How to Finance a BIGGBY COFFEE Franchise: Cafes and Drive-Thrus
By Anthony Cornella
A BIGGBY COFFEE franchise loan usually funds a compact build-out: a strip-center cafe, a drive-thru or a small prefabricated building where espresso machines, refrigeration and a fast service line do most of the work. The franchisor publishes a detailed Item 7 table for its whitebox leasehold store, which gives owners and lenders a clear starting point for sizing the request.
This article walks through the franchisor’s published costs and requirements, the store formats, how SBA 7(a), SBA 504, conventional and equipment financing fit a coffee franchise, and how lenders evaluate a first cafe and a multi-store plan.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by BIGGBY COFFEE; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s disclosure document can change, loan programs and terms vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to lender review and approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice; review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement with a franchise attorney and an accountant before you sign.
BIGGBY COFFEE Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Initial franchise fee: $20,000, with a 50% discount for qualified U.S. military veterans.
- Estimated initial investment: $242,200 to $610,000 for a whitebox leasehold store, according to Item 7 of the FDD dated April 30, 2026.
- Other formats: modular and site-built stores carry different, generally higher, investment ranges.
- Financial requirements: liquid cash of $150,000 or more and a net worth of $450,000.
- Franchisor financing: the franchisor states it does not offer financing for any part of the initial investment.
- Timeline: about 14 months on average from signing to opening, according to the franchisor.
- System: founded in 1995, 100% franchised, with locations across 13 states.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed as Biggby Coffee (code S0218), with no additional notes.
What Is BIGGBY COFFEE?
BIGGBY COFFEE is a specialty coffee franchise that has been serving communities since 1995. Co-founder Bob Fish remains involved in the business more than 30 years later, and the franchisor describes the system as 100% franchised, with every shop owned and operated by a franchise owner. Its locations span 13 states.
Menu and concept. The menu centers on specialty coffee drinks, lattes, teas, shakes, smoothies and seasonal beverages, with a limited food menu of breakfast sandwiches, waffles, muffins and other treats. The brand positions ownership as hands-on, especially in the early stages, rather than a passive investment.
Store formats. The franchisor offers a lobby-and-drive-thru model with two points of purchase; a lobby model designed for strip centers with an average footprint of 1,200 square feet and three to four employees working at a time; drive-thru-only options that depend on local building rules; and a kiosk model for hospitals, college campuses, airports and similar sites. Its newest format is a prefabricated modular building with a drive-thru that takes up the space of eight parking spaces.
Why lenders view it the way they do. Coffee is a daily habit with steady morning traffic, and a small footprint keeps rent and build-out lower than a full-service restaurant. Lenders still treat it as food service: margins depend on labor scheduling and beverage costs, the equipment is specialized, and a drive-thru’s success depends heavily on site access and traffic flow.
BIGGBY COFFEE Franchise Costs
The franchisor’s published figures come from Item 7 of its FDD dated April 30, 2026, and cover a whitebox leasehold store, meaning a leased space delivered by the landlord as a basic shell that the franchisee builds out.
Initial franchise fee. The fee is $20,000, and qualified U.S. military veterans receive a 50% discount. The fee is usually paid at signing, so many owners fund it with their own cash and count it toward their equity injection. Our article on franchise financing for veterans explains how such discounts fit into a loan request.
Leasehold improvements. At $105,000 to $269,000, build-out is the largest line item. Plumbing, electrical capacity for espresso machines and blenders, counters, flooring and any drive-thru window all fall here, and landlord allowances can move the number significantly.
Furniture, equipment and decor. Estimated at $62,000 to $165,000, this covers espresso machines, grinders, brewers, blenders, refrigeration, ice machines, point-of-sale systems and seating. These items are well suited to equipment financing.
Opening costs and working capital. Initial inventory runs $10,000 to $15,000, grand opening promotion $9,500 and additional funds for the first three months $10,000 to $40,000.
Item 7 line items for a whitebox leasehold store.
- Initial franchise fee: $20,000
- Real property rental: $6,000 to $18,500
- Leasehold improvements: $105,000 to $269,000
- Furniture, equipment and decor: $62,000 to $165,000
- Architectural and engineering: $6,100 to $19,000
- Blueprints, plans and permits: $2,100 to $11,500
- Interior and exterior signage: $6,500 to $19,500
- Initial inventory: $10,000 to $15,000
- Insurance: $1,000 to $6,000
- Utility expense: $500 to $4,000
- License permits and other: $1,000 to $5,500
- Initial advertising and grand opening promotions: $9,500
- Travel and living expenses for training: $500 to $5,000
- Organizational expenses: $2,000 to $2,500
- Additional funds (3 months): $10,000 to $40,000
- Total estimated initial investment: $242,200 to $610,000
Modular and site-built stores. The franchisor notes that modular and site-built formats have different, generally higher, investment ranges. Those projects add site work, a building and often land or a ground lease, so get the exact Item 7 table for your format before sizing a loan.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
The franchisor’s 2023 franchise information report listed a 6% royalty. Confirm the current royalty, marketing contributions, technology fees and other recurring charges in Item 6 of the current FDD.
