1992
40
$350,000
$35,000
$650,000
No
Honolulu Coffee is more than just a café — it’s a sensory journey into the heart of Hawaii, where every cup of coffee tells a story of origin, craftsmanship, and aloha spirit. Founded with the vision of sharing the authentic taste of Kona coffee with the world, Honolulu Coffee has become an internationally recognized brand celebrated for its commitment to quality, hospitality, and sustainable sourcing.
From its humble beginnings on the island of Oahu to its expansion across the Pacific—including Guam and beyond—the brand captures the essence of Hawaiian culture in every detail, from the aroma of freshly roasted beans to the warmth of its inviting interiors. Each Honolulu Coffee café serves hand-crafted beverages made from 100% Kona coffee beans, alongside artisan pastries and locally inspired dishes that appeal to modern coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
Positioned as a premium café franchise with a strong lifestyle appeal, Honolulu Coffee offers franchisees a chance to invest in a concept that blends authenticity, tourism appeal, and a strong connection to one of the world’s most admired destinations—Hawaii.
Investing in a Honolulu Coffee franchise means joining a globally respected brand that represents luxury, authenticity, and experience-driven coffee culture. Unlike conventional coffee shops, Honolulu Coffee thrives on storytelling, atmosphere, and its signature Hawaiian essence, setting it apart in the crowded café market.
Here’s why it’s an ideal franchise opportunity:
Proven Brand Legacy: Established reputation in the USA and Asia-Pacific, with thriving locations in Hawaii, Guam, Japan, and Canada.
Premium Product Line: Exclusive access to authentic Kona coffee beans grown on the brand’s own farm in Hawaii.
High-Traffic Appeal: Perfect for airports, resorts, lifestyle centers, and tourism-driven markets.
Turnkey Business Model: A fully developed operational system designed to maintain quality and consistency across all outlets.
Cultural Experience: Combines coffee excellence with Hawaiian hospitality and lifestyle branding—creating customer loyalty beyond the cup.
Founded: 1992
Founder: Ed Schultz
Headquarters: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Franchise Units: Over 40 locations globally (including the USA, Guam, Japan, Canada, and Asia-Pacific)
Industry: Specialty Coffee & Café Franchise
Honolulu Coffee was founded in 1992 as a small kiosk in downtown Honolulu with one clear mission—to showcase the excellence of Kona coffee to the world. Over the decades, the brand evolved into a full-fledged café concept offering espresso beverages, pastries, and Hawaiian-inspired meals. Its focus on quality and island culture has made it one of Hawaii’s most iconic exports.
In 2008, the brand expanded internationally, opening its first overseas café in Japan, followed by new stores in Guam and Canada. Today, Honolulu Coffee continues to grow across the Pacific Rim, supported by a vertically integrated supply chain that controls every step of the process—from bean to cup.
The Guam branch has become a model of international success, showcasing how the brand can thrive in markets with strong tourism, local culture, and premium hospitality standards.
Honolulu Coffee provides franchisees with a comprehensive training and operational support system that ensures every café maintains the same standards of quality, service, and brand integrity found in its flagship Hawaiian stores.
Pre-Launch Support:
Site selection and feasibility analysis for prime, high-traffic locations.
Detailed architectural, layout, and interior design guidance to reflect Hawaiian aesthetics.
Full assistance with licensing, equipment sourcing, and vendor partnerships.
Initial Training:
Extensive training program for franchise owners and staff at Honolulu Coffee’s headquarters or designated training centers.
Modules covering coffee sourcing, roasting, brewing techniques, food preparation, and Hawaiian-style customer service.
Marketing & Launch Support:
Grand opening campaign strategy including digital, social, and in-store promotions.
Access to Honolulu Coffee’s professional marketing materials, photography, and brand assets.
Guidance for local PR, influencer collaborations, and event-based marketing.
Ongoing Support:
Continuous operational and quality audits.
Updated seasonal menus and limited-time offerings to maintain engagement.
Marketing updates, loyalty programs, and digital platform integrations.
Dedicated franchise representative for ongoing business consultation and performance optimization.
Honolulu Coffee seeks franchise partners who share a genuine passion for coffee, hospitality, and delivering memorable customer experiences. The ideal franchisee is not just an investor, but an ambassador of Hawaiian culture and quality.
Ideal Candidate Traits:
Strong leadership and people management skills.
Background in retail, food service, or hospitality preferred (though not required).
Financial capability to support startup and ongoing operations.
Enthusiasm for community engagement and lifestyle branding.
Commitment to maintaining brand standards and guest satisfaction.
Location Preferences:
Prime tourist destinations, airports, shopping districts, or resort communities.
Urban centers with high foot traffic and demand for premium café experiences.
| Investment Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $350,000 – $650,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $150,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 – $45,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Working Capital (First 3 Months) | $50,000 – $75,000 |
| Build-Out & Equipment | $200,000 – $400,000 |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 25% annually |
| Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months |
Potential revenue depends on location and market traffic, but established Honolulu Coffee outlets have demonstrated consistent year-over-year growth, especially in high-tourism and metropolitan markets.
