Established
1998
Franchise Units
7
Minimum Investment
$250,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$450,000
Home Based
No
Description
Summit Coffee Co. is a premium specialty coffee brand built around community, craftsmanship, and consistently high-quality coffee experiences. Known for its warm, welcoming cafés and ethically sourced beans, the brand has established a strong position in the U.S. coffee market by focusing on authenticity, local connection, and elevated café culture rather than mass-market sameness.
The concept blends artisanal coffee roasting with thoughtfully designed café spaces that function as neighborhood gathering hubs. Each location is created to feel local and personal while maintaining a cohesive brand identity across markets. Summit Coffee Co. resonates with modern coffee consumers who value quality, transparency, sustainability, and meaningful customer experiences.
As demand for specialty coffee, handcrafted beverages, and experiential dining continues to rise across the United States, Summit Coffee Co. offers a compelling franchise opportunity. The business model balances creative freedom at the local level with structured systems, operational support, and brand consistency—making it attractive for both first-time owners and experienced operators.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Strong specialty coffee brand with loyal, repeat customers
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Operates in a high-growth, recession-resilient industry
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Community-driven café concept that increases customer retention
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Multiple revenue streams beyond traditional coffee sales
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Scalable franchise model for single-unit and multi-unit ownership
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Established operating systems and brand standards
Background
Established Year: 1998
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Industry Category: Specialty Coffee & Café Franchise
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Founders: Founded by experienced coffee professionals and entrepreneurs passionate about craft coffee and community building
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Brand Journey & History:
Summit Coffee Co. began as a locally focused coffee roasting and café concept with a mission to create welcoming community spaces centered around high-quality coffee. Over time, the brand expanded into multiple markets, refining its roasting methods, café layouts, and customer experience. This steady growth laid the foundation for franchising and broader U.S. expansion. -
Ownership: Privately owned company
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Market Presence in the USA:
Operates multiple café locations across the United States, primarily in urban and suburban areas with strong demand for specialty coffee -
Franchise Active Units: 7
Support Training
Summit Coffee Co. provides comprehensive franchise support to ensure long-term success.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection and market analysis guidance
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Assistance with lease review and space planning
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Café design standards and build-out support
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Equipment specifications and vendor sourcing
Training Program
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Barista training and coffee education
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Store manager and owner onboarding programs
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Daily operations, inventory control, and staffing systems
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Brand standards, service culture, and customer experience training
Marketing & Brand Support
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Grand opening marketing strategy
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Local store marketing guidelines
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Digital marketing templates and brand assets
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Seasonal promotions and product launches
Ongoing Support
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Regular operational reviews and performance support
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Continued education and product development updates
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Business coaching and benchmarking tools
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Access to franchisee network and shared best practices
Ideal Candidate
The Summit Coffee Co. franchise is well suited for individuals who are passionate about hospitality, people management, and community-focused businesses.
Ideal candidates include:
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Owner-operators seeking a hands-on business
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Multi-unit food, beverage, or retail operators
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Entrepreneurs with strong leadership and customer service skills
Key Attributes:
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Passion for specialty coffee and café culture
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Commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences
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Ability to meet investment requirements
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Interest in urban, suburban, or mixed-use locations with strong foot traffic
Financial Detail
Estimated Total Investment: $250,000 – $450,000
Minimum Investment Required: Approximately $250,000
Franchise Fee: Around $35,000
Infrastructure & Build-Out Costs: $120,000 – $220,000
Equipment & Furnishings: $60,000 – $90,000
Initial Marketing Budget: $10,000 – $20,000
Working Capital: $25,000 – $50,000
Royalty Fee: Approximately 6% of gross sales
Marketing Fee: Approximately 2% of gross sales
