Why You Can’t Franchise With Starbucks Or Dutch Bros
The U.S. coffee industry remains one of the most resilient sectors in foodservice, offering significant opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.
Coffee consumption continues to grow steadily, with approximately 66% of Americans drinking coffee every day, making it one of the most widely consumed beverages in the country.
With demand this strong, it’s no surprise that many aspiring business owners explore the possibility of opening a coffee franchise. Naturally, globally recognized brands such as Starbucks and fast-growing chains like Dutch Bros often come to mind first.
However, what many investors discover is that these companies do not offer traditional franchising opportunities.
Why Franchising With Starbucks Is Off The Table
Starbucks is one of the most recognizable coffee brands in the world, operating more than 40,000 locations globally as of 2026. Despite this global presence, the company does not offer traditional franchise opportunities in the United States.
Instead, Starbucks relies primarily on company-owned stores, allowing the brand to maintain full control over operations, product quality, and customer experience. In certain environments—such as airports, hotels, supermarkets, and universities—Starbucks does grant licensed store agreements.
Opening a licensed Starbucks location often requires significant capital resources. Licensing fees can be more than $300,000, and applicants generally must demonstrate substantial liquid assets. In addition, licensees are responsible for ongoing royalty payments and marketing contributions based on gross sales.
This structure means that independent entrepreneurs rarely have direct access to ownership opportunities within the brand.
Why Dutch Bros Doesn’t Franchise Anymore
Dutch Bros, another rapidly expanding coffee chain in the United States, previously operated under a franchise model but transitioned away from it in 2017.
Today, the company operates primarily through company-owned locations, with leadership roles typically filled by individuals who have advanced internally within the organization.
Before this transition, franchise opportunities required investments ranging from $150,000 to $600,000, which included a franchise fee of up to $30,000. The company ultimately shifted toward internal development to maintain cultural alignment and operational consistency across its locations.
As a result, new investors today cannot open a Dutch Bros franchise, as ownership opportunities are limited to company expansion strategies and internal operator programs.
Qargo Coffee: A Stronger Franchise Alternative
For entrepreneurs exploring opportunities in the coffee industry, the reality is that many of the biggest brands do not offer traditional franchising. That leaves space for concepts built with partnership and growth in mind.
Qargo Coffee was created with that vision. The brand offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to operate their own cafés while benefiting from a strong identity, operational structure, and ongoing support. It is a model designed for people who want to build a business within a growing coffee culture.
Qargo Coffee maintains a clear and accessible franchise structure, with an initial franchise fee typically ranging between $40,000 and $50,000. The brand operates in full compliance with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) franchise regulations, ensuring partners receive transparent documentation and the information needed to make informed investment decisions.
At its core, Qargo focuses on quality and experience. Authentic Italian coffee, carefully crafted drinks, and Italian-inspired pastries create an environment that customers return to again and again.
The U.S. coffee market continues to grow, driven by consumers seeking higher-quality beverages and spaces where coffee becomes part of a daily ritual. Qargo aligns with this shift, offering a concept built for modern coffee drinkers and scalable operations.
The Best Coffee Franchise Opportunity
While companies like Starbucks and Dutch Bros dominate the market, their expansion models limit ownership opportunities for independent investors.
Qargo Coffee takes a different approach. By combining premium coffee culture with a structured franchise model, it creates space for entrepreneurs to participate in the future of the industry while building something of their own.
Interested in bringing the future of coffee to your city? Fill out the form http://qargocoffee.com/franchises/register and our team will connect with you about franchise opportunities.