Top 10 Coffee & Beverage Franchises to Own in 2026
The beverage industry isn’t slowing down… and it’s not just about coffee anymore. From dirty soda and drive-thru coffee to wellness-forward juice shops, consumers are craving more variety, customization, and convenience. For entrepreneurs, that means opportunity is brewing in every category.
Trends in the Beverage Industry
The global beverage landscape is expanding fast - powered by innovation, health consciousness, and a growing demand for premium experiences.
Soda & Soft Drinks
Refreshing, customizable, and fun, the modern has arrived. Consumers are lining the drive-thrus for fun, non-alcoholic drinks that make Instagram-worthy shots.
Global soft-drinks market ≈ $706.6 B (2025) → $901.7 B by 2030 (~5 % CAGR). (Source)
U.S. soft-drinks market ≈ $286 B (2023) → $601 B by 2033 (~7.7 % CAGR). (Source).
Trends Driving Growth: grab-and-go convenience, flavor customisation, functional/low-sugar formulas, added caffeine or vitamins.
Coffee & Hot Beverages
Coffee remains the anchor of the beverage world, seeing steady growth in the years to come with no signs showing a slow-down.
Global Coffee-Franchise Market ≈ $105.83B (2024) → $162.94 by 2029 (~9 % CAGR). (Source)
The U.S. Coffee & Snack Shop Market ≈ $72.8B in 2025 (~6.5% CAGR). (Source)
Trends Driving Growth: smaller check sizes as consumers spend less, drive-thru growth, and local craft positioning.
Overall Beverage Franchise Market
The new frontier blends coffee, soda, energy, and wellness into one category. Consumers are flocking to small footprint, big fun beverage franchises that combine unique drinks with a quick-service experience.
Functional-drinks market ≈ $149 B (2024) → $248 B by 2030 (~8.9 % CAGR). (Source).
Hybrid brands (coffee + soda + energy) are capturing modern consumers.
Investors win with flexible concepts that deliver both convenience and experience.
Bottom line: The strongest franchises meet customers where they are — offering quality, customization, and a reason to come back every day.
Our Top 10 Beverage Franchises to Own in 2026
After analyzing dozens of beverage brands, we’ve narrowed it down to 10 that lead the way in innovation, scalability, and brand appeal.
1. Lola Beans
Lola Beans Coffee, Soda, & energy drink Drive-thru Franchise
Lola Beans is redefining what a beverage franchise can be - merging coffee, dirty soda, tea, and energy drinks into one craveable, compact concept.
It’s the perfect blend of everything customers want:
Craft Coffee. Quality-driven espresso and cold brew.
Dirty Sodas & Teas. Refreshing, customizable, and photo-worthy.
Energy Drinks. Clean, plant-based boosts powered by Lotus.
With a small footprint, low labor model, and high-energy culture, Lola Beans gives franchisees a simple, scalable business that hits every daypart. The vibe? Fun. Familiar. Addictive in all the right ways.
Why It Wins:
Covers every major beverage trend under one roof.
Drive-thru centric model means lower overhead, faster service, and higher throughput.
Built around “Good Energy” — a culture-first brand where employees and customers feel the difference.
Franchise Snapshot:
Initial Investment: $826,250 to $1,168,000
Franchise Fee: $40,000
Royalty: 6%
Liquid Capital: $500K
Net Worth: $1M
The Takeaway: Lola Beans is the next 7 Brew or Swig — but smarter, leaner, and broader. It’s not locked into one beverage category. It’s built for all of them.
2. Swig
Swig deserves credit for starting the “dirty soda” craze. But as the market has evolved, so has the competition. With a larger footprint and higher costs, Swig’s model is more complex to operate - and territories are quickly saturating.
Pros: Swig has a colorful brand known for its “dirty sodas”.
Cons: Swig’s fast-paced growth has led to some market saturation and higher start-up costs, which can make it harder for new franchisees to carve out their own territory. They also only focus on one drink category - which leaves a whole customer base out and could run the risk of if the trend dies out years from now.
How Much It Costs For A Swig Franchise:
Year Founded: 2010
Number of Units: 120 with 500+ in development
Initial Investment: $504,900 to $1,118,000
Multi-Unit Development Fee: ~$640,400 to ~$1,253,500
Franchise Fee: $39,500
Liquid Capital: $1M
Net Worth: $4M (Source)
3. PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans
A premium, full-service cafe brand that specialized in specialty coffee drinks and delicious pastries. The brand emphasizes its New Orleans heritage, premium Arabica beans (top 1 %) and a memorable New Orleans flair.
Pros: PJ’s brings a strong heritage brand with distinct New Orleans-flavor and premium-coffee positioning that helps it stand out in a crowded market.
Cons: The higher initial investment and full-service café model may mean more complexity and cost than simpler beverage-only or kiosk formats.
