2008
1600
$246,000
$30,000
$555,000
No
Caffé Bene is a South Korean-based coffeehouse chain that has established a significant presence in the United States. Known for its cozy ambiance, premium coffee, and diverse menu offerings, Caffé Bene aims to provide a unique coffee experience that blends traditional café culture with modern trends.
Why Invest in Caffé Bene?
Investing in a Caffé Bene franchise offers several advantages:
Established Brand: With over 1,600 locations globally, Caffé Bene has a proven business model and brand recognition.
Diverse Menu: The franchise offers a wide range of products, including specialty coffees, waffles, and desserts, catering to various customer preferences.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support to ensure business success.
Prime Locations: Caffé Bene strategically selects locations with high foot traffic, increasing visibility and customer acquisition.
1. Established Year:
Caffé Bene was founded in 2008 in Seoul, South Korea. The brand quickly gained popularity due to its combination of European-style café culture and Korean-inspired menu offerings.
2. Founders:
The franchise was started by a team of entrepreneurs passionate about coffee and café culture, aiming to create a warm, inviting space for social gatherings, studying, and casual meetings.
3. Franchise Units:
Globally, Caffé Bene operates over 1,600 locations, including cafés across Asia, the U.S., and other international markets. In the U.S., it entered in 2012, opening its first location in New York City, and has since expanded to multiple urban areas.
4. Brand Journey:
2008: Caffé Bene founded in Seoul.
2009-2011: Rapid expansion throughout South Korea, establishing a strong domestic presence.
2012: Entered the U.S. market with the first flagship store in NYC.
2013–2015: Expanded in major U.S. cities, including Boston, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.
Present: Continues to maintain a selective U.S. presence while focusing on maintaining quality and brand consistency.
5. Company History & Ownership:
Caffé Bene is privately owned, maintaining control over its international franchising model to ensure brand consistency and operational standards.
Its history is marked by strategic global expansion, leveraging the growing international popularity of Korean coffeehouse culture.
6. Market Presence in the USA:
Present in major urban centers, typically located in high-foot-traffic areas, shopping districts, or near universities.
Competes in the specialty coffee and café segment, targeting customers seeking both premium coffee and a comfortable café experience.
7. Industry Category:
Food & Beverage – Coffeehouse Chain
Focuses on premium coffee, specialty drinks, desserts, and light meals.
8. Other Key Points:
Known as the "Starbucks of South Korea" for its rapid domestic expansion and brand recognition.
Differentiates itself with Korean-style waffles, specialty drinks, and a cozy, aesthetically pleasing café environment.
Actively engages in franchisee support, ensuring consistency across locations.
Caffé Bene emphasizes comprehensive support to ensure franchisees can operate successfully and maintain the brand’s quality standards. The support covers pre-launch preparation, operational guidance, marketing assistance, academic training, and ongoing support.
Before a franchise opens, Caffé Bene provides detailed guidance to set up the business:
Site Selection: Experts help identify high-traffic, strategically advantageous locations that maximize customer flow.
Lease Negotiation: Assistance with lease agreements to secure favorable terms.
Store Design & Fit-Out: Support in designing the café layout, décor, and ambiance consistent with Caffé Bene’s brand identity.
Equipment & Supplies Procurement: Guidance in sourcing approved coffee machines, kitchen appliances, furniture, and décor.
Franchisees receive extensive training programs to prepare them for day-to-day operations:
Classroom Training: Covers operational procedures, customer service standards, financial management, and marketing basics.
On-the-Job Training: Hands-on experience in an operational café to learn workflow, employee management, and service quality.
Barista Training: Detailed instruction on brewing techniques, beverage preparation, and presentation standards to maintain product consistency.
Caffé Bene provides continuous operational support to ensure smooth business management:
Field Visits: Experienced consultants visit franchise locations to review operations, offer advice, and ensure brand standards are met.
Operational Manuals: Detailed guides covering every aspect of running a café—from inventory management to health and safety compliance.
Problem-Solving Assistance: Ongoing help for operational challenges, supply chain issues, and employee management.
