Established
2010
Franchise Units
5
Minimum Investment
$300,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$550,000
Home Based
No
Description
Lucky Goat Coffee has become one of the most admired craft coffee concepts in the Southeast, known for its artisan roasting, community-driven culture, and elevated café experience. What began as a local Tallahassee roastery has grown into a premium coffee franchise opportunity that blends small-batch craftsmanship with modern operational systems and a strong, loyal customer base. As consumer demand for specialty coffee continues to surge, Lucky Goat Coffee stands out for its authentic brand story, high-quality hand-roasted beans, and a store environment designed around warmth, conversation, and repeat visits.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Lucky Goat Coffee combines the popularity of specialty coffee with a franchise system engineered for consistent guest satisfaction and operational simplicity. Investors benefit from artisan-grade roasting, a product line with premium margins, and a store model built around efficiency, strong throughput, and high repeat traffic. The brand’s identity is built on authenticity: handcrafted beverages, carefully sourced beans, and a customer experience that feels local, personal, and unforgettable.
As the U.S. coffee market continues to expand—with consumers shifting toward high-quality, roast-to-order beverages—the Lucky Goat Coffee franchise positions owners at the forefront of a demand curve that shows no signs of slowing down. Whether placed in suburban neighborhoods, business districts, or college markets, its compact footprint and diverse revenue streams make it a highly appealing investment for new and experienced operators alike.
Background
- Established Year: Lucky Goat Coffee was founded in 2010 in Tallahassee, Florida.
- Founders: The brand was created by Ben Pautsch, a seasoned entrepreneur passionate about craft coffee and creating a welcoming community space.
- Brand Journey: What started as a small roasting operation evolved into a full-scale coffee brand as customers began seeking out Lucky Goat’s signature flavors and artisanal blends. The popularity of its cafés quickly grew, supported by an expanding wholesale roasting program and a strong online presence.
- Company History & Ownership: Since its early days, Lucky Goat Coffee has remained focused on delivering exceptional craft coffee, investing heavily in roasting technology, barista training, and product innovation. The company’s growth into franchising reflects both demand for its quality and its commitment to maintaining a hands-on, customer-centric culture.
- Market Presence in the USA: Lucky Goat Coffee currently operates 5 active locations across Florida, including both corporate and franchise-owned cafés, with additional units in development as the brand continues its regional expansion.
- Industry Category: Specialty Coffee, Coffee Shop Franchise, Café & Beverage Retail.
Support Training
Lucky Goat Coffee provides a comprehensive support system built to ensure franchisee confidence from day one. The brand blends academic training, hands-on café immersion, and long-term operational support to create a well-managed franchise learning environment.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection assistance including demographic analysis and location strategy.
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Lease negotiation guidance and review support.
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Architectural planning and store layout design, tailored for workflow efficiency.
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Vendor sourcing, equipment packages, and purchasing guidance with preferred pricing.
Operational Training
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In-store barista training covering brewing, espresso, milk texturing, menu preparation, and equipment functionality.
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Comprehensive multi-week onboarding program at a certified Lucky Goat Coffee training café.
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Management and leadership coaching for staffing, scheduling, and culture building.
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Operational manuals and SOPs that simplify daily store operations.
Marketing Support
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Grand opening marketing plan with localized digital campaigns, social media toolkits, and community-engagement strategies.
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Brand-approved creative assets for consistent visual storytelling.
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Ongoing marketing support including seasonal promotions, limited-time offers, product rollouts, and content templates.
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise business coach for operational performance reviews.
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Continuous product development, beverage innovation, and menu enhancements.
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Technology support, including POS integration and performance dashboard analytics.
Ideal Candidate
Lucky Goat Coffee seeks franchise owners who value hospitality, community connection, and operational excellence. While previous food and beverage experience is an advantage, it is not mandatory. The most successful franchisees generally embody the following characteristics:
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Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for operating a people-centric business.
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Ability to lead, hire, and inspire a team, ensuring consistent quality.
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Commitment to maintaining brand standards, guest service, and community involvement.
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Financial stability and capacity to invest in multi-unit growth if desired.
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Ideal Locations: Suburban areas, downtown districts, university towns, high-visibility retail centers, and communities with strong coffee culture.
Financial Detail
| Financial Category | Amount / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $300,000 – $550,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $150,000 – $200,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 – $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% – 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fund Contribution | 1% – 2% of gross sales |
| Store Build-Out & Infrastructure | $180,000 – $350,000 |
| Initial Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital Needed | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Expected ROI | Competitive within the specialty coffee segment |
| Break-Even Period | 12 – 24 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Café beverage sales, packaged coffee, merchandise, catering, office coffee programs, seasonal products |