Established
1993
Franchise Units
5
Minimum Investment
$300,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$650,000
Home Based
No
Description
Entering the specialty beverage market today requires more than offering coffee — it requires creating an experience people return to daily. Java Espress delivers exactly that. Known for its upbeat personality, convenient drive-thru model, and premium handcrafted beverages, the brand stands out in a highly competitive U.S. coffee landscape.
Java Espress combines high-quality coffee, flavored sodas, smoothies, energy drinks, teas, baked goods, and seasonal innovations with a fast, friendly service approach that keeps customers loyal. With the brand’s roots stretching back to 1993, Java Espress has mastered the formula of convenience, consistency, and memorable flavor.
As consumer demand for drive-thru beverages, functional drinks, and quick-serve concepts continues to rise, a Java Espress franchise positions entrepreneurs at the intersection of quality and convenience—a powerful combination in today’s marketplace.
Why Invest in Java Espress?
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30+ years of refinement: Operating since 1993, the brand has had decades to fine-tune systems, recipes, and customer experience.
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Drive-thru strength: Originating as a drive-thru concept, the brand fits perfectly with modern customer behavior—fast, efficient, and high-quality service.
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Multiple revenue streams: Coffee, blended beverages, smoothies, energy sodas, tea, cookies, and bakery items support strong all-day sales.
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Lifestyle-driven branding: Fun, expressive messaging and vibrant seasonal flavors help attract younger demographics and build loyalty.
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Early-entry advantage: Java Espress is actively franchising in select states, creating opportunities for early territory ownership.
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Ongoing innovation: Seasonal drinks, brand campaigns, and a mobile rewards app help franchisees stay competitive.
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Proven operating systems: The company spent years building perfected processes before introducing franchising, ensuring strong operational foundations.
Background
Established Year
Founded in 1993 in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Brand Journey & Founder
Java Espress was launched by founder Shane Murphy, beginning as a drive-thru coffee concept focused on handcrafted beverages and friendly service. Over the years, the brand expanded throughout Southeastern Idaho, refining its recipe development, supply chain management, and store operations before officially launching its franchise program in 2019.
Market Presence & Active Units
Java Espress operates multiple locations in Idaho and Utah, with expansion into new states underway.
Industry Category
Food & Beverage – Specialty Coffee, Drive-Thru Beverage, Smoothies & Energy Drinks.
USA Market Positioning
Java Espress positions itself as a convenience-driven, highly flavorful beverage brand with broad menu appeal, built for high-traffic drive-thru locations, suburban corridors, and mixed-use retail areas.
Support Training
Pre-Launch Support
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Assistance with site selection, traffic analysis, and territory guidance
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Support for lease negotiation and store build-out
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Architectural templates and equipment guidance
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Supply chain onboarding and product sourcing set-up
Operational Training
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In-store training for beverage preparation, customer service, POS, inventory management, and staffing
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Training for drive-thru operations, speed-of-service efficiency, and quality control
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Proprietary recipe instruction and brand standards immersion
Marketing Support
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Seasonal drink campaigns and promotional rollouts
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Brand guidelines, social media support, and menu design templates
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Loyalty rewards app integration to increase repeat customer traffic
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Local marketing strategies and launch assistance
Ongoing Support
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Continuous updates to recipes, drink categories, and operational improvements
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Field support and franchise oversight
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Access to training refreshers, manuals, and performance tools
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Peer network of franchise owners
Brand Culture & Leadership Development
Java Espress prioritizes personal growth and continuous improvement. Franchisees benefit from a culture built on authenticity, creativity, and delivering memorable guest experiences.
Ideal Candidate
The Java Espress franchise is best suited for entrepreneurs who:
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Have a passion for hospitality, customer service, and community connection
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Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, especially in drive-thru operations
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Possess prior business or management experience (not mandatory but helpful)
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Have the enthusiasm to lead teams and create positive workplace culture
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Hold strong financial capacity and liquidity needed for store build-out
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Prefer operating in high-traffic corridors with strong vehicular flow
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Are eager to represent a lifestyle-focused, energetic brand
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Value consistency, quality, and adherence to established systems
This franchise is a solid match for both owner-operators and multi-unit investors looking to expand in the beverage category.
Financial Detail
| Category | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Investment | $300,000 – $650,000+ |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $100,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | Not disclosed (industry est. $25,000 – $50,000) |
| Royalty Fees | Not disclosed (industry est. 4% – 7%) |
| Marketing Fund | Industry est. 2% – 4% of sales |
| Local Marketing Budget | 1% – 3% of sales |
| Build-Out & Infrastructure | Based on location size and drive-thru format |
| Working Capital | $25,000 – $75,000 (typical for beverage concepts) |
| Expected ROI | Variable; typically 18–36 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Coffee, energy drinks, smoothies, teas, pastries, seasonal items |