Established
1994
Franchise Units
21
Minimum Investment
$173,150
Franchise Fee
$15,000
Total Investment Range
$473,000
Home Based
No
Description
It’s A Grind Coffee House is one of America’s long-standing specialty coffee brands, known for its warm neighbourhood café vibe, high-quality coffee, and relaxed jazz-inspired atmosphere. Founded more than two decades ago, the brand has built a reputation for freshly roasted beans, handcrafted beverages, and a welcoming space where customers linger, connect, and return again and again.
For aspiring café owners, an It’s A Grind franchise offers a blend of authenticity, operational stability, and lifestyle appeal. It’s a chance to step into a respected coffeehouse concept backed by a franchise system that understands the balance between creativity, product quality, and day-to-day operational support. Whether you're looking to open a single café or build a multi-unit portfolio, It’s A Grind brings strong brand recognition, a loyal customer base, and a proven operating model that helps franchise owners grow in a competitive market.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in It’s A Grind offers several compelling advantages:
Strong Brand Identity
It’s A Grind stands out in the specialty-coffee segment with its neighbourhood-café feel, blues-influenced aesthetic, and premium beverage lineup. The brand doesn’t feel corporate—it feels personal, warm, and community-driven.
Quality Product at the Core
The brand is known for sourcing quality beans and focusing heavily on freshness and flavor. Signature espresso beverages, iced blends, and bakery items drive high repeat business.
National Recognition
It’s A Grind has been featured in industry rankings and recognized as a top food franchise in the coffee category, which strengthens its credibility for new investors.
Scalable Business Model
With flexible store formats, adaptable site options, and the ability to open multiple units over time, this franchise appeals to both new entrepreneurs and experienced multi-unit operators.
Robust Franchise Support
From site selection to grand-opening marketing, the franchise provides an excellent support structure—reducing risk and helping owners hit the ground running.
Background
Founded: 1994
Founders: Marty Cox and Louise Montgomery
First Location: Long Beach, California
Began Franchising: Around 2000
Ownership: Supported by a franchise parent group that provides supply chain, roasting, marketing, and operational infrastructure
Industry Category: Food & Beverage – Specialty Coffee/Café
Active Units in the USA: 21 units
Brand Journey:
It’s A Grind began as a single neighbourhood coffeehouse built around high-quality coffee and a comfortable community feel. Over the years, the brand expanded across multiple states, refining its operations, upgrading its roasting capabilities, and establishing itself as a distinct, lifestyle-driven coffee chain. With a design theme inspired by blues and jazz culture, the cafés deliver an atmosphere that is calm, inviting, and different from mainstream chains.
Support Training
Pre-Launch Support
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Site Selection: Assistance with selecting strategic, high-traffic locations and support during lease negotiations.
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Store Design & Build-Out: Guidance on store layout, seating, equipment placement, brand-themed interiors, and fixtures.
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Equipment Procurement: Help sourcing espresso machines, grinders, refrigeration, POS systems, signage, and more through preferred vendors.
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Grand Opening Marketing: Complete launch plan, activation materials, and support to drive first-month traffic.
Training & Operational Support
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Initial Training: Approximately 80 hours of classroom training and 40 hours of hands-on, in-store training before opening.
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Barista & Staff Training: Detailed instruction on coffee preparation, customer service, food handling, and café workflow.
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Operations Manual: Comprehensive guide covering systems, recipes, inventory management, staffing, and day-to-day operations.
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Technology Tools: POS systems, inventory tracking tools, loyalty programs, and reporting dashboards.
Ongoing Support
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Marketing Assets: Seasonal promotions, branded campaigns, social media content, and local store marketing guidance.
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Field Support & Operations Coaching: Regular visits, consultations, and continued performance optimization.
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Supply Chain & Roasting: Centralized roasting ensures consistent product quality across all locations.
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Menu Innovation: The brand continually develops new drinks, baked items, and seasonal specialties.
Ideal Candidate
The best-fit franchisee for It’s A Grind typically has:
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A passion for hospitality and coffee culture
Someone who enjoys building community spaces and appreciates the craft of coffee. -
Entrepreneurial drive
Hands-on operators who want to be actively involved in their store’s success. -
Management or service-industry experience
Not required, but helpful for managing staff, inventory, and customer flow. -
Strong communication & customer service skills
Franchisees who enjoy interacting with customers tend to build loyal followings. -
Financial readiness
The capacity to invest in startup costs and maintain working capital during the first months. -
Commitment to brand standards and community engagement
The best-performing franchisees are local brand ambassadors. -
Preferred Locations
Urban and suburban neighbourhoods, shopping centers, mixed-use hubs, business districts, and lifestyle areas with good foot traffic.
Financial Detail
| Category | Amount / Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Range | $173,150 – $473,000 (depending on store size, build-out, equipment & location) |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $100,000 – $150,000+ |
| Minimum Net Worth Required | $350,000 – $400,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $15,000 – $36,000 (varies by agreement) |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fund Contribution | 2% of gross sales |
| Local Store Marketing Budget | $5,000 – $15,000 recommended for first 3–6 months |
| Build-Out & Construction | Included in total investment (varies by region & site condition) |
| Equipment (Espresso, POS, Furniture) | Included in total investment |
| Initial Inventory | $5,000 – $12,000 (coffee, syrups, bakery items, packaging) |
| Working Capital (First 3–6 months) | $20,000 – $40,000 recommended |
| Average Store Size | 1,200 – 1,800 sq. ft. |
| Leasehold Improvements | Site dependent (part of overall investment) |
| Training Costs | Included with franchise fee (travel & lodging extra) |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Expected Break-Even Timeline | 12 – 24 months (location & management dependent) |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Espresso drinks, cold beverages, bakery items, beans, merchandise, catering |