to create a positive work environment and life for owners, teams and customers alike.
• Franchisee Support: Each location is franchised rather than corporate-owned, meaning the whole organization prioritizes franchisee success.

Available Territories

BIGGBY® is in the midst of targeted expansion. For more information on franchising opportunities and available territories, complete and submit the online application form.

Investment Overview

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

Modular Location Model

Site-Built Location Model

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:

ROI Potential: According to the 2025 FDD, the 358 BIGGBY® locations operational for the entirety of FY 2024 reported the following gross sales:

3. What Franchisee Support Does BIGGBY® COFFEE Provide?

Pre-Opening Support

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.

Training Programs

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.

Operational Support

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.

Technology and Tools

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.

4. What Are the Franchisee Requirements for BIGGBY® COFFEE?

Eligibility Criteria

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.

Operational Commitments

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.

Funding Assistance

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.

5. Are There Franchisee Success Stories?

“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

6. What Is the Market Potential for Coffee?

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.

Competitor Analysis

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.

7. What Is the Application Process for BIGGBY® COFFEE Franchisees?

1. Submit an Inquiry Form: Fill out the initial form on the BIGGBY® franchise website to express interest.
2. Introductory Call: A member of the franchise development team will reach out to answer your questions and learn more about your goals.
3. Receive the FDD: Once mutual interest is established, you’ll receive the Franchise Disclosure Document to review the brand’s legal and financial information.
4. Connect With Franchisees: You’ll be invited to speak directly with current BIGGBY® franchise owners for peer-to-peer validation.
5. Complete a Formal Application: Submit your application, financial information and background for review.
6. Approval and Agreement Signing: If approved, you’ll sign the franchise agreement and officially join BIGGBY® Nation.
7. Site Selection and Training: After signing, the support team helps you secure a location and schedule your initial training at HQ.
8. Store Opening: From signing to grand opening, the full process typically takes four to six months.

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