Top Coffee and Cafe Franchise Opportunities of 2022

Prospective franchisees looking to invest in a coffee shop or cafe brand have no shortage of options to choose from, including both emerging brands and long-established legacy franchises. For a candidate just starting to explore the segment, the wealth of options can be overwhelming. To help narrow the field, here are our favorite coffee and cafe franchise opportunities of 2022.

Paris Baguette*

• Unit count: 4,000+
• Start-up costs: $528,270-$1,638,554
• 1851 Brand Newsroom

This bakery café concept is bringing back the neighborhood bakery and sparking joy in the customers who walk through its doors. Paris Baguette has nearly 100 locations around the U.S. The menu includes French-inspired bakery items such as cakes, pastries, coffees, and breads among a variety of other options.

BIGGBY COFFEE*

• Unit count: 280+
• Start-up costs: $202,450-$418,700
• 1851 Brand Newsroom

BIGGBY COFFEE started in 1995 in East Lansing, Michigan. Since then, it’s grown from a two-man operation to a 280-plus-unit brand with cultural values such as Make Friends, Have Fun, B Yourself and Share Great Coffee. The brand’s mission is to brighten customers’ days and support them in building a life they love. BIGGBY COFFEE locations are in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Florida. 

Famous Toastery

• Unit count: 25+
• Start-up costs: $605,500-$1,029,500
• 1851 Brand Newsroom

Famous Toastery was started in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2005. The breakfast spot is one of the fastest-growing chains and was ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500. The franchise serves breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients and friendly service. There are more than 25 locations currently serving guests.

Dunkin’

• Unit count: 12,800
• Start-up costs: $438,000-$1.8M

Dunkin’ is one of the most recognized coffee brands in the world and prides itself on honesty, responsibility, integrity, respect, humility, fairness and transparency. Dunkin’ is known for its high-quality food and beverages at an affordable price. There are traditional and non-traditional locations available in markets around the U.S

Tim Hortons

• Unit count: 100+
• Start-up costs: $680,900-$1,906,300

Tim Hortons is a quick-service concept born in Canada but widely known and available in the U.S. The restaurant and coffee shop offers franchisees business training, ongoing support, a community of over 100 existing franchisees and support of the brand’s association with Restaurant Brands International.