How lenders use these fees. Royalties and marketing contributions are calculated on sales and come off the top before rent, labor and debt payments. A lender layers them into your projections and tests whether what remains comfortably covers the loan.
Labor and product costs. A lobby store runs with a small crew on shift, but labor is still the largest controllable cost, and coffee, dairy and cup costs move with commodity prices. Projections should show realistic staffing for morning peaks and a margin cushion for price swings.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
BIGGBY COFFEE lists liquid cash of $150,000 or more and a net worth of $450,000. The franchisor also states that it does not offer financing for any part of the initial investment, so owners arrange financing independently.
The approval process. The franchisor describes five steps: an inquiry, an introductory call, review of the FDD, an application submitted for approval and signing the franchise agreement. Its real estate team then helps with site selection, lease negotiation and build-out oversight.
Planning for the timeline. With about 14 months on average from signing to opening, owners need to keep their liquidity intact through site selection and construction. Lenders want to see reserves available when the loan closes, not just at signing.
Ways to Own a BIGGBY COFFEE
Open a new store. Most owners build a new location in one of the franchisor’s formats. Our page on restaurant start-up financing covers how new-unit requests are structured.
Buy an existing store. Because every store is franchised, existing cafes may be sold by owners who are moving on, subject to franchisor approval. A resale gives the lender actual sales and tax returns to underwrite. Our article on buying a coffee shop covers what to evaluate, and our franchise acquisition financing page explains purchase loans.
Grow to multiple stores. The franchisor says its system is designed to support multi-unit ownership, though many owners start with one location.
Financing Options for a BIGGBY COFFEE Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. The SBA 7(a) loan program is a natural fit for a whitebox build-out, funding leasehold improvements, equipment, signage, opening inventory, working capital and the franchise fee in one loan. The program maximum is currently $5 million, though rules can change.
SBA 504 loans. For a site-built store on owned land, the SBA 504 loan for owner-occupied real estate can finance the land and building on long fixed-rate terms, with a separate loan covering equipment and working capital.
Conventional term loans. Owners with strong credit and liquidity, especially multi-unit operators, may qualify for conventional business loans with fewer program requirements.
Equipment financing. Espresso machines, grinders, blenders, refrigeration and point-of-sale systems can be financed or leased separately, preserving cash for working capital. Our page on restaurant equipment financing and leasing explains the options.
Working capital and lines of credit. Seasonal drink launches, staffing for peak periods and the first months of rent all draw on cash. A line of credit can smooth those cycles; see our page on restaurant working capital.
Seller financing on resales. A seller may agree to carry part of the price on an existing cafe. Seller notes are usually subordinate to the senior loan, and SBA rules can limit their terms.
SBA Loans for BIGGBY COFFEE Franchisees
SBA-guaranteed loans are made by participating lenders, not by the SBA. For a franchise, the lender must confirm that the brand’s documents meet SBA eligibility rules, and the SBA Franchise Directory simplifies that step.
Directory listing. The brand appears on the SBA Franchise Directory as Biggby Coffee under code S0218, with no additional notes. That means lenders can rely on the directory’s eligibility review without special document conditions. A listing is not an endorsement, and it does not mean any loan is approved.
Application tips. Provide the current FDD, the franchise agreement, a lease or letter of intent, contractor bids, an equipment list, personal tax returns and monthly projections. Use our SBA loan calculator to see how payments fit your projected cash flow.
How Lenders Evaluate a BIGGBY COFFEE Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Lenders review credit for every significant owner and ask about any past bankruptcies, liens or judgments.
Net worth and liquidity. Lenders verify the franchisor’s $450,000 net worth and $150,000 liquidity thresholds with statements, trace the equity injection and look for reserves after closing.
Industry and management experience. Restaurant, retail or people-management experience helps. Because the franchisor describes ownership as hands-on, lenders want to see that you will be in the store, especially early.
Business plan and projections. Model transactions by daypart, average ticket, labor schedules, drink and food mix and the ramp to steady sales. For a drive-thru, lenders will look closely at traffic counts, access and stacking room.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders read Items 5, 6 and 7 for costs, Item 10 for financing, Item 17 for term, renewal and transfer, and Item 19. The franchisor states that its financial performance representations are contained in Item 19, so review them with your advisors.
Site and lease. Lenders want a lease term at least as long as the loan, lender assignment rights and clear landlord and tenant responsibilities for the whitebox delivery.