How Much Does A PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans Franchise Cost:
Year Founded: 1978
Number of Units: 188
Initial Investment: $498,500 to $1,698,000 (traditional full-service free-standing store)
Royalty Fee: 5%
Franchise Fee: $40,000
Liquid Capital: $175,000 (for single unit)
Net Worth: $500,000 (for single unit)
(Source)
4. Badass Coffee Hawaii
A brand founded in 1989 with a goal to share premium, Hawaiian-grown coffees to the nation with an island-inspired cafe experience. It’s important to note that they were acquired by the Royal Aloha Franchise Company and went through a subsequent rebranding in 2019.
Pros: The brand has a unique heritage (Hawaiian coffee, “Aloha” culture) and strong differentiation in the coffee market, offering premium-bean positioning and an experience-oriented concept.
Cons: While the brand’s Hawaiian theme is distinctive, its drink menu leans toward traditional coffeehouse fare, which can make it harder to stand out in a market increasingly driven by customizable or novelty beverage concepts.
How Much Does A Badass Coffee Hawaii Franchise Cost:
Year Founded: 2008
Number of Units: 36
Initial Investment: $452,200-$920,500
Royalty Fee: 5%
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Liquid Capital: $500K
Net Worth: $1.5M
(Source)
5. Dutch Bros Coffee
A drive-thru-focused coffee & specialty beverage brand founded in 1992 in Grants Pass, Oregon by Dane Boersma and Travis Boersma. They hit the nation by storm with their very small location footprints, peppy culture, and unique menu options.
Pros: The brand has built a strong, loyal following thanks to its energetic culture, high-speed drive-thru format and customizable beverage menu — making it well-aligned with today’s convenience and experience-driven consumer habits.
Cons: The company no longer offers franchise opportunities to external applicants (only internal employees can become regional operators) — so access to ownership is extremely limited and not open in the usual franchise sense.
How Much Does A Dutch Bros Franchise Cost:
Year Founded: 1992
Number of Units: 1,000+
Initial Investment: N/A
Royalty Fee: N/A
Multi-Unit Development Fee: N/A
Franchise Fee: N/A
Liquid Capital: N/A
Net Worth: N/A
6. Clean Juice
An organic juice bar and smoothie concept built around health and wellness.The brand positions itself as the first and only USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise in the U.S., offering organic juices, smoothies, açaí bowls, wraps and salads.
Pros: Clean Juice stands out as the only USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise, giving it strong credibility with health-conscious consumers.
Cons: The brand’s commitment to 100% organic ingredients can drive up food and supply costs, making margins tighter than non-organic competitors.
How Much Does A Clean Juice Franchise Cost:
Year Founded: 2015
Number of Units: 60+
Initial Investment: $243,000 to $419,000 (Traditional Store)
Royalty Fee: 6% (source)
Franchise Fee: $30,000 (source)
Liquid Capital: $125,000
Net Worth: $250,000
7. The Human Bean
A drive-thru-only franchise that’s known for its friendly “coffee with a human touch” culture and emphasis on community connections. Their menu features a wide range of espresso drinks, cold brews, smoothies, teas, and signature specialty beverages
Pros: The Human Bean stands out with its no-traditional-royalty structure — franchisees pay only a 1 % brand fund instead of a typical percentage royalty, helping preserve margins.
Cons: The brand has seen locations close or stall in certain markets (for example one San Antonio franchise closed after just two years) which may signal localized market risks or site-selection challenges.
How Much Does The Human Bean Franchise Cost:
Year Founded: 1998
Number of Units: 180+
Initial Investment: $562,090 - $1,290,931
Royalty Fee: 0%
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Liquid Capital: $250K
Net Worth: $500K (Source)
8. Scooter’s Coffee
A drive-thru coffee franchise built around speed, consistency, and a cheerful “Amazing People, Amazing Drinks… Amazingly Fast®” culture. Their compact kiosk model focuses on drive-thru convenience and premium espresso-based beverages served with friendly efficiency.
Pros: With a straightforward menu and streamlined operations, Scooter’s is relatively easy to run compared to larger, more complex coffeehouse concepts.
Cons: With so many new units opening nationwide, some franchisees report that regional markets are becoming crowded—making it harder to secure prime territories in high-traffic areas.
How Much Does A Scooter’s Coffee Franchise Cost:
Year Founded: 1998
Number of Units: 800+
Initial Investment: $692,150 - $1,523,400 (depending on format)
Royalty Fee: 6% of net sales
Franchise Fee: $40,000
Liquid Capital: $250K
Net Worth: $500K (Source)
9. 7 Brew
A fast-paced drive-thru concept built around convenience and customization, 7 Brew focuses on delivering a wide mix of drinks with friendly, energetic service. While it leans more toward speed than sit-and-sip ambiance, its menu variety keeps customers coming back.
Pros: Its broad beverage menu and focus on variety allow operators to appeal to multiple customer occasions beyond just morning coffee.
