Franchise and Business Opportunities

Whether you prefer the scent of baking bread or brewing coffee, you probably appreciate the simple things in life. The businesses featured in this category have always been an appealing option for entrepreneurs. Whether small town or big city, upscale sidewalk cafe or mall coffee cart, could there be a better way to make a living than providing perfectly brewed coffee and oven fresh baked goods?

Barnie's Coffee & Tea Company offers single-unit franchises and multi-unit area development agreements in the US and internationally. Most stores open between 3-5 months after the franchise agreement is signed.

Barnie's stores are typically 1200 to 2000 square feet. However, smaller or larger stores are an option. Their stores are usually located in upscale malls, outdoor lifestyle centers or downtown business districts. The immediate surrounding area is typically densely populated, has significant traffic and is highly visible from passing traffic. Many franchisees have specific sites in mind when they contact Barnie's. If not, Barnie's relies on their database and an international network of brokers to help locate and negotiate sites.

Experience is beneficial, but not critical. What is more important is passion for the product and for customer service. Barnie’s provides an extensive training program for their franchisees and their staff. Preliminary training will be conducted in their corporate headquarters with a combination of classroom and in-store components. Training will last approximately five weeks.

Dunkin' Donuts, the world's largest coffee and donut chain, was recently ranked 9th among the top 500 franchisors. As part of a renewed corporate commitment to brand penetration, Dunkin' Donuts is focusing new market growth in three areas - Charlotte, North Carolina; Cleveland, Ohio; and Tampa, Florida. These markets will be the focus of specialized field marketing teams dedicated to significantly increasing brand presence. The teams, working solely within these specific markets, will provide in-depth marketing and operations support designed to strengthen brand awareness and store growth.

Represented by Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants (ADQSR), a leading franchisor in the QSR industry, Dunkin’ Donuts stand alone stores and Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin-Robbins combo stores are available in designated areas throughout the United States, including Buffalo, Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit and Baltimore.

Espresso Italia provides an opportunity to "enjoy being in the coffee business without the expense" of a retail location. Direct from Italy, the company has designed a state of the art automatic espresso and coffee machine that, with the push of a button, produces delicious espresso, cappuccino, cafe latte, coffee and specialty teas. If you are looking for a home-based business opportunity you may well want to consider a gourmet coffee distributorship. Americans drink 400 million cups of coffee per day, and coffee is a growing, multi-billion dollar industry that shows no signs of coming down from its caffeine high!

Palm Beach Specialty Coffee also offers gourmet coffee distributorships to individuals who want to be in business for themselves, but may not want to be tied to a storefront. The mission of Palm Beach Specialty Coffee is to offer the very finest Espresso/Cappuccino machines in the industry, the finest service - beyond what is expected, prompt delivery and to make your new business venture one of enjoyment and prosperity. Some Palm Beach Specialty Coffee distributors start with a five machine package, however, many choose to start at a faster pace with a ten machine package, or twenty-five machines for a more aggressive start.

If you prefer a retail situation in your own neighborhood or an area close to home, and are more interested in a business that is also a part of your larger community, then you have lots of options from which to choose - each with a unique personality and brand identity.

The Coffee Beanery features a variety of specialty coffees and teas from around the world, made even more special by the company's exclusive “Right Roast^®" process, small batch roasting that brings coffee to the peak of its flavor potential. Franchisees receive three full weeks of comprehensive training at The Coffee Beanery's corporate headquarters, providing all the background necessary to serve a fabulous cup of coffee, as well as a full menu of wraps, salads and desserts.

Gloria Jean's, Gloria Jean's Gourmet Coffees is the largest, mall-based retailer of specialty coffees in North America. We deliver the ultimate coffee experience to our customers and are the leaders in flavored gourmet coffee. With more than 280 locations worldwide, Gloria Jean's Gourmet Coffees is actively seeking qualified candidates for new and existing outlets. Prospective franchisees must have a minimum of two years retail or restaurant general management experience, a net worth of at least $350,000 (excluding personal effects), and liquid capital of $125,000 or more.

If you're looking for a coffee business that provides unbeatable service in a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere, It's A Grind may be the perfect fit for your investment level and lifestyle. It's A Grind's commitment to continuous process improvement has resulted in a proven business system. Efficiency and economy coupled with superior products, service and value are the foundation of their system. Management is very much "hands on" — new business owners remain under the guidance of management until all parties are confident of success, and you can rely on ongoing assistance in the operation of your store.

Maui Wowi is known world-wide for refreshing smoothies, but they have also gained a reputation as purveyors of fine Island Coffee and espresso drinks. A Maui Wowi franchise offers the flexibility to build your business as big (or small) as you wish, with multi-unit opportunities available. From a mobile kiosk to a large, mall-based operation, the Maui Wowi opportunity lends itself to nearly every kind of lifestyle and business ownership preference. Maui Wowi offers financing assistance via third party, and provides superb training for new owners.

For more information about the coffee industry and market trends, the following groups may provide valuable insight.

National Coffee Association (NCA): - Serves all segments of the U.S. coffee industry, from specialty to traditional companies.

Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA): Primarily for coffee retailers. Its members include coffee growers, manufacturers, traders and equipment manufacturers and retailers.

• Barnie's Coffee & Tea Company
• Dunkin' Donuts
• Espresso Italia
• Palm Beach Speciality Coffee
• The Coffee Beanery
• Gloria Jean's
• It's A Grind
• Maui Wowi