Established
1963
Franchise Units
43
Minimum Investment
$551,500
Franchise Fee
$15,000
Total Investment Range
$1,430,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® (CBTL) is a distinguished American coffeehouse chain renowned for its handcrafted beverages, premium coffee, and exotic teas. Established in 1963 in Los Angeles, California, CBTL has cultivated a loyal customer base by offering an inviting atmosphere and a diverse menu that caters to various tastes. With over 1,200 locations across 24 countries, including a significant presence in the United States, CBTL stands as a testament to quality and innovation in the coffee industry.
The brand's commitment to excellence is evident in its signature Ice Blended® drinks, a creation that has become synonymous with the CBTL experience. By combining traditional coffeehouse charm with modern flair, CBTL continues to attract a diverse clientele, from busy professionals to casual coffee enthusiasts.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf franchise offers:
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Established Brand Recognition: Benefit from a globally recognized brand with a strong presence in the coffee industry.
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Proven Business Model: Leverage a successful and replicable business model with a track record of profitability.
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Comprehensive Support: Receive extensive training and ongoing support in operations, marketing, and business development.
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Diverse Revenue Streams: Tap into multiple revenue channels, including in-store sales, catering, and retail products.
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Exclusive Territory Rights: Gain territorial protection to operate without direct competition from other CBTL franchises.
Background
Established Year: 1963
Franchise since: 2001
Founders: Herbert and Mona Hyman
Ownership: Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC)
Active Units: 43
Brand Journey: The journey began in Brentwood, CA, when the Hymans returned from Europe inspired to bring gourmet coffee to America. They were pioneers in displaying the roasting process and offering bean samples—a practice that revolutionized the industry.
Industry Category: Specialty Coffee, Tea, and Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR).
Support Training
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf provides a comprehensive roadmap to ensure your store meets their world-class standards from Day 1:
Pre-Launch Training: A rigorous 15-day program for the Director of Operations and General Manager, focusing on the brand’s unique brewing techniques, inventory management, and guest service.
Owner-Specific Training: A 5-day session for the franchise owner focused on leadership, financial health, and local marketing strategies.
On-Site Opening Support: For your first store, the franchisor sends two expert trainers to your location for 15 days around the grand opening to ensure a flawless launch.
Operational Excellence: Access to the proprietary "Operational Manuals" and continuous audits to maintain quality and safety standards.
Marketing & Branding: Franchisees benefit from national brand campaigns, social media support, and a local store marketing (LSM) toolkit to drive neighborhood engagement.
Ideal Candidate
- Experience: Previous experience in multi-unit food and beverage operations or hospitality is highly preferred.
Financial Strength: Candidates must demonstrate the ability to scale, typically looking for Area Developers capable of opening multiple units.
Passion: A genuine love for the craft of coffee and tea. You should be someone who values "Total Quality" over shortcuts.
Community Focused: An understanding of local market culture and a desire to make your cafe a community hub.
Commitment: While you can appoint a dedicated General Manager, the franchisor seeks owners who are hands-on in the strategic growth of their territory.
Financial Detail
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Total Initial Investment | $551,500 – $1,430,000 |
| Minimum Cash Required | $300,000 - $500,000 (Varies by region) |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $15,000 to $25,000 per unit |
| Royalty Fee | 5.5% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing/Brand Fund | 2% – 4% of Gross Sales |
| Working Capital | $30,000 – $75,000 (First 3 Months) |
| Leasehold Improvements | $150,000 – $590,000 |