Ellianos Coffee Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Ellianos Coffee is a drive-thru coffee franchise offering a variety of specialty coffees, espressos, and smoothies, providing a convenient and high-quality beverage experience.

Founded in 2002 by coffee enthusiasts and seasoned entrepreneurs Scott and Pam Stewart, Ellianos Coffee Company originated in Lake City, Florida. Inspired by the thriving drive-thru specialty coffee scene in the Pacific Northwest, the Stewarts introduced this concept to their hometown, establishing a brand that quickly resonated with the community.

Recognizing the immediate success and potential for growth, Ellianos began franchising in 2003. The company has since expanded its footprint across the Southeastern United States. Ellianos offers a diverse menu that includes handcrafted espresso beverages, smoothies, frappés, and a selection of breakfast and lunch items, catering to a broad range of customer preferences.

What sets Ellianos apart from competitors is its commitment to delivering "Italian Quality at America's Pace." This philosophy emphasizes providing high-quality products with efficiency and convenience, particularly through its double-sided drive-thru design.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $30,000 - $30,000
Initial Training Program -- Travel and Living Expense $1,000 - $3,000
Real Estate Variable
Building/Improvements $385,000 - $515,000
Payment and Performance Bonds $9,000 - $20,700
Site Work $50,000 - $175,000
Civil Engineering & Permitting $12,000 - $30,000
Architectural, MEP, & Engineering Costs $14,000 - $19,500
Impact & Tap Fees $2,000 - $40,000
Landscaping $10,000 - $25,000
Equipment and Supplies $113,500 - $134,500
Signs $14,000 - $25,000
Security Deposits $5,000 - $10,000
Opening Inventory $10,000 - $10,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs $2,000 - $6,000
Opening Advertising $10,000 - $10,000
Additional Funds (3 Months) $10,000 - $20,000
Total $671,500 - $1,068,700
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $30,000 - $30,000
Initial Training Program -- Travel and Living Expense $1,000 - $3,000
Real Estate Variable
Building/Improvements $385,000 - $515,000
Payment and Performance Bonds $9,000 - $20,700
Site Work $50,000 - $175,000
Civil Engineering & Permitting $12,000 - $30,000
Architectural, MEP, & Engineering Costs $14,000 - $19,500
Impact & Tap Fees $2,000 - $40,000
Landscaping $10,000 - $25,000
Equipment and Supplies $113,500 - $134,500
Signs $14,000 - $25,000
Security Deposits $5,000 - $10,000
Opening Inventory $10,000 - $10,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs $2,000 - $6,000
Opening Advertising $10,000 - $10,000
Additional Funds (3 Months) $10,000 - $20,000
Total $671,500 - $1,068,700

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

Ellianos provides a comprehensive suite of training programs for franchisees, their managers, and staff to ensure effective operation of the Franchised Store. Here are the types of training offered:

  1. Initial Training Program: This is mandatory for franchisees and includes both classroom and on-the-job training. Topics include barista techniques, payroll, advertising, marketing, administrative practices, and in-store operations. It is conducted online and at Ellianos' training facility or an Ellianos Store. Completion is required before store opening.
  2. Development Training: Franchisees and designated employees must complete training specified by Ellianos related to store development. Optional development training may also be required, with tuition fees and travel expenses covered by the franchisee.
  3. Additional Training Courses: The franchisor may require completion of additional courses beyond the initial program. These could include updates on new procedures or compliance standards, and franchisees are responsible for associated fees and expenses.

Territory Protection

Ellianos grants franchisees a Protected Area, within which it agrees not to open or license another Ellianos Store, provided the franchisee complies with the terms of the Franchise Agreement.

This means the franchisee can operate continuously at the designated location without internal brand competition within the defined radius. However, this territorial protection is limited in scope and does not amount to an exclusive territory.

The franchisor retains certain rights within the Protected Area, which means franchisees might still face competition from other Ellianos outlets if the agreement ends or from stores already operating in the area.

Competitors

Below are some of

Ellianos Coffee

key competitors in the

Coffee & Tea

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

63

New
+
110%
110%

$30,000

$672,000

$1,069,000

n.a.

$1,127,000

$xxx,xxx

66.2%

xx%

n.a.

23.1%

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Tom n Toms Coffee

Tom n Toms Coffee is a café franchise offering espresso drinks, pretzels, breads, and light bites, serving students and urban professionals, and known for spacious cafés, extended hours, and a Korean coffeehouse heritage.

Franchisees

?

12
+
71%
71%
Investment

?

$370,000 - $487,000

Feng Cha

Feng Cha is a tea café franchise offering handcrafted milk teas, fruit teas, and desserts, serving tea lovers and social café guests, and known for creative toppings, seasonal menus, and modern, photogenic store designs.

Franchisees

?

72
+
188%
188%
Investment

?

$194,000 - $512,000

illy

illy is a premium café franchise offering espresso beverages, coffee, pastries, and packaged products, serving coffee connoisseurs and travelers, and known for Italian espresso heritage, design-driven cafés, and consistently high-quality blends.

Franchisees

?

17
+
31%
31%
Investment

?

$402,000 - $2,006,000

Ding Tea

Ding Tea is a bubble tea franchise offering milk teas, fruit teas, and specialty drinks, serving boba enthusiasts and casual café guests, and known for customizable sweetness, premium teas, and an international brand footprint.

Franchisees

?

135
+
16%
16%
Investment

?

$195,000 - $324,000

Qahwah House

Qahwah House is a specialty coffee shop franchise offering authentic Yemeni coffee, baked goods, and café experiences, serving coffee enthusiasts and communities, and known for premium sourcing, cultural heritage, and welcoming hospitality.

Franchisees

?

18
+
500%
500%
Investment

?

$573,000 - $939,000

Kahala Coffee Traders

Kahala Coffee Traders is a coffee shop franchise serving premium coffee, espresso drinks, teas, and baked goods, backed by franchisor support, extensive training, and efficient operational systems.

Franchisees

?

5
+
67%
67%
Investment

?

$88,000 - $517,000