About Ellianos Coffee Franchise
In a world overflowing with cookie-cutter coffee chains, Ellianos Coffee stands apart — fueled by family roots, Florida charm, and a fierce dedication to quality and speed. For any entrepreneur scouting the best franchise startup, Ellianos Coffee franchise represents not an exciting business venture. It is one of the most exciting, fast-growing segments of the U.S. food and beverage industry: specialty drive-thru coffee.
Founded in the early 2000s in Lake City, Florida, Ellianos began as a passion project by Scott and Pam Stewart, who noticed that while Americans loved premium coffee, they lacked fast, convenient access to it — especially in smaller towns. What started as a single-store vision quickly evolved into a business model built for momentum: drive-thru coffee shops with Italian-inspired drinks, Southern hospitality, and high-speed service.
Since opening its first store, Ellianos has been driven by one mission — serve “Italian Quality at America’s Pace.” It’s more than a slogan; it’s a philosophy that blends authenticity, efficiency, and community into every cup. The brand has captured the attention of coffee lovers and franchise investors alike, being named one of the top emerging franchises in the country. It is earning accolades across the Southeastern U.S. and drawing demand in new locations far beyond its Florida beginnings. Ellianos operates in full compliance with federal franchising regulations, giving franchisees the confidence of a professionally structured business model backed by years of performance and regulatory credibility.
The company’s specialty lies in its unique positioning — somewhere between the charm of a boutique shop and the speed of a fast-food drive-thru. Unlike traditional cafes, Ellianos locations are compact, efficient, and designed to serve high-quality drinks without sacrificing speed.
Their menu is a bold reflection of what today’s customers crave — handcrafted lattes, rich espressos, frozen coffee “Freezers,” fruit smoothies, and breakfast bites that hit the spot. It’s a format that’s incredibly lean, adaptable, and profitable, making Ellianos one of the most innovative franchise options in the market today.
Franchise Benefits: Why Choose Ellianos?
For those dreaming of launching a first business, expanding an existing portfolio, or diving into the world of food franchising with a proven model, Ellianos offers compelling advantages:
- Drive-Thru-Only Design: Compact stores with high volume and low overhead.
- High-Demand Market: Coffee is a $100+ billion industry, and drive-thru is its fastest-growing sector.
- Strong Regional Brand: Rapid expansion across the Southeast and rising national visibility.
- Streamlined Operations: Optimized for speed and simplicity with minimal in-store seating or staffing complexity.
- Training & Support: From site selection to operations, the Ellianos corporate team guides you every step.
- Marketing Power: National brand campaigns plus local tools to help your store stand out.
- Protected Territories: Secure your location with exclusive operating rights.
- Flexible Footprints: Options available for new construction or retrofits.
- Customer Loyalty: Mobile ordering and rewards programs boost retention and repeat visits.
Ellianos isn’t just another java shop — it's a movement. A business built for the entrepreneur who wants to bring high-energy mornings, smooth service, and great coffee to their hometown.
Franchisee Requirements: Are You the Right Fit?
The Ellianos franchise is built for go-getters — people who love a cup of joe, community, and building something that lasts. Here’s what the company looks for in a franchisee:
- Prior business experience preferred (especially in food service or retail).
- Commitment to daily involvement.
- Capability to cover all associated costs.
- Passion for brand values and quality standards.
- Ability to secure prime real estate for drive-thru operations.
- Willingness to complete comprehensive training and follow the model.
You don’t need to be a java expert, but you do need heart, hustle, and the drive to make your shop the top destination in your community.
How Much Does the Ellianos Coffee Franchise Cost?
For entrepreneurs evaluating investment options, understanding the Ellianos Coffee franchise cost is a key part of the journey. The good news? This is a business with real scalability, smart overhead management, and high return potential — without the seven-figure buy-in that some national chains demand.
Here’s the current breakdown, based on the latest company’s information:
Initial Franchise Fee: $30,000
Estimated Total Investment: $671,500-$1,068,700
Minimum Liquid Capital: $150,000
Minimum Net Worth: $500,000
Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales
Marketing Fund Contribution: 1.25% of gross sales
Franchise Agreement Term: 10 years (renewable)
This investment includes nearly everything you need to get started, including site development and equipment to signage, training, and opening inventory. Compared to other national coffee chains, the Ellianos franchise startup cost is not only lower, but also built around an ultra-efficient drive-thru model that maximizes throughput while minimizing overhead. Select Ellianos locations have reported annual revenues reaching or exceeding $1 million, further affirming the model’s profitability and operational efficiency.
It’s an opportunity designed for both seasoned business owners and new entrepreneurs alike — one that positions you on the front lines of one of the most reliable, recession-resistant industries in the U.S.
Ellianos Coffee Franchise Info: https://www.ellianos.com/
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Starting investments from:$671,500
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Company type:Сoffee shop
- Year company was founded:2002
- Corporate address:426 SW Commerce Dr Ste 130, Lake City, Florida, 32025, USA