Franchise Deep Dive: The Human Bean Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

LAST UPDATED: July 2024

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://franchise.thehumanbean.com/ 

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 260 open or in development

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $552,350 to $1,058,850

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): N/A

The Human Bean is a coffeehouse franchise based in Medford, Oregon. The brand is known for its drive-thru coffee stands, with only a few locations offering indoor seating. 

How Many The Human Bean Locations Are There?

The Human Bean was founded in 1998 by husband-and-wife teams Dan and Rhonda Hawkins and Tom and Tami Casey. Within the first few years of opening, the stand-alone, drive-thru coffee shop became successful, which led them to start franchising in 2002. 

The Human Bean currently has 260 locations open or in development in 21 states throughout the U.S. Available markets can be found here. 

What Is The Human Bean Business Model?

The Human Bean operates primarily in a drive-thru coffee shop model that focuses on providing convenient, speedy and consistently great coffee. The franchise also makes an effort to source high-quality, sustainable coffee beans and support local communities, appealing to customers who care about environmentally friendly options.

The franchise says these factors contribute to successful drive-thru operations:

• Ease of entry and exit
• High-traffic volumes (at least 15,000 cars per day)
• Location on main morning drive with great visibility from the street
• Superior and consistent product
• Efficient building design and equipment layout
• Human touch

Thanks to strong relationships with national distributors, The Human Bean can also deliver fresh, high-grade coffee and all the ingredients needed for their menu across the continental U.S. in a timely manner. 

The franchise ensures ongoing support for its partners, with each one assigned a field operations manager for continuous assistance. These managers stay in touch, making on-site visits to understand the needs of each franchisee and their local community. Franchise owners and managers receive coaching, training and support throughout the planning and building phases. About five to seven weeks before opening, lead barista trainers conduct a three-week intensive training program in Oregon, helping franchise owners immerse themselves in The Human Bean's systems and culture.

The marketing team is another valuable resource for franchise partners, offering support from creating marketing plans to producing promotional materials. Whether it's posters, banners, social media graphics, stickers or apparel, The Human Bean ensures that its franchise partners have the tools they need for success.

How Much Can The Human Bean Franchise Owners Make?

Earnings for The Human Bean franchise owners are not publicly available. 

How Much Does It Cost to Open The Human Bean?

Costs to open The Human Bean may range from $552,350 to $1.1 million, depending on the site-development specifics of a location. If franchisees choose to purchase land, the costs will elevate.

Additionally, franchise candidates must have a minimum net worth of $400,000 and a minimum of $200,000 in liquid assets.

Notably, The Human Bean does not collect a royalty fee on sales.  The franchise earns revenues from bulk sales of coffee beans, cups, lids and other supplies to its franchise partners. However, all locations do contribute 1% of gross sales revenue to a brand fund for the promotion of the branded product and drive-thrus.

What Is the Franchise Fee for The Human Bean?

The franchise fee is $30,000. 

Who Is the Leadership of The Human Bean?

• Dan Hawkins — Co-Founder, CEO and President
• Tom Casey — Co-Founder and Vice President
• Scott Anderson — Chief Operating Officer
• Janie Page — Chief Marketing Officer
• Leslee Swanson — Director of Franchise Engagement
• Jean Schneider — Director of Franchise Development
• Angela Beeks — Director of Franchise Sales
• Justin Hawkins — Director of Franchise Development
• Lily Hawkins — Director of Training
• Kim Steenslid — Director of Field Operations
• Alexa Cording — Real Estate Specialist

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About The Human Bean?

• THE HUMAN BEAN RANKS 4508 ON THE 2023 INC. 5000 LIST
• The Human Bean Announces Grand Opening in Florence, OR
• The Human Bean Celebrates 25 Year Beanniversary
• The Human Bean Opens Third Vancouver, WA Location
• THE HUMAN BEAN RANKED AMONG THE TOP FRANCHISES IN ENTREPRENEUR’S FRANCHISE 500®

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