2016
10
$300,000
$25,000
$500,000
No
Carmela Coffee is redefining the coffeehouse experience in the United States by blending exceptional Costa Rican coffee with a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere. With a commitment to quality, sustainability, and social responsibility, Carmela Coffee offers a unique opportunity for investors seeking to be part of a growing brand that prioritizes both profit and purpose.
Proven Business Model: Carmela Coffee has established a strong presence in Florida with multiple successful locations, demonstrating the viability and scalability of its business model.
Ethical Sourcing: The brand's dedication to fair trade principles ensures that each cup of coffee supports sustainable farming practices and provides fair wages to farmers.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, including personalized mentoring, store preparation, and access to a dedicated Franchise Support Center.
Community Engagement: Carmela Coffee fosters a strong sense of community, creating spaces where customers can connect, relax, and enjoy high-quality beverages.
Founding and Founders
Carmela Coffee was founded in 2016 by lifelong friends Rainier Abreu and Rafael Baretta, who met in high school in Venezuela over 25 years ago. Their shared passion for coffee and community led them to open their first gourmet toast and coffee bar in Parkland, Florida. The response was overwhelmingly positive, indicating a strong demand for high-quality coffee and a welcoming community space.
The brand is deeply committed to quality, community, and social responsibility. Carmela Coffee sources its beans directly from Costa Rican farms that prioritize sustainable and ethical practices. Each bean represents a partnership built on fair trade principles, ensuring that farmers receive a fair wage and can provide for their families .
As of 2025, Carmela Coffee operates 10 locations across Broward and Palm Beach Counties in South Florida. The company has plans for expansion, including new stores opening in 2025 and 2026 .
In November 2022, Carmela Coffee opened its first Franchise Support Center at the Carmela Coffee BRIC location in Boca Raton, Florida. This facility serves as a hub for training and operational excellence, providing franchisees with the resources and support needed to succeed .
Carmela Coffee Company, LLC is a privately held company registered in the United States. The company is led by its co-founders, Rainier Abreu and Rafael Baretta, who continue to drive the brand's vision and growth
Carmela Coffee is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and training to its franchisees, ensuring they are well-equipped to operate successful and sustainable businesses. Here's an overview of the support and training provided:
Store Development & Permitting: Carmela Coffee assists franchisees with store development, including design plans, contractor specifications, and guidance on obtaining necessary permits.
Site Selection: The company supports franchisees in selecting optimal locations, considering factors like foot traffic and community engagement.
Comprehensive Training: Franchisees and their staff undergo extensive training covering operations, customer service, and brand standards.
On-the-Job Training: Practical training opportunities are provided to ensure familiarity with daily operations and protocols.
Barista Training: Emphasis is placed on training baristas in the technical specifications of brewing equipment and coffee preparation.
Personalized Mentoring: Franchisees receive continuous support from experienced leaders to ensure long-term success.
Operational Assistance: Guidance is provided in daily operations, staffing, and inventory management.
Marketing Support: Franchisees have access to marketing materials and strategies to promote their stores effectively.
Community Engagement: Carmela Coffee encourages franchisees to build strong relationships with their local communities, fostering customer loyalty and brand recognition.
Training Facility: The Franchise Support Center in Boca Raton, Florida, serves as a hub for training and operational excellence, providing franchisees with the resources and support needed to succeed.
Carmela Coffee seeks franchisees who are not only investors but also passionate brand ambassadors. The ideal candidate embodies the following characteristics:
Proactive and Self-Motivated: Capable of taking initiative and driving the growth of their coffeehouse independently.
Business-Savvy: Understands basic business operations, financial management, and the importance of strategic decision-making.
Goal-Oriented: Motivated to achieve sales targets and maximize profitability while upholding brand standards.
Coffee Enthusiast: Interested in specialty coffee and committed to delivering a high-quality coffee experience.
Community-Oriented: Values building relationships within their local community, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in the store.
Customer-Centric: Prioritizes exceptional customer service and ensures a memorable café experience.
Team Leadership: Able to hire, train, and retain skilled staff, fostering a motivated and customer-focused team.
Operational Oversight: Comfortable managing day-to-day store operations including inventory, scheduling, and quality control.
Problem-Solving Ability: Can address operational or customer challenges effectively and efficiently.
Investment Readiness: Has sufficient capital to invest in a Carmela Coffee franchise, including initial franchise fees, store setup costs, working capital, and marketing budgets.
Long-Term Commitment: Prepared to commit to the franchise for sustained growth rather than seeking short-term returns.
Site Preference: Interested in operating in high-traffic areas such as shopping centers, urban neighborhoods, or business districts.
Market Awareness: Understands the local market demographics and is capable of tailoring marketing efforts to meet community preferences.
Integrity and Professionalism: Upholds the ethical and professional standards of the Carmela Coffee brand.
Sustainability Mindset: Supports the brand’s commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and social responsibility.
| Category | Details / Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $300,000 – $500,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | Varies by location and store size |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $50,000 (industry standard) |
| Royalty Fee | Typically 5% – 6% of gross sales (estimated based on similar franchises) |
| Marketing Fee | 2% – 3% of gross sales for national and local marketing support |
| Franchise Units (Current) | 10 locations (mainly Florida, as of 2025) |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Costs | $150,000 – $300,000 (including equipment, furniture, renovations) |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $75,000 (to cover initial operating expenses) |
| Expected ROI | Dependent on location; typical coffee franchises achieve ROI in 2–3 years |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 24 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Coffee and beverage sales, food items, merchandise, catering, delivery services |
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