Caffé Bene helps franchisees attract customers and build brand recognition:
National Campaigns: Participation in U.S.-wide marketing initiatives to drive brand awareness.
Local Marketing Guidance: Strategies and tools to promote the café at a local level, including social media, events, and loyalty programs.
Promotional Materials: Ready-to-use posters, banners, digital templates, and seasonal promotions.
Grand Opening Support: Assistance with launch events and promotions to generate initial buzz.
Caffé Bene invests in franchisee education to maintain high standards:
Workshops & Seminars: Periodic workshops on new menu items, operational improvements, and industry trends.
Best Practices Sharing: Franchisees can participate in conventions or webinars to learn from successful operators.
Updates on Brand Innovations: Early access to new product launches, store concepts, and promotional campaigns.
Even after opening, Caffé Bene continues to support its franchisees to ensure long-term success:
Regular Consultations: Continuous advice on increasing sales, improving customer experience, and optimizing operations.
Supply Chain Management: Access to approved suppliers to maintain product quality and cost efficiency.
Performance Monitoring: Guidance on KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to track and improve performance.
Caffé Bene is looking for franchisees who are not only financially capable but also passionate about coffee culture, customer service, and business growth. The ideal franchisee profile covers several key aspects:
Hospitality or Retail Experience: Individuals with prior experience in coffee shops, restaurants, or retail businesses will find it easier to manage day-to-day operations and maintain service quality.
Management Skills: Experience in managing staff, inventory, and finances is highly advantageous.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Candidates should be motivated to grow their business, take initiative, and adapt to challenges.
Coffee & Café Culture Enthusiast: A strong interest in coffee, specialty beverages, and the café experience is essential to maintain brand standards and create an authentic customer experience.
Customer Service Focused: Commitment to delivering exceptional service, creating a welcoming environment, and fostering customer loyalty.
Hands-On Engagement: Willingness to be actively involved in day-to-day operations rather than just a passive investor.
Financial Readiness: Ability to invest the total franchise cost ranging from $246,000 to $555,000, including franchise fees, infrastructure, working capital, and marketing budget.
Risk Management: Prepared to handle initial operational risks and manage cash flow until the business becomes profitable.
Urban or High-Foot-Traffic Preference: Ideal franchisees are interested in operating in busy commercial districts, shopping centers, or university areas to attract maximum customer flow.
Market Research Skills: Understanding local market demand, demographics, and competition to make informed business decisions.
Leadership Skills: Ability to recruit, train, and lead a team effectively.
Organizational Skills: Capable of managing multiple tasks including operations, marketing, and customer service.
Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to adjust to market changes and overcome operational challenges.
Long-Term Vision: Commitment to grow the franchise and maintain high standards over time.
Alignment with Brand Values: Franchisees should embrace Caffé Bene’s brand identity and mission of delivering quality coffee and a cozy, enjoyable café experience.
Community Engagement: Ideally, franchisees should be willing to participate in local marketing, promotions, and community events to strengthen the brand’s presence.
| Category | Details / Estimated Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $35,000 | One-time payment for franchise rights. |
| Total Initial Investment | $246,000 – $555,000 | Includes store setup, equipment, initial inventory, and working capital. |
| Infrastructure / Fit-Out Costs | $150,000 – $300,000 | Store design, furniture, equipment, signage, and interior décor. |
| Working Capital | $15,000 – $30,000 | Operational cash to cover salaries, utilities, and initial expenses. |
| Marketing & Advertising Budget | $5,000 – $15,000 | Initial local marketing and grand opening promotions. |
| Royalty Fee | 4.9% of monthly sales | Ongoing fee for brand use and support. |
| Advertising Fee | 3% of monthly sales | Contributes to national and regional marketing campaigns. |
| Expected ROI | 20% – 35% annually | Depends on location, operational efficiency, and sales performance. |
| Break-Even Time | 12 – 24 months | Time to recover initial investment; varies by market and store size. |
| Revenue Streams | Coffee & Beverages, Waffles & Desserts, Light Meals, Merchandise | Diversified menu helps maximize profitability. |