For resales, the store’s history. Expect a review of tax returns, sales reports, labor costs, equipment condition and the remaining lease term.
Equipment and the Drive-Thru
Coffee equipment works hard. Espresso machines and grinders need regular service and eventual replacement, and blenders and ice machines see heavy use during warm months. Budget for maintenance and keep a replacement plan.
Drive-thru economics. A drive-thru adds speed-of-service equipment, a window, headsets and outdoor signage, and its site work can drive up costs for modular and site-built formats. Lenders look at whether the site supports a line of cars without blocking access, because throughput drives revenue.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
Owners who open a successful first store often add a second in the same market to share management and marketing. Lenders usually finance each additional store separately, using the first store’s results and your remaining liquidity to support the request. Our article on multi-unit franchise financing explains how to stage growth so each loan stands on its own.
Real-World Scenarios
A veteran opening a lobby cafe. A veteran uses the 50% fee discount and an SBA 7(a) loan to build out a whitebox strip-center space. The lender focuses on the contractor bid, the equipment list and a staffing plan for morning peaks.
A couple choosing a drive-thru. A couple opts for a lobby-and-drive-thru store. The lender reviews traffic counts and stacking room and asks for extra working capital during the ramp.
A buyer purchasing an existing cafe. A buyer acquires a store from an owner who is relocating. The lender underwrites the store’s tax returns and lease, and the seller carries a small subordinate note.
An owner adding a second store. An owner with a year of strong results applies for a second location, and the lender uses the first store’s performance and the owner’s remaining liquidity to size the new loan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the whitebox range to budget a modular or site-built store.
- Spending reserves during the roughly 14-month path to opening.
- Choosing a drive-thru site without enough stacking room or easy access.
- Underestimating labor for morning peaks.
- Assuming the franchisor will finance part of the investment.
- Signing a lease shorter than the loan term.
Our article on restaurant loan mistakes covers more pitfalls.
Next Steps to Finance Your BIGGBY COFFEE Franchise
Step 1: Review the FDD. Read Items 5, 6, 7, 10, 17 and 19 with a franchise attorney and accountant.
Step 2: Document your capital. Gather statements showing net worth and liquidity, and identify your equity source.
Step 3: Pick a format. Decide on a lobby, lobby-and-drive-thru, drive-thru-only, kiosk or modular store, and get the matching Item 7 figures.
Step 4: Secure a site. Work with the franchisor’s real estate team on location and lease terms.
Step 5: Build projections. Model sales, labor, product costs, rent and fees month by month.
Step 6: Apply with a complete package. Submit the FDD, agreements, lease, bids, projections and financial statements together.
BIGGBY COFFEE Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does a BIGGBY COFFEE franchise cost?
Item 7 of the FDD dated April 30, 2026 estimates $242,200 to $610,000 for a whitebox leasehold store. Modular and site-built stores generally cost more.
What is the BIGGBY COFFEE franchise fee?
The fee is $20,000, with a 50% discount for qualified U.S. military veterans.
What royalty does BIGGBY COFFEE charge?
The franchisor’s 2023 franchise information report listed a 6% royalty. Confirm the current royalty and marketing contributions in Item 6.
How much liquid capital and net worth do I need?
The franchisor lists liquid cash of $150,000 or more and a net worth of $450,000.
Does BIGGBY COFFEE offer financing?
No. The franchisor states that it does not offer financing for any part of the initial investment.
Is a BIGGBY COFFEE franchise loan eligible for SBA backing?
Yes. The brand is on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S0218 with no additional notes, though each loan still requires lender approval.
Can I finance espresso machines separately?
Yes. Coffee equipment, refrigeration and point-of-sale systems can often be financed or leased on their own.
Can I buy an existing BIGGBY COFFEE?
Existing stores may be available, subject to franchisor approval. A resale lets lenders underwrite actual sales.
How long does it take to open?
The franchisor says it takes about 14 months on average from signing to opening.
Can a first-time owner get a BIGGBY COFFEE franchise loan?
Yes, if the owner meets the capital requirements, plans to be hands-on and presents realistic projections.
What documents will a lender ask for?
Personal financial statements, tax returns, a resume, the FDD and franchise agreement, a lease, contractor bids, an equipment list and monthly projections.
Final Thoughts
A BIGGBY COFFEE franchise loan starts from a published Item 7 table, which makes budgeting a whitebox cafe more straightforward than many food concepts. Owners who match the loan to their format, protect their liquidity through a long path to opening and plan for morning-peak staffing give lenders a clear, well-supported request.
US Professional Funding helps coffee and restaurant franchise owners compare SBA 7(a), SBA 504, conventional and equipment financing for new stores, acquisitions and growth. Learn more about our franchise business financing and our restaurant financing solutions.
