1997
23
$150,000
$35,000
$600,000
No
Café Yumm! is a fast-casual restaurant chain renowned for its wholesome, organic, and sustainably sourced menu offerings. Founded in 1997 by Mary Ann and Mark Beauchamp in Eugene, Oregon, the brand has evolved from a modest juice bar into a beloved regional dining destination. Central to its appeal is the Yumm! Bowl™, a signature dish featuring organic rice, beans, fresh vegetables, and the proprietary Yumm! Sauce—a blend of almonds, garbanzo beans, soybeans, lemon juice, oil, herbs, and nutritional yeast. This unique combination has garnered a dedicated customer base and numerous accolades, including recognition as "Best Vegetarian" and "Best Cheap Eats" by Eugene Weekly from 2014 to 2018.
With a commitment to environmental sustainability, Café Yumm! has pioneered initiatives such as the first Gold LEED-certified retail restaurant in Oregon and the first solar-powered electric vehicle charging station at a U.S. restaurant. The brand's dedication to quality and community has positioned it as a leader in the fast-casual dining sector, offering a compelling opportunity for franchise investors seeking to align with a purpose-driven, health-conscious brand.
Proven Concept: Café Yumm! offers a unique menu centered around the Yumm! Bowl™, appealing to a broad demographic, including vegans, vegetarians, and health-conscious consumers.
Sustainability Leadership: The brand's commitment to environmental responsibility through sustainable sourcing and green building practices enhances its appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Strong Brand Recognition: With over two decades of operation and a loyal customer base, Café Yumm! has established a reputable brand known for quality and consistency.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, including site selection, marketing, and operational guidance, ensuring a smooth and successful business launch and operation.
Established Year:
Café Yumm! was founded in 1997 in Eugene, Oregon, by Mary Ann and Mark Beauchamp. The brand began as a small juice bar and quickly expanded due to its unique focus on healthy, fast-casual dining.
Founders and Ownership:
The company is privately owned by the founders under Beau Delicious! International, LLC, which manages both corporate-owned and franchised locations. The founders’ vision emphasized healthy eating, sustainability, and community engagement, which remains central to the brand today.
Franchise Units:
As of 2025, Café Yumm! operates approximately 23 locations across the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, with plans for gradual expansion into other regions of the USA.
Brand Journey and Company History:
1997: Café Yumm! launched its first store with a simple menu of healthy, vegetarian-focused dishes.
2000s: The Yumm! Bowl™ became the flagship menu item, recognized for its combination of rice, beans, fresh vegetables, and the proprietary Yumm! Sauce.
2010s: Café Yumm! pioneered sustainability initiatives, such as LEED-certified restaurant designs and solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations.
2014–2018: The brand received multiple awards, including "Best Vegetarian" and "Best Cheap Eats" from Eugene Weekly, cementing its local and regional reputation.
Today: Café Yumm! continues to expand, offering franchising opportunities across the USA while maintaining its core mission of healthy, affordable, and sustainable fast-casual dining.
Market Presence in the USA and Industry Category:
Café Yumm! operates in the fast-casual restaurant industry, targeting health-conscious consumers, including vegetarians, vegans, and individuals seeking wholesome meal options. Its strong brand identity and commitment to sustainability have created a loyal customer base in the Pacific Northwest, with potential for broader national growth.
Other Notable Information:
Signature Product: The Yumm! Bowl™, featuring a blend of organic ingredients and the proprietary Yumm! Sauce.
Sustainability Leadership: Early adopter of eco-friendly practices like green building certifications and environmental initiatives.
Community Engagement: Actively participates in local events, promotes wellness, and encourages environmentally conscious practices.
Growth Potential: With a recognized brand and a proven business model, Café Yumm! presents opportunities for franchisees to capitalize on the growing demand for healthy fast-casual dining in the USA.
Café Yumm! offers a robust support system to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Training: A minimum of two weeks of in-depth classroom and hands-on training at the headquarters in Eugene, Oregon.
Opening Support: An opening team assists for one week before and one week after the restaurant opens, providing on-site training and ensuring operational readiness.
Ongoing Support: Franchisees receive continuous support, including a detailed operations manual, weekly newsletters with best practices, and access to a Franchise Advisory Council that meets three times a year.
Marketing Assistance: Tailored marketing plans, graphic design support, and guidance on local marketing initiatives to drive brand awareness and customer engagement.
Operational Guidance: Ongoing business consulting, including assistance with site selection, construction, bookkeeping, and vendor relations.
The ideal franchisee for Café Yumm! is someone who aligns with the brand’s core values of health, sustainability, and community engagement, and possesses the skills and resources to successfully operate a fast-casual restaurant. Below are the key characteristics:
1. Passion for Health and Sustainability:
The franchisee should be genuinely interested in promoting healthy eating and a sustainable lifestyle.
They should embrace Café Yumm!’s mission of offering wholesome, organic, and locally sourced menu options.
2. Business and Operational Experience:
Experience in restaurant management, food service, or business operations is highly beneficial.
Understanding of day-to-day operations, staff management, and customer service is essential for running a successful franchise.
Familiarity with inventory, cost control, and vendor relations enhances operational efficiency.
3. Financial Capability:
Ability to meet the initial investment requirements (approx. $406,000–$600,000) and maintain sufficient working capital.
Capacity to handle operational costs, marketing budgets, and royalty fees while achieving profitability.
4. Entrepreneurial Mindset:
Franchisees should be proactive, motivated, and willing to take ownership of business growth.
Strong decision-making skills and a focus on long-term brand success are crucial.
5. Community Engagement:
The ideal candidate is community-oriented, interested in building relationships with local customers, schools, and organizations.
A desire to host events, participate in local initiatives, and strengthen the brand’s presence locally.
6. Location Preference:
Candidates who are willing to open franchises in areas with demand for health-conscious fast-casual dining.
Preference for locations in growing urban or suburban areas with a customer base aligned with Café Yumm!’s offerings.
7. Alignment with Brand Culture:
Must respect Café Yumm!’s ethical standards, environmental initiatives, and high-quality food philosophy.
Commitment to maintaining brand consistency and delivering an exceptional customer experience.
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $406,000 – $600,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $150,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of monthly sales |
| Marketing Fee | Provided during franchisee onboarding |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location; dependent on market conditions and operational efficiency |
| Break-Even Time | 18–24 months |
| Franchise Units | 23 locations (Oregon, Washington, Idaho) |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Included in total investment range |
| Working Capital | Included in total investment range |
| Revenue Streams | In-store dining, catering services, retail sales of Yumm! Sauce, merchandise |
