Scooter’s Coffee Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs
Scooter’s Coffee, founded in 1998 by Don and Linda Eckles, stands as a significant player in the drive-thru coffee franchise industry. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, Scooter’s Coffee began franchising in 2001, reflecting a quick expansion from its humble beginnings.
The franchise leverages a strategic drive-thru kiosk model, which capitalizes on the growing demand for quick and convenient access to quality coffee and related products.
This model allows for operations within compact spaces typically located in parking lots near busy retail settings, maximizing customer convenience without the need for in-store seating. What sets Scooter’s Coffee apart is not just its efficient service model but also its commitment to quality.
The franchise offers a variety of espresso drinks, smoothies, and baked goods, catering to a broad audience. The operational model focuses on high efficiency and speed, living up to its promise of “Amazing Drinks, Amazingly Fast!”
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Scooter’s Coffee franchise? It costs on average between $659,000 - $1,346,000 to start a Scooter’s Coffee franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
Scooter’s Coffee offers 2 investment options:
| Type of Store | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| Kiosk Store | $1,163,650 to $1,345,750 |
| End Cap Store | $658,898 to $1,068,525 |
The detailed investment estimate below summarizes the estimated initial investment for an End Cap Store.
For more information on the costs required to start a Scooter’s Coffee franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Initial Opening Support Fee | $20,000 |
| Site and Building Improvements | $234,448 to $500,000 |
| Architectural and Engineering Fees | $28,400 to $42,725 |
| Equipment, Fixtures and Furniture | $186,500 to $194,750 |
| Signs | $52,050 to $63,500 |
| Technology Systems and Software | $34,500 to $41,000 |
| Deposits and Licenses | $1,200 to $7,750 |
| Initial Training: Travel and Living Expenses | $5,000 to $8,000 |
| Opening Inventory, Supplies, and Smallwares | $27,800 to $31,800 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $29,000 to $119,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $658,898 to $1,068,525 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Scooter’s Coffee franchise? A Scooter’s Coffee franchised restaurant makes on average $974,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
| Stores type | Units | 2025 AUV |
|---|---|---|
| Kiosk Stores | 615 | 966,739 |
| End Cap Stores | 45 | 1,076,758 |
| Total | 660 | 974,226 |
Average Gross Sales – Participating Kiosk Stores:
Average Gross Sales – Participating End Cap Stores:
Scooter’s Coffee Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding options are available for a Scooter’s Coffee franchise?
Most franchise buyers in Scooter’s Coffee’s investment range finance their unit through an SBA 7(a) loan, with some multi-unit operators using SBA 504 loans for real estate. Buyers with rollable retirement funds sometimes use a ROBS structure to reduce debt service. See SharpSheets’ financial model hub for funding guidance.
How long does it take to pay back a Scooter’s Coffee franchise investment?
Payback periods for franchises in Scooter’s Coffee’s category typically run 3-7 years, depending on investment level, location performance, and financing structure. Actual payback varies significantly by unit performance and debt service obligations.
Who owns Scooter’s Coffee?
Scooter’s Coffee is owned by Don and Linda Eckles, who founded the company in 1998 in Bellevue, Nebraska. The couple continues to lead the business, which has grown significantly through franchising since 2001, expanding its presence across the United States.
SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: June 2026
Disclaimer
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Research Scooters Coffee franchise data: For the full FDD cost breakdown, investment tables, and Item 19 disclosures, visit FranchisePayback.com → Scooters Coffee FDD Review.
