Established
2005
Franchise Units
40
Minimum Investment
$400,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$700,000
Home Based
No
Description
Summer Moon Coffee is not just another coffee shop franchise—it’s a craft coffee brand built around a truly rare concept: oak wood–fired coffee roasting. Founded in Austin, Texas, the brand has carved out a premium niche in the highly competitive specialty coffee market by blending old-world roasting methods with modern café culture. The result is a bold, smooth coffee flavor profile that customers instantly recognize and actively seek out.
At the heart of the brand is its proprietary roasting process and its cult-favorite signature product, Moon Milk®, a sweet cream base that transforms everyday coffee drinkers into loyal brand advocates. Summer Moon cafés are known for warm, rustic interiors, strong neighborhood appeal, and high repeat traffic—positioning them as lifestyle destinations rather than quick-serve coffee stops.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in Summer Moon Coffee means aligning with a brand that stands apart in an overcrowded coffee landscape.
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Unique differentiation through wood-fired roasting methods
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Strong customer loyalty driven by signature Moon Milk® beverages
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Premium positioning in the fast-growing specialty coffee segment
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Community-focused café model with repeat local traffic
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Proven expansion through company-owned and franchised locations
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Increasing consumer demand for artisan and craft coffee experiences
Background
- Established Year: 2005
- Founders: Rob Taylor & Brandi Taylor
- Industry Category: Specialty Coffee & Café Franchise
- Ownership: Privately held
- Headquarters: Austin, Texas, USA
- Market Presence: Multiple operating locations across the United States
- Franchise Active Units (USA): Approximately 40+ operating locations across the United States, including a mix of company-owned and franchised cafés, with continued expansion in key suburban and high-growth markets.
Summer Moon Coffee began as a passion project focused on reviving traditional roasting techniques that deliver deeper, richer flavor profiles. The founders set out to create coffee that tasted the way it once did—slow-roasted over oak wood rather than mass-produced using modern shortcuts.
Support Training
Summer Moon Coffee provides comprehensive franchise support to ensure consistency, quality, and long-term success.
Pre-Launch Support
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Assistance with site selection and lease evaluation
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Café layout planning and design standards
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Equipment specifications and vendor coordination
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Construction guidance and pre-opening checklists
Training & Operations
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Hands-on barista and management training
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Coffee education covering brewing, roasting philosophy, and quality control
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Operational systems for inventory, staffing, and daily workflows
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POS setup, reporting, and financial management guidance
Marketing & Brand Support
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Grand opening marketing strategy and launch planning
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Ongoing national brand campaigns
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Local store marketing playbooks
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Social media and community engagement guidance
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise support team
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New product development and seasonal menu rollouts
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Performance reviews and operational coaching
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Franchisee peer network and best-practice sharing
Ideal Candidate
Summer Moon Coffee is ideal for entrepreneurs who value brand authenticity, hospitality, and customer experience.
The Ideal Franchisee Typically Has:
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Passion for specialty coffee and premium café culture
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Strong customer service and people-management skills
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Retail, hospitality, or food & beverage experience (preferred, not required)
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Financial capability to meet investment requirements
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Desire to engage with the local community
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Interest in operating a hands-on or semi-absentee business
This franchise particularly appeals to owner-operators seeking a lifestyle business with strong brand identity and long-term growth potential.
Financial Detail
| Cost Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $400,000 – $700,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $150,000 – $200,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements & Build-Out | $200,000 – $350,000 |
| Coffee Roasting & Café Equipment | $90,000 – $140,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Décor | $35,000 – $60,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Marketing & Grand Opening Budget | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $30,000 – $55,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~6% of Gross Sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fund | ~2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 24 – 36 Months |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Beverages, Moon Milk® drinks, food items, retail coffee, merchandise |
