1993
19
$200,000
$10,000
$373,000
No
Caffino is a trailblazer in the drive-thru coffee industry, renowned for its innovative "Live Roast" concept. Founded in 1993 in Napa, California, Caffino revolutionized the coffee experience by roasting premium Arabica beans on-site, allowing customers to enjoy freshly brewed coffee tailored to their preferences. This commitment to quality and innovation has positioned Caffino as a distinctive brand in the competitive coffee market.
The franchise's unique approach combines the convenience of drive-thru service with the artistry of freshly roasted coffee, appealing to a wide range of coffee enthusiasts. Caffino's reputation for excellence has fostered a loyal customer base, making it a compelling investment opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to enter the thriving coffee industry.
Innovative Concept: Caffino's "Live Roast" model sets it apart from traditional coffee shops, offering a unique selling proposition that attracts discerning customers.
Established Brand: With over two decades in the industry, Caffino has built a strong brand identity centered around quality and customer satisfaction.
Proven Business Model: The franchise's operational efficiency and scalable model provide a solid foundation for profitability.
Supportive Franchise System: Caffino offers comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring franchisees are equipped to succeed.
Expanding Market Presence: While currently focusing on California, Caffino is in the process of registering in Arizona and Nevada, indicating potential for national growth.
1. Established Year & History:
Caffino was founded in 1993 in Napa, California, with the vision of offering freshly roasted, high-quality coffee through a convenient drive-thru model. From its inception, Caffino focused on innovation with its signature “Live Roast” concept, roasting beans on-site for customers, a unique selling proposition in the competitive coffee industry.
2. Founders & Ownership:
While specific founder names are not publicly disclosed, the company is privately held and operates under a franchise model. The ownership is committed to maintaining high-quality standards, operational efficiency, and brand consistency across all locations.
3. Franchise Units & Growth:
Caffino currently operates 19 franchise locations, primarily in California, with expansion plans underway in Arizona and Nevada. Franchising began in 2002, allowing entrepreneurs to leverage the brand’s established reputation and operational model.
4. Brand Journey & Reputation:
Innovation: From the beginning, Caffino differentiated itself with its live bean roasting process and drive-thru convenience.
Customer Loyalty: A focus on quality and consistency helped build a strong, loyal customer base.
Industry Recognition: Caffino is recognized for excellence in the coffee & beverage sector and is regarded as a pioneer in the drive-thru coffee niche.
5. Market Presence in the USA:
Though currently concentrated in California, Caffino has begun exploring new territories to expand its footprint. Its business model positions it well in the fast-growing drive-thru coffee market, a segment experiencing rising consumer demand for convenience and quality.
6. Industry Category:
Caffino operates in the Coffee & Beverage industry, a sector that has seen steady growth due to the increasing popularity of specialty coffee and on-the-go consumption trends.
7. Other Key Information:
Focus on high-quality Arabica coffee.
Emphasis on customer experience with fast service and freshly roasted beans.
Offers franchisees a proven business model, combining operational efficiency with scalable growth potential.
Caffino is committed to the success of its franchisees, offering a comprehensive support system:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and store design to ensure optimal location and setup.
Training: Initial training covering operations, customer service, and the "Live Roast" process, with ongoing training opportunities to keep franchisees updated on best practices.
Marketing Support: Access to marketing materials, promotional strategies, and guidance on local advertising to drive customer engagement.
Operational Support: Continuous support through field visits, performance evaluations, and troubleshooting to maintain operational excellence.
Technology Integration: Implementation of point-of-sale systems and inventory management tools to streamline operations.
The Ideal Franchisee for Caffino is someone who aligns with the brand’s values, has the right combination of business skills, financial capability, and passion for coffee, and is committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience. Below is a breakdown of the ideal profile:
1. Business Background & Experience:
Prospective franchisees should ideally have experience in retail, food service, or customer-facing businesses, though it is not mandatory.
A strong understanding of business operations, team management, and financial planning is highly beneficial.
Entrepreneurial experience or prior management experience in similar industries helps franchisees implement Caffino’s proven systems effectively.
2. Passion for Coffee & Customer Service:
A genuine enthusiasm for coffee and beverages is essential.
Franchisees should be committed to maintaining quality and consistency, creating a welcoming environment, and ensuring a positive customer experience.
Someone who enjoys engaging with the community and building customer loyalty aligns perfectly with Caffino’s brand ethos.
3. Financial Capability:
Franchisees must have the ability to meet financial requirements, including a minimum net worth of $1,000,000 and available capital of $200,000 to cover initial investments, working capital, and other start-up costs.
They should also be comfortable with ongoing royalty fees and marketing contributions as part of the franchise system.
4. Commitment to Brand Standards:
Ideal franchisees are willing to follow operational procedures and brand guidelines closely to maintain the integrity and reputation of Caffino.
They should embrace the training programs and continuously implement best practices in operations and marketing.
5. Location & Market Focus:
While Caffino’s primary presence is in California, franchisees should be open to exploring opportunities in Arizona, Nevada, or other expanding markets.
Franchisees should have a local market knowledge or be willing to learn it to drive sales and growth effectively.
6. Entrepreneurial Mindset:
They should be goal-oriented, proactive, and solution-focused, ready to manage day-to-day operations and address challenges quickly.
Franchisees who can balance strategic growth with operational excellence are ideal candidates for long-term success.
| Financial Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $212,900 – $373,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $200,000 available capital |
| Franchise Fee | $10,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 8% of gross sales |
| Marketing Budget / Fund | Included in total investment (typically 2–4% of gross sales for local marketing) |
| Infrastructure / Store Setup Cost | Included in total investment (covers equipment, signage, interior fit-out, drive-thru setup) |
| Working Capital | Included in total investment (for first 3–6 months of operations) |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location, estimated 18–30% annually once stabilized |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 18–24 months, depending on traffic and operational efficiency |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Beverage sales (coffee, espresso, specialty drinks), merchandise (mugs, beans), seasonal promotions, catering services |
| Franchise Units Currently Operating | 19 locations (primarily California) |
