1989
33
$500,000
$35,000
$992,000
No
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii offers a unique franchise opportunity rooted in the rich coffee culture of Hawaii. Founded in 1989 on the Big Island, the brand specializes in premium Hawaiian-grown coffee, including the world-renowned Kona Coffee. With a commitment to quality and community, Bad Ass Coffee has expanded its presence across the U.S., providing franchisees with a chance to be part of a growing and dynamic brand.
Investing in Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii means aligning with a brand that combines the allure of Hawaiian culture with the thriving coffee industry. The franchise offers:
Unique Product Offering: Specialty coffees sourced from Hawaii's diverse regions.
Proven Business Model: Established operations with a track record of success.
Strong Brand Identity: A brand that resonates with consumers seeking quality and authenticity.
Supportive Franchise System: Comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure franchisee success.
Founded: 1989 in Kona, Hawaii
Founders: The brand was started by entrepreneurs passionate about sharing premium Hawaiian coffee with a wider audience. Their mission was to bring authentic Hawaiian coffee culture beyond the islands.
Brand Journey:
Early Years: Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii began as a single coffee shop in Kona, offering freshly roasted Hawaiian coffee to locals and tourists. The brand quickly gained recognition for its quality and unique branding.
Expansion: Over the years, it expanded to multiple locations in Hawaii before entering the U.S. mainland market. This growth was driven by a focus on high-quality products, unique Hawaiian-themed branding, and strong customer loyalty.
Franchise Development: The company adopted a franchise model to accelerate growth across the U.S., offering entrepreneurs a proven system and the support needed to replicate its success.
Ownership & Revitalization: In 2019, Royal Aloha Franchise Company LLC acquired the brand, infusing new energy into operations, marketing, and franchise support. This move aimed to modernize the brand while maintaining its Hawaiian roots.
Market Presence:
U.S. Expansion: Today, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has approximately 33 locations, with the majority being franchised stores.
Target Market: The brand caters to coffee enthusiasts who value high-quality, authentic Hawaiian coffee, and to communities seeking a unique café experience.
Industry Category:
Falls under the Coffeehouse / Café Franchise sector.
Competes with other specialty coffee brands but differentiates itself through Hawaiian-grown coffee, unique branding, and a strong community presence.
Notable Attributes:
Specialty in Kona Coffee, one of the most sought-after coffee varieties globally.
Offers a memorable customer experience, combining Hawaiian culture, vibrant branding, and quality products.
Focused on community engagement, often hosting local events and supporting tourism and local culture.
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is committed to ensuring its franchisees succeed through comprehensive support programs that cover every aspect of running the business, from pre-launch to ongoing operations.
Before opening a franchise location, the company provides intensive training to prepare franchisees for day-to-day operations:
Hands-On Store Training: Franchisees train at an existing location to learn operations, customer service, and product preparation.
Business Operations: Instruction on inventory management, supply chain logistics, employee hiring, and scheduling.
Brand Orientation: Understanding the brand’s history, Hawaiian coffee culture, and unique selling points to effectively communicate with customers.
After launch, ongoing operational support ensures smooth business management:
Store Setup Guidance: Assistance with selecting a location, designing the store layout, and installing equipment.
Operational Best Practices: Guidance on optimizing workflows, managing staff, and maintaining consistent product quality.
Problem Solving: Access to a support team to troubleshoot operational challenges and share solutions based on experience from other locations.
Franchisees benefit from a strong marketing framework:
National Marketing Campaigns: The brand runs promotions and advertising that support all locations.
Local Marketing Assistance: Guidance on store-specific campaigns, events, and promotions to attract nearby customers.
Digital Marketing Support: Social media, website, and email marketing strategies tailored to the franchise’s target audience.
To maintain high-quality coffee service, franchisees receive:
Coffee Preparation & Knowledge: Comprehensive training on roasting, brewing, and serving Kona coffee and other specialty beverages.
Menu Training: Detailed instruction on all products, including food offerings, beverages, and merchandise.
Customer Service Excellence: Training on delivering a unique, Hawaiian-inspired customer experience.
Even after the franchise is running smoothly, support continues:
Franchise Advisory Team: Dedicated team to provide operational, marketing, and strategic guidance.
Periodic Reviews: Regular store visits and performance assessments to ensure adherence to brand standards.
Updates & Innovations: Franchisees are informed about new products, promotional campaigns, and operational improvements.
Networking Opportunities: Access to franchisee conferences and group meetings to share best practices and learn from other locations.
To succeed as a Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii franchisee, certain traits, skills, and resources are highly recommended. The brand seeks partners who can uphold its high standards while driving growth and building a strong community presence.
Coffee Enthusiast: A genuine love for coffee and a deep interest in learning about Hawaiian-grown varieties like Kona Coffee.
Cultural Appreciation: Excitement to share Hawaii’s unique culture, values, and aloha spirit with customers.
Operational Know-How: Experience in managing a retail or food & beverage business is highly advantageous.
Team Leadership: Ability to hire, train, and motivate staff to maintain excellent customer service and operational efficiency.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Comfort with taking initiative, solving problems, and driving business growth independently.
Investment Readiness: Sufficient funds to cover the initial franchise investment, working capital, and ongoing operational costs.
Long-Term Commitment: Willingness to invest not just financially, but also time and effort into building a successful business.
Customer Engagement: Passion for delivering memorable experiences that keep customers returning.
Local Involvement: Interest in engaging with local communities, hosting events, and fostering brand loyalty.
Strategic Location Selection: Preference for high-traffic areas such as urban centers, tourist destinations, college towns, or shopping hubs.
Market Insight: Ability to understand local demographics and adapt marketing strategies to suit regional preferences.
Resilient & Adaptable: Ability to handle challenges, market fluctuations, and evolving customer trends.
Detail-Oriented: Commitment to quality, consistency, and brand standards.
Team Player: Willingness to collaborate with the franchisor and other franchisees to share best practices and insights.
Total Investment Required: Ranges from $526,000 to $992,000, depending on location and store format.
Franchise Fee: Approximately $35,000.
Minimum Net Worth: $1,500,000.
Minimum Liquid Capital: $500,000.
Royalty Fees: 5% of gross sales.
Advertising Fees: 2% of gross sales.
Infrastructure Costs: Variable based on location and store design.
Marketing Budget: Includes contributions to national and local marketing efforts.
Working Capital: Sufficient funds to cover initial operational expenses.
Expected ROI: Varies based on location, market conditions, and operational efficiency.
Break-Even Time: Typically ranges from 18 to 24 months, depending on various factors.
Potential Revenue Streams: Sales of coffee beverages, food items, merchandise, and catering services.
