Established
2006
Franchise Units
15
Minimum Investment
$200,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$600,000
Home Based
No
Description
Kahwa Coffee Roasting has earned a reputation as one of Florida’s most beloved artisan coffee brands, known for fresh, small-batch roasting, warm hospitality, and a modern café experience built around community and quality. For entrepreneurs looking to enter the growing U.S. specialty coffee market, Kahwa offers a refreshing alternative to mainstream brands. With strong wholesale partnerships, popular retail cafés, and an expanding e-commerce presence, Kahwa combines craftsmanship with a scalable business model.
Kahwa’s franchise program was created to help passionate operators bring high-quality coffee culture to their local markets. From its distinctive blends to its neighborhood-centric store design, Kahwa delivers an elevated café experience that appeals to a wide and loyal demographic. With strong brand recognition in Florida and a growing presence across the country, Kahwa Coffee Roasting provides the foundation and support franchisees need to succeed in the competitive coffee market.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Proven Brand With Strong Customer Loyalty
Kahwa’s success is built on consistent quality, small-batch roasting, and a modern café concept that resonates with both everyday coffee drinkers and true enthusiasts.
Multiple Revenue Streams
Franchise owners benefit from café beverage sales, food items, retail coffee bags, wholesale opportunities, and online subscription models — allowing diversified income beyond daily foot traffic.
Specialty Market Growth
The U.S. specialty coffee market continues to expand, with consumers actively seeking premium, ethically roasted, and freshly brewed coffee. Kahwa aligns perfectly with this trend.
Operational Efficiency
The brand’s franchise model emphasizes streamlined operations, efficient store layouts, and simplified workflows — ideal for both new entrepreneurs and seasoned operators.
Marketing & Branding Support
Franchisees receive professional marketing tools, brand guidelines, launch support, and ongoing promotional resources to build awareness and drive store traffic.
Background
Kahwa Coffee Roasting was founded in 2006 by husband-and-wife team Raphael Perrier and Sarah Perrier in St. Petersburg, Florida. What began as a small artisan roasting operation quickly evolved into one of Florida’s most recognized specialty-coffee brands. The founders built Kahwa around a simple philosophy: source high-quality 100% Arabica beans, roast them in small batches for maximum freshness, and create community-driven cafés that feel warm, welcoming, and modern.
The company started as a wholesale-focused roastery, supplying premium coffee to local restaurants, boutique hotels, offices, and grocery partners. In 2008, Kahwa opened its first retail café, which sparked rapid local growth and a loyal customer base drawn to its consistent quality and neighborhood-centric atmosphere.
Today, Kahwa Coffee Roasting operates 15+ corporate-owned locations across Florida, along with a robust wholesale division and a growing online subscription channel. The brand launched its franchise program in recent years to expand beyond its home state, giving entrepreneurs the chance to bring Kahwa’s elevated coffee experience to new communities across the United States.
With strong brand recognition, an experienced roasting operation, and a modern café concept built around efficiency and consistency, Kahwa is now positioned as a rising name in the specialty coffee franchise industry. The brand continues to grow through company-owned cafés, new franchise agreements, wholesale partnerships, and its expanding national e-commerce presence.
Industry Category: Specialty Coffee, Café, Coffee Roasting, Retail, Wholesale
Ownership: Privately owned by the founders and executive team
Current Footprint: Corporate cafés, wholesale accounts nationwide, and franchise units in development across multiple U.S. markets
Support Training
Kahwa gives franchisees comprehensive guidance from the planning phase through ongoing operations:
Pre-Launch Training
• Hands-on training at an operating Kahwa café
• Product knowledge, barista skills, menu execution, and customer service training
• Store setup, operations, and inventory management guidance
Operational Support
• Standard operating procedures
• POS setup, staffing guidelines, quality control, and cost-management systems
• Supply chain advantages through centralized roasting and distribution
Marketing & Branding Support
• Grand opening marketing plan
• Local store marketing strategies
• Social media assets, seasonal promotions, and brand campaigns
Site Selection & Build-Out Assistance
• Guidance on choosing high-visibility, high-traffic locations
• Support with store layout, design, and construction
Ongoing Support
• Regular field visits
• Performance reviews
• Menu updates, new product rollouts, and continued training
Ideal Candidate
You may be the right fit for a Kahwa Coffee Roasting franchise if you:
• Have a genuine love for specialty coffee and hospitality
• Enjoy building community connections
• Have strong leadership and people-management skills
• Possess business experience (helpful but not mandatory)
• Are financially capable of launching and operating a café
• Prefer operating in vibrant, high-growth markets
• Value a brand with heart, culture, and a focus on quality
Kahwa franchisees often include former corporate professionals, multi-unit foodservice operators, hospitality entrepreneurs, and first-time business owners seeking a well-supported concept.
Financial Detail
Total Investment
Approx. $200,000 to $600,000+ depending on location, size, build-out, and equipment.
Minimum Investment Required
Generally estimated at $200,000+ for a standard café location.
Franchise Fee
Industry-standard coffee franchise fees typically range from $25,000 – $50,000.
Build-Out & Infrastructure Costs
• Café construction
• Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
• Espresso machines, grinders, refrigeration
• Signage and interior branding
• Initial inventory and supplies
Working Capital Requirements
• Staff salaries
• Initial marketing
• Opening month cash flow
• Inventory replenishment
Royalty Fees
Typical café royalties fall between 5% – 7% of gross sales (exact Kahwa figures must be requested directly).
Marketing Fund Contribution
Most brands require 1% – 2% of gross sales for national marketing (to be confirmed with franchisor).
Potential Revenue Streams
• In-store beverages and food
• Retail packaged coffee
• Online coffee subscriptions
• Wholesale supply to local businesses
• Merchandise and branded accessories
Expected ROI & Break-Even Period
Specialty cafés with diversified revenue streams often achieve break-even within 18 to 30 months depending on location performance and operational efficiency.