2002
20
$150,000
$40,000
$2,000,000
No
Cabin Coffee Co. is a distinctive coffee shop franchise that blends the charm of a cozy cabin with the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee. Founded in 2002 by Brad and Angie Barber in Clear Lake, Iowa, the brand has grown into a beloved community gathering spot offering more than just your typical coffee shop experience. With a commitment to quality, exceptional customer service, and a welcoming atmosphere, Cabin Coffee Co. stands out in the competitive coffee market.
Investing in a Cabin Coffee Co. franchise offers a unique opportunity to be part of a brand that prioritizes community, quality, and consistency. The franchise model is designed for scalability, making it ideal for both single-unit and multi-unit ownership. With a proven business model, comprehensive support, and a strong brand presence, franchisees are positioned for long-term success.
Cabin Coffee Co. is a community-focused coffee brand that has grown steadily since its founding, blending a warm, rustic cabin ambiance with high-quality coffee and fresh food offerings. The brand’s background highlights its journey, founders, and market presence, establishing trust and credibility for potential franchisees.
Founded: 2002
Founders: Brad and Angie Barber
Origin: Clear Lake, Iowa, USA
Brad and Angie Barber opened the first Cabin Coffee Co. location with a vision to create a cozy, welcoming environment where the community could gather while enjoying premium coffee and fresh bakery items. Their hands-on approach to quality and customer service quickly earned the brand a loyal following.
Franchise Program Started: 2007
Since launching the franchise program, Cabin Coffee Co. has expanded to over 20 locations across multiple U.S. states.
The brand focuses on small-town and suburban markets, providing a unique community-based coffee experience.
Cabin Coffee Co.’s growth strategy emphasizes quality control, local engagement, and brand consistency rather than rapid nationwide expansion, ensuring sustainable franchise success.
Cabin Coffee Co. is privately held under Cabin Coffee Franchising, Inc.
The company oversees franchise operations, marketing, and training programs, providing ongoing support to franchise owners.
Industry: Coffee Shop / Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR)
Cabin Coffee Co. differentiates itself by combining high-quality coffee, fresh food, and a rustic, inviting cabin atmosphere, appealing to families, students, and professionals alike.
Its community-oriented model makes it ideal for locations where customers value connection and quality over large-scale corporate chains.
From a single store in Iowa to a recognized regional franchise, Cabin Coffee Co. has built a reputation for:
Friendly, personal service
Freshly brewed, high-quality coffee
Locally inspired food menu
A warm and cozy ambiance reminiscent of a cabin
The brand maintains strong customer loyalty and community engagement, which strengthens franchisee profitability and brand equity.
Cabin Coffee Co. is designed to help franchisees succeed from day one with comprehensive, multi-layered support that spans every phase of the business lifecycle—from pre-launch to ongoing operations. The support system emphasizes operational efficiency, marketing excellence, and community engagement.
Before your coffee shop opens its doors, Cabin Coffee Co. provides guidance to set a strong foundation:
Site Selection & Location Analysis: Experts assist in choosing the best location considering foot traffic, local demographics, and competition.
Lease Negotiation Support: Guidance on rental agreements and lease terms to ensure favorable conditions.
Store Design & Construction: Layout planning, interior design, and construction consultation to ensure the space reflects the Cabin Coffee Co. brand identity.
Equipment Procurement: Assistance with selecting and sourcing high-quality coffee equipment and kitchen appliances.
Cabin Coffee Co. ensures franchisees and their staff are fully prepared to operate efficiently:
Operational Training: Detailed training on day-to-day operations, inventory management, and staff scheduling.
Product Knowledge: Hands-on training in coffee brewing techniques, specialty drinks, and food preparation.
Customer Service Excellence: Guidance on creating a welcoming and memorable customer experience that reflects the brand values.
Point of Sale (POS) & Technology Systems: Instruction on using POS systems, inventory software, and reporting tools.
Cabin Coffee Co. helps franchisees attract and retain customers:
Grand Opening Marketing Plan: Local advertising, promotions, and events to generate initial buzz.
Ongoing Marketing Materials: Access to professionally designed flyers, social media content, email campaigns, and seasonal promotions.
Digital Marketing Guidance: Assistance with social media strategy, website presence, and online review management.
Community Engagement Support: Strategies to organize events, loyalty programs, and collaborations to strengthen local ties.
Even after opening, franchisees are never alone:
Field Visits & Consultations: Experienced franchise managers conduct on-site evaluations to optimize operations.
Performance Monitoring: Tools and dashboards to track sales, inventory, and staff productivity.
Continuous Improvement Programs: Recommendations for enhancing efficiency, product quality, and customer experience.
Supplier Network Access: Franchisees can purchase ingredients and supplies from approved vendors, ensuring consistent quality and pricing.
Cabin Coffee Co. maintains a strong relationship with franchisees to ensure long-term success:
Annual Refresher Training: Updates on new products, equipment, or operational procedures.
Franchisee Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with other franchise owners to share best practices and ideas.
Customer Feedback Management: Guidance on responding to customer reviews and improving service standards.
Business Growth Support: Advice on expanding units, adding revenue streams like catering or merchandise, and increasing profitability.
Cabin Coffee Co. seeks franchisees who are not only financially capable but also passionate about coffee, community, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. The brand thrives when franchisees share its core values and are committed to long-term growth.
Franchisees should have a genuine love for coffee and a desire to be actively involved in the local community.
Ideal candidates enjoy creating welcoming spaces where customers feel at home, reflecting the brand’s cozy cabin atmosphere.
A strong interest in promoting locally inspired events, supporting community initiatives, and building relationships with regular patrons is highly valued.
While prior experience in the food or beverage industry is beneficial, it is not strictly required.
Franchisees should have the ability to manage staff, oversee daily operations, and maintain operational efficiency.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are important for inventory management, quality control, and financial tracking.
Cabin Coffee Co. prioritizes exceptional customer service.
Ideal franchisees are approachable, personable, and committed to creating a memorable experience for every guest.
They understand the importance of building customer loyalty and maintaining a positive brand reputation in their local market.
Prospective franchisees should have the financial resources to invest in the franchise, cover initial start-up costs, and sustain operations during the initial months until the business becomes profitable.
Minimum cash requirements typically range around $150,000, with total investment estimates between $350,000 and $2,000,000 depending on location and store size.
Franchisees should be self-motivated, proactive, and willing to embrace the responsibilities of business ownership.
They should have the drive to implement brand standards, participate in marketing efforts, and continuously improve store performance.
Adaptability and problem-solving skills are crucial, as franchisees will manage challenges ranging from staffing to customer satisfaction.
Ideal franchisees are interested in suburban or small-town markets where the community-focused brand identity can thrive.
Urban locations may also be suitable if there is a strong demand for premium coffee experiences.
Franchisees who understand their local market and can tailor community engagement strategies will have a competitive advantage.
Franchisees must align with Cabin Coffee Co.’s mission of delivering quality coffee, fresh food, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
They should actively promote the brand’s values of community connection, authenticity, and customer satisfaction.
| Financial Item | Details / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $350,000 – $2,000,000 (varies by location, store size, and build-out requirements) |
| Minimum Cash Required | $150,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $55,000 |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Varies depending on location, interior design, and equipment selection |
| Working Capital | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Budget | Included in ongoing support; varies by location and campaign |
| Expected ROI | Location-dependent; typically achievable within 2–5 years |
| Break-Even Time | Approximately 2–3 years |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Coffee & beverage sales, bakery & food items, catering, merchandise sales, seasonal promotions |
| Additional Fees | Optional: training, software, or equipment upgrades depending on franchisee selection |
