Established
2016
Franchise Units
20
Minimum Investment
$200,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$400,000
Home Based
No
Description
Special Strong is a purpose-driven specialty coffee franchise built around a powerful and highly differentiated concept—creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. More than just a coffee shop, each Special Strong location serves as a community-centered café where customers actively support inclusion, dignity, and social impact with every purchase.
Unlike traditional coffee franchises that compete primarily on speed or pricing, Special Strong stands apart through its authentic mission, emotionally resonant branding, and deep community engagement. The brand has cultivated strong customer loyalty by aligning quality coffee, welcoming environments, and a cause that resonates across generations.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Special Strong offers a rare opportunity to own a business that delivers both financial sustainability and social impact.
Key reasons franchise investors are attracted to Special Strong include:
• A mission-driven brand with authentic, built-in social impact
• Strong emotional customer connection leading to repeat business and referrals
• Simplified operations compared to full-service cafés or restaurants
• Alignment with rising consumer demand for values-based brands
• Strong community support from families, schools, nonprofits, and local organizations
• Natural media and public relations appeal due to the brand’s inclusive employment model
Background
Established Year: 2016
Brand Journey and Company History:
What began as a single community café quickly gained traction due to its inclusive hiring model and strong local support. As awareness grew and customer demand increased, the founders developed a franchise system to scale both the business and its social mission nationwide. The franchise model was carefully structured to balance operational efficiency, brand consistency, and franchisee profitability.
Franchise Active Units: 20+ operating locations across the United States
Ownership Structure:
Special Strong operates under a franchised business model, enabling local owners to bring the concept to their communities while following standardized operational systems and brand guidelines.
Market Presence in the USA:
The brand has expanded into multiple U.S. markets, with locations operating in suburban neighborhoods, mixed-use developments, and community-centric retail areas. Growth continues through a combination of single-unit and multi-unit franchise ownership.
Industry Category:
• Specialty Coffee Franchise
• Social Enterprise Franchise
• Retail Food and Beverage
• Community-Based Café Concept
Support Training
Special Strong provides a comprehensive support framework designed to help franchise owners launch, operate, and grow their cafés successfully while maintaining mission integrity.
Pre-Launch Support:
• Assistance with site selection and lease evaluation
• Café layout guidance and build-out standards
• Equipment recommendations and vendor coordination
• Structured pre-opening timelines and checklists
Training and Academic Support:
• Initial franchisee training covering operations, leadership, and brand culture
• Staff training systems adapted for inclusive employment environments
• Management training focused on team development and operational consistency
Operational Support:
• Detailed operating manuals and standard procedures
• Ongoing coaching related to staffing, scheduling, and cost controls
• Field support and performance guidance
Marketing and Brand Support:
• National branding assets and storytelling frameworks
• Local marketing strategies tailored to community engagement
• Social media guidance and promotional support
Ongoing Support:
• Continuous operational updates and system improvements
• Access to franchisee peer networks and shared best practices
• Ongoing guidance to ensure alignment with the brand’s mission and values
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Special Strong franchisee is purpose-driven, community-oriented, and committed to building a business that delivers both impact and sustainability.
Best-Suited Candidates Include:
• First-time entrepreneurs seeking a mission-aligned franchise
• Multi-unit operators looking to diversify into purpose-driven concepts
• Corporate professionals transitioning into business ownership
• Individuals with strong leadership and people-management skills
Background and Skills:
• Experience in customer service, retail, or team leadership is beneficial
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities
• Willingness to actively support inclusive employment practices
Investment Capability:
• Ability to meet minimum investment and liquidity requirements
• Comfort operating a retail-based business with hands-on or semi-absentee involvement
Location Preferences:
• Suburban communities with strong family demographics
• College towns and mixed-use developments
• Areas with active local organizations and consistent foot traffic
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $200,000 – $400,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $75,000 – $100,000 |
| Net Worth Requirement | $200,000+ |
| Leasehold Improvements | $60,000 – $150,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| Signage & Branding | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Pre-Opening Marketing | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Training & Opening Support | Included |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing / Brand Fund | 2% of gross sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months |
| Revenue Streams | Coffee & beverages, food items, merchandise, community partnerships |