FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy a Caribou Coffee Franchise

Caribou Coffee, founded in 1992 in Minnesota, is a global coffeehouse brand with over 800 locations across 11 countries. Known for its handcrafted beverages, crave-worthy food, and community-centered coffeehouses, Caribou emphasizes high-quality, specialty-grade coffee sourced sustainably. The brand’s purpose is to create day-making experiences that spark positive chain reactions, supported by core values focused on quality, culture, and environmental responsibility. Caribou Coffee offers two franchise concepts: traditional coffeehouses and drive-thru cabins, the latter being a small-footprint, fast-service model with high customer satisfaction. The company has a strong commitment to real ingredients, ethical sourcing, and social impact, including 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee and cage-free eggs by 2025.

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Why buy a Caribou Coffee Franchise?

Investing in a Caribou Coffee franchise offers entry into a growing, premium coffee market with a beloved, socially responsible brand. Franchisees gain access to a proven business model, strong franchisee support, and two flexible store formats. The company’s commitment to sustainability and quality ingredients appeals to modern consumers, while its ambitious growth plans provide significant expansion opportunities. With a focus on operational excellence and community impact, Caribou Coffee presents a compelling franchise opportunity for seasoned operators seeking a reputable brand with a clear growth trajectory.

Caribou Coffee Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      1992

    • Franchising Since

      2006

    • New Startup Cost

      $279,100 – $1,429,000

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details

  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $30,000

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      $15,000

      or 50% of then-current Initial Franchise Fee

    • Royalty Fee

      5–6%

      of Gross Sales

    • Marketing Fee

      3%

      of Gross Sales

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      487

    • New Units Opened *

      14

    • Units Transferred *

      8

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      $1,104,835

    * Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

Caribou Coffee – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    Caribou Coffee provides comprehensive franchisee support, including training in operations, marketing, and customer service to ensure brand consistency and operational excellence. Franchisees benefit from established systems and ongoing assistance, with a focus on multi-unit operators who can open multiple locations. The company’s franchise model supports rapid expansion with a well-defined structure and resources.

  2. Ideal Owner

    The ideal Caribou Coffee franchisee is an experienced, multi-unit operator with strong systems knowledge and the capacity to develop at least 10 locations, preferably 25 or more. Candidates should have substantial liquid assets (minimum $3 million) and prior food & beverage or franchise experience. They must be committed to upholding Caribou’s brand values and operational standards.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Caribou Coffee is recognized for its premium quality and sustainability leadership, being the first major U.S. coffeehouse to serve 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee. Its brand relaunch and innovative product offerings, such as Tea Latte Fusions and all-natural chocolate beverages, have reinforced its reputation for quality and customer experience.

  4. Industry / Market

    The specialty coffee industry continues to grow robustly, with consumers increasingly valuing quality, sustainability, and unique experiences. Caribou Coffee’s strategic franchise expansion and focus on non-traditional locations (airports, colleges, grocery stores) position it well to capitalize on this growth. The company aims to become the third-largest U.S. coffee chain, targeting thousands of units nationally.

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