Scooter’s Coffee Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)

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 $895,000 – $1,393,000 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.

Type of ExpenditureAmount for Kiosk Store
Initial Franchise Fee$40,000
Initial Opening Support Fee$15,000
Construction Costs (not including the purchase of land)$495,000 to $829,000
Architectural and Engineering Fees$36,000 to $75,000
Equipment, fixtures and furniture$172,500 to $183,000
Signs$51,000 to $61,000
Point-of-sale system and software$14,500 to $15,000
Technology Systems$34,500 to $41,000
Deposits and licenses$1,000 to $8,000
Initial training: travel and living expenses$5,000 to $8,000
New Store Opening Training Fee$5,000
Opening inventory, supplies, and smallwares$25,000 to $27,000
Additional funds — 3 months$0 to $86,000
Total$895,000 to $1,393,000

Average Revenue (AUV)

How much revenue can you make with a Scooter’s Coffee franchise? A Scooter’s Coffee franchised restaurant makes on average $870,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.

Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:

Scooter's Coffee fdd item 19 extract

This compares to $557,000 yearly revenue for similar coffee & tea franchises. Below are 10 Scooter’s Coffee competitors as a comparison:

Scooter’s Coffee franchise competitors

Scooter’s Coffee Franchise Disclosure Document

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Scooter’s Coffee locations are there?

As of the latest data, Scooter’s Coffee operates over 800 locations across 30 U.S. states. The majority of these locations are franchise-owned, with a few company-owned stores making up a smaller portion of the network. This expansion has made it the second-largest drive-thru coffee operator in the U.S., behind Dutch Bros​.

What is the total investment required to open a Scooter’s Coffee franchise?

The total investment required to open a Scooter’s Coffee franchise ranges from $895,000 to $1,393,000.

What are the ongoing fees for a Scooter’s Coffee franchise?

For a Scooter’s Coffee franchise, the ongoing fees include a 6% royalty fee based on net sales, which covers the franchisor’s support and brand usage.

Additionally, franchisees contribute 2% of net sales toward marketing, helping fund national and regional advertising efforts that promote the brand and drive customer traffic.

What are the financial requirements to become a Scooter’s Coffee franchisee?

To become a Scooter’s Coffee franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $500,000 and at least $250,000 in liquid capital. These financial requirements ensure that franchisees have the necessary resources to cover startup costs and ongoing operations.

How much can a Scooter’s Coffee franchise owner expect to earn?

The average gross sales for a Scooter’s Coffee franchise are approximately $0.87 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.87 million yearly revenue can result in $130,500 EBITDA annually.

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.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. 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.

0