1851

<a href="https://1851franchise.com/can-you-invest-in-a-starbucks-franchise-2720844">Starbucks</a> has a specific approach to expanding its brand. Unlike many other international chains that franchise their operations widely, Starbucks has traditionally adopted a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/why-you-cant-own-a-starbucks-franchise-and-what-to-do-instead-2719341">company-owned model</a> for its stores. However, the process of running a Starbucks location is not entirely impossible. It is, however, complex and requires a thorough understanding of the company's franchising and licensing policies.This well-known coffee giant&nbsp;does not offer franchising opportunities in the United States or many other countries. (In international markets such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theretailbulletin.com/general-merchandise/starbucks-opens-first-franchise-store-in-uk-06-02-2013/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-do-you-become-a-starbucks-franchisee-2723038" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">United Kingdom</a> or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thecommonscafe.com/3-things-to-consider-before-franchising-starbucks-in-the-philippines/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-do-you-become-a-starbucks-franchisee-2723038" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">the Philippines</a>, Starbucks has started to offer franchising opportunities.)Starbucks, like&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-does-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-cost-2715278">Chick-fil-A</a>, is managed by the company itself. This approach allows Starbucks to maintain a high level of control over its brand, products and customer experience."I always viewed franchising as a way to get access to capital because you're using other people's money to grow, essentially,” Starbucks CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Schultz?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-do-you-become-a-starbucks-franchisee-2723038" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Howard Schultz</a> told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/65008?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-do-you-become-a-starbucks-franchisee-2723038" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Entrepreneur</a> in 2003. “And we were dealing with a premium product — something that can be hard to learn, that you have to explain to the customer, that requires an educated staff. It would have been hard to provide the level of sensitivity to customers and knowledge of the product needed to create those Starbucks values if we franchised. You can be just as entrepreneurial and experimental in a company-owned model."While franchising may not be an option for those in the U.S., it is possible to become a&nbsp;<a href="https://smallbusiness.chron.com/opening-starbucks-32199.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-do-you-become-a-starbucks-franchisee-2723038" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">licensee</a> with Starbucks —&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/306915/countries-with-the-largest-number-of-starbucks-stores-worldwide/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-do-you-become-a-starbucks-franchisee-2723038" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">41%</a> of Starbucks stores are licensed in the U.S. Like a franchisor, the company does help licensed stores with many aspects of the business, including store design, the Starbucks menu, equipment, training and support, food, promotions, and onsite visits. But unlike franchising, a licensee does not own the store; they are simply renting the Starbucks brand for a licensing fee.The fee for licensing a Starbucks in the U.S. is hefty — roughly $315,000. Licensees will also need $700,000 in liquid assets to be considered for the opportunity.Beyond financials, Starbucks looks for licensees who share the company's commitment to quality and customer service. Prospective licensees should have a strong business background, preferably with experience in the food-and-beverage industry. Additionally, they should have a deep understanding of the local market. They also need to already have an attractive real estate location where Starbucks would want to open and the resources to open that Starbucks.&nbsp;It's best to talk to Starbucks directly if you’re interested in licensing their coffee shop. You’ll have to fill up a form, and they’ll have to assess your qualifications before accepting you as a licensed operator of their brand.&nbsp;Overall, becoming a Starbucks licensee is a significant undertaking that requires a strong business background, substantial financial resources and a commitment to upholding the company's high standards.&nbsp;

How Do You Become a Starbucks Franchisee?

1851 Franchise

Since Starbucks is not a franchise, you will not be able to outright own one. The good news is you can still open a Starbucks location as a licensor.

how-do-you-become-a-starbucks-franchisee

Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. Spreading Through the Southwest - 1851 Franchise

Crust Pizza Co. Targets Southeast U.S. for Expansion

crust-pizza-co-southeast-expansion

Seniors Helping Seniors®

Nathan Peterson Turns Passion for Helping Others into a Purpose-Driven Business with Seniors Helping Seniors Franchise

seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-caldwell-nathan-peterson

Famous Dave's

Famous Dave’s Fires Up Third Annual All-Star BBQ Series This May, Leading Up to the 2025 World Food Championships

famous-daves-fires-up-third-annual-all-star-bbq-series-this-may-leading-up-to-the-2025-world-food-championships

HomeTeam Inspection Service

From Air Force Veteran to Entrepreneur: Danny Hemchand Builds a Thriving Home Inspection Business

air-force-veteran-danny-hemchand-home-inspection-business

HomeTeam Inspection Service Reports Record-Breaking Performance in Q1, Continues National Expansion

hometeam-inspection-q1-2025-growth-expansion

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Eli Lilly GLP-1 Lawsuits - Mounjaro - Zepbound - 1851 Franchise Agg

Eli Lilly Sues Telehealth Startups Over GLP-1 Knockoffs, Escalating Legal Battle

eli-lilly-glp-1-lawsuits

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

&pizza - Fast-Casual Pizza Chain Begins Franchising - 1851 Franchise

&pizza Embraces Franchising To Fuel Bold New Growth Strategy

andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns

CFOs See Recession as Likely in ’25; Why Now Is the Time To Water the Franchise Buyer Seeds

cfos-see-recession-as-likely-in-25-why-now-is-the-time-to-water-the-franchise-buyer-seeds

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises To Own in 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025

most-profitable-restaurant-franchises-to-own

Franchise Success Stories: Inspiring Tales from the Front Lines

franchise-success-stories

Image of building outline hovering over person's hand

How To Choose the Right Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step

Amateur Bodybuilder and Business Partner Bring Passion for Fitness to World Gym Franchise in Fulton, New York

amateur-bodybuilder-and-business-partner-bring-passion-for-fitness-to-world-gym-franchise-in-fulton-new-york

DonutNV Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-donutnv-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

How Do You Become a Starbucks Franchisee?

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS