Front Porch Cafe Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Front Porch Café traces its beginnings to 1999, when it opened in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. The brand started as a local small-batch roaster serving the Outer Banks community and has remained rooted in its coastal origins. Its headquarters are still located in Kill Devil Hills, and over the years the concept has grown from a hometown coffee spot into a well-known regional café brand.
The company introduced its franchise program in 2022, giving approved operators the chance to expand the concept beyond its original coastal market.
Franchise locations serve handcrafted coffee roasted in small batches, espresso-based beverages, cold brew options, pastries, and a variety of café items. Each shop is designed to reflect the relaxed, beach-inspired atmosphere that defines the Front Porch Café identity.
What sets Front Porch Café apart is its history as the first small-batch roaster in the Outer Banks and its focus on responsibly sourced coffee beans. The brand also leans heavily into community-driven service, creating cafés that feel welcoming, friendly, and connected to the neighborhoods they serve.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Front Porch Cafe franchise? It costs on average between $189,000 – $348,000 to start a Front Porch Cafe franchised restaurant.
This investment covers expenses such as build-out, equipment, café furnishings, initial inventory, and early operating costs. The total required amount can vary based on factors like the type of Front Porch Café model selected, the market where the shop is opened, and whether the franchisee opts to lease or buy the real estate.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $25,000 to $25,000 |
| Traveling and Living Expenses while Training | $3,000 to $4,200 |
| Real Property Rent and Security Deposits | $4,000 to $22,500 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $20,000 to $90,000 |
| Equipment, Furniture, Fixtures, and Décor | $60,000 to $80,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $20,000 to $30,000 |
| Signage | $1,000 to $8,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Licenses, Permits, and Certifications | $100 to $1,000 |
| Insurance (3 Months) | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| TV, Cameras, and other Supplies | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| Professional Fees | $3,000 to $5,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 months) | $50,000 to $75,000 |
| Total | $189,100 to $347,700 |
Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Front Porch Cafe locations are there?
As of the latest data, Front Porch Café operates four company-owned locations.
What is the total investment required to open a Front Porch Cafe franchise?
The total investment required to open a Front Porch Cafe franchise ranges from $189,000 to $348,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Front Porch Cafe franchise?
Front Porch Café franchisees pay an ongoing royalty fee of 6% of gross sales
Who owns Front Porch Cafe?
The franchise is owned by Laura and Phil Wayland.
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.
