Established
2005
Franchise Units
5
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$650,000
Home Based
No
Description
Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Company (LOTH) is more than a specialty café concept—it is a mission-driven brand built on community, craftsmanship, and ethical sourcing. In a crowded coffee landscape, LOTH stands out by offering something deeper than a great cup of coffee: a business model rooted in sustainability, social impact, and genuine hospitality. For franchisees, it delivers a rare blend of financial opportunity and meaningful work, making it one of the most compelling coffee shop investments in the U.S. market today.
Since its beginning, the brand has earned a loyal national following by doing coffee differently. LOTH sources beans directly from farmers in Rwanda and other regions through long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. The result is a truly exceptional product, consistently roasted, thoughtfully prepared, and served in warm, community-centric cafés. Each location becomes a neighborhood anchor—part gathering place, part coworking hub, part café—that attracts a broad customer base looking for quality, comfort, and connection.
As consumer demand increases for authentic brands with purpose, LOTH has positioned itself as a top contender in the specialty coffee franchise category. With a proven business model, simplified café operations, premium product quality, and ongoing support, it provides franchise owners with the opportunity to own a business that is both profitable and purposeful.
Background
Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Company was founded in 2005 by Jonathan Golden, an entrepreneur and humanitarian who envisioned a coffee brand rooted in dignity, community, and ethical trade. What began as a mission to support coffee-growing communities in Rwanda has grown into a respected specialty coffee company with a strong U.S. presence and a loyal customer base that values quality and purpose in every cup.
From the beginning, the brand built its identity around the idea that great coffee can create meaningful change. By forging long-term, transparent partnerships with farmers in Rwanda, LOTH pioneered a model where producers are paid fair wages, families gain access to education and resources, and entire communities benefit from sustainable economic growth. This mission-driven foundation shaped the brand’s culture and remains at the heart of its franchise concept today.
Over the years, LOTH expanded from its flagship location in Roswell, Georgia, into multiple café units across several states, including Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Texas, and Florida. Each café is designed as a warm, inviting space where coffee lovers can gather, work, and connect. The company has strengthened its roasting operations, enhanced its wholesale programs, and evolved into a modern café brand recognized for high-quality small-batch roasting, handcrafted beverages, and a distinctive "Drink Coffee. Do Good." philosophy.
Industry Category: Specialty Coffee, Café, Food & Beverage Franchise, Ethical/Fair-Trade Coffee
Established Year: 2005
Founders: Jonathan Golden
Headquarters: Roswell, Georgia, USA
Franchise Active Units (Current): Multiple operating cafés across the U.S. in expanding markets
Market Presence: Strong presence in Southeastern and Southern states with growing national demand
Support Training
Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Company offers a structured, comprehensive support system designed to guide franchisees from their earliest planning stages through long-term café growth.
Pre-Launch Support
• Site selection assistance, demographic analysis, and territory planning
• Lease negotiation guidance
• Store design and architectural support
• Equipment planning and vendor coordination
• Pre-opening marketing strategy & local store launch plan
• Hiring support and initial staffing guidance
Training Program
• Multi-week training at LOTH headquarters and flagship cafés
• Hands-on barista training, beverage preparation, and coffee education
• POS system setup, inventory management, and operational processes
• Leadership training for owners and managers
• Customer experience, hospitality standards, and brand culture training
Operational Support
• Ongoing operations manual and online knowledge library
• Field support visits by franchise specialists
• Supplier programs, national accounts, and quality control systems
• Technology support and performance tracking tools
Marketing Support
• Grand-opening marketing campaign
• National brand marketing & storytelling assets
• Social media templates, seasonal promotions, and curated content
• Community engagement strategy and event support
• Online ordering, digital marketing, and customer loyalty program
Ongoing Support
• Continuous menu innovation
• New product development
• Quarterly franchisee meetings and systemwide updates
• Dedicated franchise operations manager
Ideal Candidate
Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Company is best suited for individuals who want to build a business that blends financial success with meaningful social impact. The ideal franchisee is someone who values community, hospitality, and ethical entrepreneurship.
Best-Fit Candidates Include:
• Entrepreneurs passionate about coffee, culture, and community building
• Corporate professionals seeking a lifestyle-friendly business
• Family-owned investors wanting a long-term community brand
• Multi-unit operators in the food and beverage space
• Mission-driven investors who value ethical sourcing and sustainability
Attributes of a Strong Candidate:
• Warm, people-first leadership style
• Financial capability to support startup and early operations
• Desire to create a community gathering space
• Commitment to brand standards and hospitality excellence
• Ability to follow a structured franchise system
Location Preferences:
High-traffic suburban centers, mixed-use developments, college towns, downtown districts, and lifestyle hubs where café culture thrives.
Financial Detail
| Category | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment | $350,000 – $650,000 |
| Minimum Investment | ~$350,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 – $45,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% – 6% |
| Marketing Fund | 1% – 2% |
| Build-Out Cost | $200,000 – $450,000 |
| Equipment & Furnishings | $70,000 – $150,000 |
| Initial Marketing | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital | $30,000 – $75,000 |
| Expected ROI | 2–3 years |
| Break-Even | 12–24 months |
| Revenue Streams | Café sales, catering, retail coffee, subscriptions, wholesale, events |