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

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
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

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

Tastea

Tastea is a beverage-and-snack café franchise offering customizable teas, smoothies, and bowls, serving health- and flavor-focused consumers, and known for bold visual branding, fresh mixes, and social-media-friendly store experience.

Franchisees

?

25
+
25%
25%
Investment

?

$252,000 - $1,392,000

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