2000
100
$200,000
$25,000
$1,825,221
No
Aroma Joe’s is a rapidly expanding coffee franchise that blends high-quality, ethically sourced coffee with a vibrant, community-centered experience.Founded in 2000 in Scarborough, Maine, the brand has grown to over 100 locations across the U.S., including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida.Aroma Joe’s is renowned for its handcrafted coffee, signature AJ’s RUSH® energy drinks, and a menu that caters to all-day cravings.What sets Aroma Joe’s apart is its commitment to positivity and customer engagement—each order is taken in person by a trained barista, ensuring a personal touch that fosters customer loyalty.
Rapid Expansion: With over 100 locations and a growing presence along the East Coast, Aroma Joe’s offers significant growth potential.
Community-Centric Model: The brand emphasizes local engagement, with each store acting as a hub for community interaction.
Diverse Revenue Streams: The menu includes a variety of beverages and food items, catering to a broad customer base.
Proven Business Model: Franchisees benefit from a low-cost entry and a supportive operational framework.
Veteran-Friendly: Aroma Joe’s offers a reduced franchise fee for military veterans, reflecting its commitment to supporting those who have served.
Aroma Joe’s is a fast-growing, community-focused coffee franchise that has established itself as a leader in the specialty coffee market in the USA. The brand combines high-quality products, a unique customer experience, and a strong community-oriented culture.
Established Year: 2000
Founders: Marty McKenna, Tim McKenna, Mike Sillon, and Brian Sillon
The founders’ vision was to create a coffee brand that emphasizes positivity, quality, and customer engagement.
Aroma Joe’s began franchising in 2013.
Number of Locations: Over 100 locations across the USA, primarily in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida.
The franchise continues to expand rapidly, particularly in underserved or high-traffic markets.
Owned and managed under Aroma Joe’s Franchising LLC.
Operates both company-owned and franchisee-owned locations to maintain quality and brand consistency.
Known for its handcrafted coffee, AJ’s RUSH® energy drinks, and signature menu items.
Aroma Joe’s focuses on in-person service, where baristas engage with customers to enhance the experience.
The brand is recognized for community involvement, sponsoring local events and engaging with neighborhoods to build loyalty.
Sector: Coffee & Beverage Franchising
Aroma Joe’s competes with other specialty coffee brands but differentiates itself with personalized service, energetic brand culture, and a diversified menu.
Committed to quality sourcing, ensuring coffee beans and ingredients meet high ethical and taste standards.
Offers veteran-friendly programs, including reduced franchise fees and tailored support.
Focuses on sustainable growth while maintaining strong support for franchisees and operational excellence.
Aroma Joe’s is highly committed to ensuring the success of its franchisees through comprehensive, structured support and training programs that cover all stages of business development:
Site Selection Assistance: Aroma Joe’s helps franchisees choose high-traffic, profitable locations based on demographic research and market analysis.
Lease Negotiation Guidance: Expert advice is provided to secure favorable lease terms.
Store Design & Build-Out: The franchise provides approved store layouts, construction specifications, and vendor contacts to ensure brand consistency.
Pre-Opening Training: Franchisees and their management teams undergo hands-on training that includes:
Coffee preparation techniques and recipes
Barista training for staff
Customer service protocols
POS (point-of-sale) system operation
Inventory management
Day-to-Day Operations Assistance: Ongoing guidance on running the store efficiently, from staffing to workflow management.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Detailed manuals covering operational best practices, quality standards, and compliance procedures.
Inventory & Supply Chain Management: Assistance in sourcing quality ingredients and products, maintaining stock levels, and optimizing costs.
National & Regional Campaigns: Franchisees gain access to professionally managed advertising campaigns to boost brand awareness.
Local Marketing Guidance: Tips and strategies for community engagement, events, and promotions to attract local customers.
Digital Marketing: Assistance with social media, online listings, and digital advertising to maintain a strong online presence.
Ongoing Education: Regular webinars, refresher courses, and new product training sessions keep franchisees and staff up-to-date.
Leadership & Management Development: Programs to enhance business acumen, team management, and customer engagement skills.
Veteran-Friendly Program: Reduced franchise fees and tailored training for military veterans.
Dedicated Franchise Support Team: Franchisees have access to a team of experts for troubleshooting, advice, and mentoring whenever needed.
Aroma Joe’s looks for franchisees who are not just investors, but passionate business partners committed to delivering high-quality coffee experiences while fostering strong community connections. The ideal franchisee possesses a combination of business acumen, personal drive, and alignment with the brand’s values.
Experience in retail, food service, or hospitality is advantageous but not strictly required.
Ability to manage day-to-day operations, including staffing, inventory, and customer service.
Strong understanding of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and monitoring key performance metrics.
A passion for coffee, beverages, and foodservice is essential to maintain the brand’s high-quality standards.
Strong leadership qualities to motivate staff, train teams, and create a positive workplace culture.
Entrepreneurial mindset, with the willingness to innovate locally while adhering to brand guidelines.
Sufficient liquid capital to meet minimum investment requirements and sustain the business during the initial growth phase.
Ability to handle working capital, marketing budget, and operational expenses until the business reaches break-even.
Ideal franchisees are interested in establishing stores in high-traffic areas or underserved markets with growth potential.
Strong commitment to community engagement, local events, and building customer loyalty.
Ability to represent the brand positively in the local community and become a trusted neighborhood hub.
Highly motivated, self-disciplined, and resilient, capable of handling the challenges of running a franchise.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with customers, staff, and corporate support teams.
Passion for creating a friendly, welcoming environment that aligns with Aroma Joe’s core values of positivity and energy.
| Financial Component | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $178,700 – $1,825,221 (varies by store type and location) |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $200,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 ($12,500 for veterans) |
| Royalty Fees | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fees | 3% of gross sales |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Costs | Varies by location; includes equipment, furniture, signage, and interior design |
| Working Capital | Included in total investment; covers initial operations and cash flow |
| Expected ROI | Dependent on location and sales; profitable within several years |
| Break-Even Time | Approximately 7 years |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Beverage sales, food items, energy drinks, seasonal promotions |
| Number of Franchise Units | Over 100 locations in the USA |
