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The Human Bean Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Drive-thru coffee franchise serving a variety of coffee, espresso drinks, and smoothies, providing convenient and high-quality beverages.

The Human Bean, established in 1998, set out to create the premier coffee drive-thru in Southern Oregon. This vision paved the way for a franchise model that has grown to encompass hundreds of locations nationwide, all while staying true to a core ethos of community engagement, superior service, and top-notch coffee.

A hallmark of The Human Bean is its unique practice of placing a chocolate-covered espresso bean atop every cup, a gesture that encapsulates their commitment to making each customer interaction special and kind.

The franchise began its expansion journey in 2002 through strategic partnerships, broadening its reach by choosing ideal partners and locations, and fostering a sense of community and goodwill.

Notably, The Human Bean differentiates itself in the coffee franchise industry by not imposing royalty fees, underscoring their partner-focused philosophy. Based in Medford, Oregon, the company’s headquarters serves as the central hub for its franchise operations.

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
Site Analysis Fee $5,000
Initial Franchise Fee $30,000
Training Expenses $8,700 - $24,348
Real Property (purchased or leased) $4,500 - $15,000
Equipment, Fixtures, Construction, and Leasehold Improvements $460,000 - $1,095,000
Inventory $23,000 - $26,000
POS & Delivery Integration Software $375 - $523
Digital Menu Board Management System $15 - $60
Security Deposits, Utility Deposits, Licenses, and Prepaid Expenses $5,500 - $10,000
Working Capital $5,000 - $20,000
Advertising and Promotion $10,000 - $15,000
Additional Funds – Initial 90 Day Period $15,000 - $50,000
Total Initial Investment $562,090 - $1,290,931
Type of Expenditure Amount
Site Analysis Fee $5,000
Initial Franchise Fee $30,000
Training Expenses $8,700 - $24,348
Real Property (purchased or leased) $4,500 - $15,000
Equipment, Fixtures, Construction, and Leasehold Improvements $460,000 - $1,095,000
Inventory $23,000 - $26,000
POS & Delivery Integration Software $375 - $523
Digital Menu Board Management System $15 - $60
Security Deposits, Utility Deposits, Licenses, and Prepaid Expenses $5,500 - $10,000
Working Capital $5,000 - $20,000
Advertising and Promotion $10,000 - $15,000
Additional Funds – Initial 90 Day Period $15,000 - $50,000
Total Initial Investment $562,090 - $1,290,931

The Human Bean

2025

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training 

The Human Bean offers a comprehensive initial training program designed to ensure the operational success of each outlet. This mandatory program is intended for two individuals designated by the franchisee, ideally including the General Manager.

It covers all essential operational procedures and skills. While there is no fee for the training itself, franchisees are responsible for associated costs such as transportation, lodging, and meals.

Supplemental Training Franchisees or their General Managers must participate in ongoing training programs provided by The Human Bean. These programs can be delivered through various methods, including bulletins, manuals, and other literature. Franchisees are required to follow the directives and instructions outlined in these materials.

Operations Manual The Human Bean supplies each franchisee with an Operations Manual, which serves as a comprehensive guide for running the outlet. This manual may be updated or revised periodically. Any additional instructions or information provided during the agreement term will be considered part of the updated Operations Manual.

Assistance at Opening & Annual Meetings The Human Bean provides support during the opening of each outlet and may hold annual meetings to offer further training and updates. This assistance ensures that franchisees are well-prepared to begin and continue their operations in accordance with brand standards.

Territory Protection

Exclusive Territory for Franchisees The Human Bean provides franchisees with territorial exclusivity, ensuring that within a 1-mile radius of your approved drive-thru location, no other The Human Bean outlets will be established.

This exclusive territory is safeguarded under the franchise agreement, which states that any changes to the territory must be mutually agreed upon in writing by both the franchisee and The Human Bean.

Within your designated exclusive territory, The Human Bean commits to not operating any company-owned outlets or granting franchises for competing businesses.

Competitors

Below are some of

The Human Bean

key competitors in the

Coffee & Tea

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Sign up
Gross Profit
Sign up
EBITDA
Sign up

146

New
+
26%
26%

$30,000

$562,000

$1,291,000

n.a.

$837,000

$xxx,xxx

66.6%

xx%

n.a.

11.0%

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Fuelify

Fuelify is a specialty beverage franchise offering energy teas, milk teas, smoothies, spritzers, coffee and freeze-dried candy, serving boba lovers and on-the-go guests, and known for vibrant flavors, customizable drink combinations and a fun, social “boba hangout” atmosphere.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$83,000 - $127,000

Mercato Cucina

Mercato Cucina is a foodservice franchise concept offering Italian-inspired fast-casual meals and marketplace items, serving local residents seeking refined yet convenient cuisine, and known for chef-crafted menus, fresh pastas and sauces, and an Italian deli–style experience with gourmet take-home products.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$199,000 - $346,000

Boba Nation

Boba Nation is a beverage franchise offering bubble tea, smoothies, and specialty drinks, serving younger consumers and families who enjoy customizable beverages, and known for extensive flavor combinations, vibrant store branding, and scalable formats designed to capture growing boba demand.

Franchisees

?

1
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$350,000 - $495,000

Parlay Cafe

Parlay Cafe is a hybrid café and coworking franchise offering specialty coffee, light bites, and flexible workspace, serving remote professionals, entrepreneurs, and small teams, and known for memberships, meeting rooms, and thoughtfully designed spaces combining café comfort with business amenities.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$203,000 - $459,000

Puffles

Puffles is a dessert-and-beverage franchise offering Hong-Kong-style egg waffles, customizable ice cream treats and bubble tea, serving dessert lovers and social café customers, and known for trendy format, fun social-media appeal and low investment.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$112,000 - $296,000

Tea Lounge

Tea Lounge is a café franchise offering specialty teas, bubble tea, and light café fare in stylish modern settings, serving younger consumers and café-seekers, and known for trendy ambiance, customizable drinks and franchise-ready formula.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$276,000 - $406,000

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