BIGGBY COFFEE

Twenty-five years ago, the first <a href="https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-secret-to-biggby-coffees-impressive-franchise-growth-love-2714302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">BIGGBY</a>®<a href="https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-secret-to-biggby-coffees-impressive-franchise-growth-love-2714302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> COFFEE</a> store opened in East Lansing, Michigan. An immediate hit among residents of the college town, the coffee shop quickly opened up a sister store. Then another. In the quarter century since, BIGGBY has continued to steadily expand, opening more than 240 locations across nine states. And despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis, BIGGBY continues to grow, and it does so with some of the happiest franchisees in the industry.The secret to the brand’s prolonged growth? “It’s a little unconventional,” admits BIGGBY® COFFEE Co-Founder and Co-CEO Bob Fish, “but as a franchise, we have really fine-tuned our system to combine business and love.”&nbsp;In the business world, where just about every aspect of an operation can be measured and optimized through metrics and data analysis, most brands might see love as a dangerously intangible concept to build a franchise around, but BIGGBY’s long-running success can largely be attributed to that focus. The brand prides itself on being purpose-driven and supporting its franchisees, employees and customers in building a life they love.Recently, BIGGBY® COFFEE underwent a self-audit. But it wasn’t a financial or even operational audit. It was a culture audit. The brand wanted to ensure that it was living up to its “commitment to genuine care” — the phrase BIGGBY’s team uses to describe its heightened support for store owners. “That’s how seriously we take this,” Fish said. “We are constantly holding ourselves accountable and looking for ways to improve not just the business but the owner experience.”&nbsp;The key, says BIGGBY’s other co-founder and co-CEO, Mike McFall, is understanding what entrepreneurs love about running a business. “People get into franchising because they have a dream of owning their own business, or because they want to escape the grind of the corporate world, or, in our case, maybe because they have a genuine passion for our coffee. The point is, they’re not just looking for another job, they’re looking for an opportunity they believe will be a strong asset, one that will support them in building a life they love and provide them with a lifestyle they can be proud of and truly enjoy.”&nbsp;&nbsp;BIGGBY’s franchise model is designed to support the kind of lifestyle most entrepreneurs are looking for. And while the meaning of success may vary across franchisees, McFall says BIGGBY’s corporate team is well-equipped to provide franchisees everything they need to get where they want to be.“Some franchisees are hungry for growth and want to be the biggest operator in our system, while others might be more focused on working with their communities and becoming a beloved hangout in their town,” McFall said. “Whatever their goals are, they are going to get direct, personal support from our team.”That support includes a dedicated operations team and a dedicated tech team, both of which work directly with franchisees, day in and day out. BIGGBY also has its own point-of-sales system — allowing franchisees to fully customize their own POS operation without being tied to a third-party platform — and an in-house graphic design team that can quickly produce marketing materials that meet brand specifications.&nbsp;Another way BIGGBY has been working to support its franchisees is through the rollout of a store buildout designed for maximum efficiency. The recently introduced modular unit drastically increases speed to market and costs significantly less to build than standard models for BIGGBY’s big-name competitors.“The modular unit allows new franchise owners to get started efficiently,” said McFall. “They just connect plumbing and electricity, and they are up and running. You get all the visibility of a standalone building for what it would normally cost to build an in-line strip-center location.”&nbsp;That streamlined model also limits the construction time and costs, and it has significantly sped up the process of getting franchisees open for business.“When a new franchisee opens a BIGGBY® COFFEE store, we’re able to tell them, ‘Here is your new business, and here is everything you need to make it great: recipes, marketing, POS, tech support — everything,’” said Fish.But even as BIGGBY® COFFEE introduces game-changing new innovations for store owners, the franchise remains true to its roots, including a high-energy, community-oriented vibe with bright colors, fun music and cheerful, welcoming staff at every location —&nbsp;a distinct departure from the corporate conveyor-belt atmosphere other coffee brands have migrated to in recent years. This, Fish says, is a key to the brand’s success at a time when other brands are struggling.Because of BIGGBY’s focus on franchisee support, the brand has become a particularly appealing opportunity for first-time franchisees who are looking for durable and scalable businesses in an uncertain economic landscape.“When COVID-19 hit, a lot of brands started pulling back, but we managed to navigate the crisis effectively and move forward,” said Fish. “How? By holding true to our core values, including love and care, and by supporting all of our people in building a life that they love.”McFall says that the brand’s continued success throughout the COVID-19 crisis “has really been proof positive of the unique value of our model. Today’s franchisees don’t just see this crisis as a tragic, one-time thing. They remember 2008, and they know that there’s always the risk of another crisis around the corner, so they are looking for brands that have proven that they can continue to innovate, be flexible and offer support and solutions in any scenario.”To ensure BIGGBY® COFFEE remains flexible and ready to evolve, Fish says the franchise has been designed to promote communications and incorporate feedback from franchisees at every opportunity. Franchisee committees regularly meet with the brand’s corporate team to discuss potential improvements and share best practices, and every franchisee has a direct line to the franchisor.&nbsp;“We work closely with our franchisees not just for their benefit but for the benefit of the entire franchise system,” Fish said. “This isn’t just a ‘we hear you’ thing — our franchise owners play an active role in guiding our operational model.”As BIGGBY® COFFEE continues to grow, Fish says the brand is doubling down on its commitment to franchisee support and is actively looking for new ways to achieve its goal of working with the happiest franchise owners in the industry. After all, that commitment goes both ways.&nbsp;“Happy franchisees are the most effective operators,” Fish said. “All of the passion and support we invest in our franchisees comes right back to the brand. It’s like anything else — the more you give, the more you get back.”The initial investment to franchise with BIGGBY® COFFEE ranges from $189,550 to $378,600, including a $25,750 to $38,750&nbsp; 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=the-secret-to-biggby-coffees-impressive-franchise-growth-love-2714302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/</a>.About BIGGBY® COFFEE®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. 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 8 Area Representatives in 6 states.

The Secret to BIGGBY® COFFEE’s Impressive Franchise Growth? Love.

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By prioritizing the needs of franchisees, the 25-year-old coffee brand has become one of most attractive opportunities for lifestyle-oriented entrepreneurs.

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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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

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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

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<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

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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>.

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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>.

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The Secret to BIGGBY® COFFEE’s Impressive Franchise Growth? Love.

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