Established
2013
Franchise Units
10
Minimum Investment
$450,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$750,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Southern Grounds franchise represents a distinctive blend of Southern hospitality, elevated café culture, and community-driven dining—positioned perfectly for today’s experience-seeking consumers. More than just a coffee shop, Southern Grounds combines artisan coffee, chef-inspired breakfast and lunch offerings, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that encourages guests to linger, connect, and return often.
Founded in the American South and deeply rooted in neighborhood culture, Southern Grounds has built a loyal following by delivering premium beverages, scratch-made food, and a refined yet approachable café environment. The brand successfully bridges the gap between fast-casual efficiency and full-service warmth, making it appealing to morning commuters, remote professionals, families, and social groups alike.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in a Southern Grounds franchise offers franchise partners the opportunity to enter a resilient and growing industry with a brand that stands out through quality, culture, and consistency.
Key investment highlights include:
• Proven café concept with strong unit-level economics
• Multiple revenue streams including coffee, food, catering, and retail
• Premium brand positioning without luxury-level complexity
• Strong customer loyalty and repeat visit potential
• Scalable model suited for single-unit or multi-unit operators
• Daytime-focused operations with manageable labor structure
• Growing consumer demand for elevated coffeehouse experiences
Background
Brand Name: Southern Grounds
Industry Category: Specialty Coffee & Café / Fast-Casual Dining
Founded: 2013
Franchising Launched: 2018
Founders: Local hospitality entrepreneurs with deep roots in Southern culture
Ownership: Privately held
Franchise Active Units: Approx. 10+ locations (company-owned and franchised)
Southern Grounds was founded with a simple but powerful idea: to create a café where exceptional coffee meets genuine Southern hospitality. What began as a single neighborhood café quickly gained traction due to its inviting ambiance, high-quality menu, and consistent service standards.
As brand recognition grew, Southern Grounds expanded strategically, refining its operational systems, supply chain, and brand standards before offering franchise opportunities. Today, the brand maintains a strong presence in the Southeastern United States, with growing interest from franchisees in urban, suburban, and mixed-use developments nationwide.
Support Training
Southern Grounds offers comprehensive franchise support designed to guide owners from initial onboarding through long-term operations and growth.
Pre-Launch Support
• Site selection guidance and territory evaluation
• Store layout, design standards, and build-out assistance
• Equipment specifications and vendor coordination
• Pre-opening timeline management
Training Programs
• In-depth initial training covering operations, food prep, beverage execution, and service standards
• Barista and kitchen workflow training
• POS systems and inventory management education
• Financial management and cost-control training
Operational Support
• Detailed operations manuals and SOPs
• Ongoing field support and performance coaching
• Quality assurance and brand compliance reviews
• Labor optimization and scheduling guidance
Marketing & Brand Support
• Grand opening marketing strategy
• Local store marketing playbooks
• Social media content guidance and brand assets
• Seasonal promotions and menu innovation support
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Southern Grounds franchisee is a motivated entrepreneur or investor who values quality, hospitality, and community connection.
This opportunity is well-suited for:
• Owner-operators passionate about food, coffee, and service
• Multi-unit franchise operators seeking portfolio diversification
• Hospitality professionals transitioning into ownership
• Investors with strong people-management and leadership skills
Preferred Background:
• Experience in food service, retail, or hospitality (preferred but not required)
• Strong customer-service mindset
• Ability to manage teams and daily operations
• Commitment to brand standards and community engagement
Investment Capability:
• Meets minimum net worth and liquidity requirements
• Comfortable funding build-out and working capital
• Long-term growth mindset
Financial Detail
| Cost Head | Estimated Investment Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $450,000 – $750,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $150,000 – $200,000 |
| Net Worth Requirement | $400,000 – $600,000 (estimated) |
| Real Estate & Leasehold Improvements | $200,000 – $350,000 |
| Equipment & Furniture (FF&E) | $100,000 – $175,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Marketing & Grand Opening Advertising | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Licenses, Permits & Insurance | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Training & Travel Expenses | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $50,000 – $75,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales |
| Brand Marketing Fund Contribution | 2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 Months |
| Expected ROI | Competitive, location-dependent |
| Franchise Term | Typically 10 years (renewable) |