Cons: Rapid expansion can lead to concerns about inconsistent service and product quality across locations, and a lack of unique identity in a highly-competitive market.
How Much Does A 7 Brew Franchise Cost:
Year Founded: 2017
Number of Units: 500+
Initial Investment: $887,000 – $1,849,000+
Royalty Fee: 6%
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Liquid Capital: $300K
Net Worth: $500K (source)
10. Biggby Coffee
A Midwestern, community-focused coffee franchise known for its approachable vibe, friendly baristas, and straightforward menu of espresso drinks, teas, and smoothies designed to fit into daily routines.
Pros: BIGGBY’s relatively modest franchise fee (around $20,000) and lower-barrier entry investment make it an accessible option compared to many full-scale café-brands.
Cons: The brand isn’t always clear about its financial qualifications (minimum liquid capital or net worth requirement), and initial investment costs can fluctuate significantly depending on unit type—making it harder for potential owners to plan with confidence.
How Much Does A Biggby Franchise Cost:
Year Founded: 1994
Number of Units: 430+
Initial Investment: $412,972 – $1,011,500 (drive-thru only location)
Royalty Fee: 6%
Franchise Fee: $20,000
Liquid Capital: N/A
Net Worth: N/A
What to Consider Before Investing In A Drink Franchise
Choosing the right franchise is about more than menu trends — it’s about alignment with your goals, values, and capacity.
The founders matter most
Brands can have the best model in the world, but if they don’t have a passionate franchisor behind it, and the right team, then they will not succeed. The most important aspect of your research is getting to know the founders of the brand. Their vision, their goals, who they are as people. Nearly 100% of the time if you align with the founders, you will have great success with that brand.
Total Investment
Your budget should include the franchise fee, build-out, equipment, inventory, and working capital. Compare total all-in costs — not just the headline numbers. Download each brand’s FDD (if they allow) so that you can dive into this information.
Support & Training
Franchises with strong onboarding, marketing help, and ongoing operations support create more stable paths to profitability. Call or message current franchisees to learn more, as brands with solid support and training create happy franchisees.
Operational Complexity
Drive-thru brands require fast execution and lower labor. Full cafés need more space and staff. Choose a model that fits your management style.
Lifestyle Fit
The best franchise supports your life goals. Decide how hands-on you want to be and match the concept to your desired schedule and stress level. Talk with the brand founders.
Expert Picks for Top Drink Franchises
After a full market review, two brands stood out for distinct reasons.
Most Affordable Entry: Biggby Coffee
Biggby offers a low-cost, low-complexity path into the coffee franchise space. Its straightforward operations and community marketing model are ideal for new owners.
However, keep in mind that they are not as transparent with their financial requirements, so you may need to search for more details before contacting them.
Pros: Affordable start-up range
Cons: Regional brand recognition and a slower national growth rate can make it more difficult for them to penetrate new markets.
Best for Quality of Life: Lola Beans Coffee
Lola Beans is built for entrepreneurs who want success without burnout. They promote a culture of connection and purpose that creates a meaningful business and a manageable workload.
Pros: Flexible ownership options, strong work-life balance focus, and a supportive brand culture centered on people and purpose.
Cons: With its emphasis on connection and community, growth may be slower and more intentional compared to fast-scaling national chains.
Overall Top Pick: Lola Beans Coffee
Lola Beans Drive Thru
Lola Beans Coffee represents the future of the beverage franchise space - where coffee meets customisation, community, and culture.
Balanced Model: Café and drive-thru formats maximize reach and revenue.
Approachable Investment: Competitive start-up range with strong support.
Scalable Growth: Ready to expand nationally with distinct brand identity.
Purpose-Driven: Focus on human connection and local engagement.
Strong Support: Personalized training and marketing guidance from day one.
Lola Beans Coffee is more than a coffee brand — it’s a movement for modern entrepreneurs who want to own a business that inspires both profit and purpose. That’s why it’s our #1 Overall Top Pick for 2025.
How to Get Started in Franchising
Breaking into the franchise world is simpler when you follow a clear path.
Identify your budget and financing options — know your capital and credit before you shop brands.
Request and review FDDs (Franchise Disclosure Documents) for each concept.
Compare unit economics — average sales, margins, and operational demands.
Speak with current franchisees or brand founders to understand the real-world experience.
Consult a franchise attorney or advisor to clarify terms and obligations.
Secure a territory and launch plan with your franchisor’s real-estate team.
Open, optimize, and scale — focus on local marketing and operational excellence before expanding.
The beverage industry is more diverse and dynamic than ever. From craft coffee to creative soda bars and functional drink concepts, franchises are evolving to meet how people want to connect and consume. If you’re ready to build a business that blends profit with purpose, Lola Beans Coffee is poised to lead the next wave of growth — and now is the perfect time to get in early.