7 Best Coffee Franchises to Start in 2026

The best coffee franchises to start in 2026 include industry leaders Starbucks and Dunkin’, which dominate the market with massive global footprints and strong brand loyalty. For entrepreneurs looking for specialized service models or regional growth, top-performing options also include Scooter’s Coffee (drive-thru focus), PJ’s Coffee, Caribou Coffee, Tim Hortons, and Biggby Coffee. These brands offer diverse opportunities ranging from traditional coffeehouses to small-footprint "cabin" concepts, making them ideal for investors looking to capitalize on the high-demand morning and mid-day dayparts.

At Jack in the Box, we help multi-unit franchisees expand their QSR portfolio by adding a burger franchise to the mix.

In this article, we’ll highlight seven of the best coffee franchises to start in no particular order.

Starbucks

Starbucks is recognized as the undisputed king of coffee franchises due to their more than 38,000 locations around the world.

Their first location opened its doors in 1971 along the cobblestone streets of Pike Place Market in Seattle, and the name was inspired by “Moby-Dick” and the seafaring tradition of early coffee traders.

This well-known brand has built a loyal following by cultivating premium coffees and handcrafted beverages inside a comfortable atmosphere.

Dunkin’

With more than 13,200 locations in 40 global markets, Dunkin’ is a close second to Starbucks in the Coffee Industry.

Dunkin’ offers a wide variety of food options alongside their coffee selection. This makes them a popular choice for breakfast or a quick snack.

They are under the parent company Inspire Brands and are currently looking for franchisees who want to embark on a flavorful journey with their brand.

PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans

Founded in 1978, PJ’s Coffee offers a taste of New Orleans with their chicory coffee and beignets.

Today, they have over 100 locations across the United States, primarily in the South and Southeast.

PJ’s is looking for franchisees who want to bring their taste of the Big Easy around the country.

Scooter’s Coffee

Scooter’s is a drive-thru coffee franchise with more than 400 locations throughout the USA.

In 1998, the first Scooter’s Coffee location opened in Bellevue, Nebraska where they made a name for themselves with quality drinks, speedy service, and friendly baristas.

This coffee brand is primarily located in the Midwest and South. However, they are looking to expand.

Caribou Coffee

Caribou Coffee is a Midwest-based chain with over 300 locations in the United States.

They are known for their premium coffees, signature drinks, and cozy atmosphere.

Franchisees can choose from their drive-thru only cabin format or traditional coffeehouse concept.

Tim Horton’s

A Canadian favorite, Tim Horton’s has become increasingly popular in the United States.

Today, they have over 800 locations in America and are continuing to expand via franchising.

Tim Horton’s is known for their coffee, donuts, and Timbits – bite sized donut holes.

Biggby Coffee

Biggby Coffee is based in Lansing, MI and has grown to over 375 locations across the US.

They’re known for their fresh-brewed coffee, specialty drinks, and commitment to community involvement.

This coffee franchise is looking for entrepreneurs who want to bring people together.

Check Out These Additional Resources

We hope this list featuring the best coffee franchises to start helped you narrow down your search.

At Jack in the Box, our burger franchise is the perfect addition to anyone looking to expand their portfolio beyond coffeeshops.

Here are some additional online resources you may like to check out:

• How Much Does a Burger Franchise Cost?
• 3 Reasons to Buy a Drive-Thru Franchise
• Which Burger Franchise Makes the Most Money?

If you have any questions, please contact our franchise sales and support team.