Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf was established in Los Angeles in 1963 by Herbert B. Hyman, originally serving as a premium coffee supplier for local businesses. The brand opened its first retail outlet in 1968 in Brentwood, California, where customers could enjoy freshly roasted beans, taste samples, and purchase coffee by the pound.
Today, the company’s headquarters remain in Los Angeles, while its global innovation and experience center operates out of Singapore. Franchising began in 2001, leading to rapid growth across Asia—particularly in Singapore and Malaysia, where numerous locations opened within just a couple of years.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offers a diverse range of products including specialty coffees, hand-picked whole-leaf teas, its famous Ice Blended® beverages, as well as bakery treats, brewing accessories, and branded merchandise.
The brand gained recognition for introducing the original Ice Blended® drink in 1987, predating the Starbucks Frappuccino. Known for its commitment to quality, transparency in roasting, and social initiatives such as the Caring Cup® program, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf continues to grow under the ownership of Jollibee Foods Corporation, which acquired the brand in 2019.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf franchise? It costs on average between $532,000 – $1,024,000 to start a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf franchised restaurant.
This includes expenses related to construction, furnishings, equipment, inventory, and initial working capital. The total investment varies based on factors such as the store format, size, and location, as well as whether the franchisee decides to lease or buy the premises. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offers 2 types of franchises:
| Type of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Store | Estimated Initial Investment |
|---|---|
| Full-Service or Special Distribution Store | $623,500 – $1,024,000 |
| Kiosk | $531,000 – $946,000 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Full-Service or Special Distribution Store. For more information on costs required to start a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Lease for Store | $2,500 – $12,000 |
| Design & Plans | $35,000 – $40,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $200,000 – $418,000 |
| Signage | $20,000 – $28,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | $235,000 – $305,000 |
| Point of Sale (POS) System | $30,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $8,000 – $32,000 |
| Grand Opening Promotion | $0 – $10,000 |
| Permits and Security Deposits | $5,000 |
| Insurance | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Professional Fees | $4,000 – $24,000 |
| Training Expenses | $12,000 – $25,000 |
| Additional Funds (three-month period) | $45,000 – $60,000 |
| Total | $623,500 – $1,024,000 |
Download the Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf locations are there?
As of the latest available data, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf operates approximately 23 franchised locations in the U.S.
What is the total investment required to open a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf franchise?
The total investment required to open a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf franchise ranges from $532,000 to $1,024,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf franchise?
A Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf franchise charges a royalty fee of 5.5% of gross sales and a marketing and advertising fee of 2% of gross sales. These ongoing payments support brand operations, promotional campaigns, and continued franchisor assistance.
Who owns Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf?
Franchise is owned by Jollibee Foods Corporation, a global restaurant company based in the Philippines.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. SharpSheets is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any franchisor mentioned on this website. Where noted, figures are taken from the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In some cases, we may provide independent calculations or estimates based on publicly available information. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
