The Human Bean Continues to Break New Ground for Growth

Success is Brewing at The Human Bean. 

The Oregon-based drive-thru specialty coffee and espresso franchise continues to serve up momentum as one of the nation's fastest-growing brands—with staying power.

With over 300 locations open or under development in 29 states, The Human Bean has hit the road to rapid expansion, marking many milestones along the way as a founder-owned and operated company.

"We've come off another record-breaking year of growth, with our average unit volume of $916,432," says Scott Anderson, The Human Bean's chief operating officer. "We're all in. That's the real average of all stores’ sales for the reporting year for the FDD Item 19. We are very proud of that fact."

The franchise world has taken notice. Ranked in the Top 100 of Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 again, multi-brand operators are flocking to The Human Bean's strong unit economics, tech-forward thinking, authentic brand, specialty products, and franchisee-focused success.

Unlike most franchise companies, The Human Bean, which also operates its own corporate stores, doesn't charge royalty fees. Instead, the chain earns revenue from bulk sales of coffee and other supplies ordered from franchise locations. "Almost all franchisors take both royalty fees and earn revenue from sales of key products, but as we grow, we are actually driving prices down for franchisees," Anderson says.

Founded in 1998 and franchising since 2002, The Human Bean has built a loyal following for its friendly, specially trained baristas, high-quality coffee, signature specialty beverages, real-fruit smoothies, whole-leaf teas, and breakfast items to-go. The franchise system's recipe for success is grounded in its community approach and innovative spirit that served the premium coffee brand well during the pandemic in ways that are still paying off.

"While the others shut their doors or tried to figure out what to do with technology, especially contactless payment and drive-thru line busting, we were already there," Anderson says. "Consumers had the opportunity to change their habits and learn more about The Human Bean and our amazing service and quality products. And we've really retained the consumers that came to visit us during that time."

The Human Bean is capitalizing on the growing premium beverage market with convenience and a highly refined, proven brand. Along with the successful double-sided drive-thru footprint, the brand has an innovative single drive-thru building design with a menu board and order station that offers the same efficient speed and more flexibility for site locations. 

Franchise partners can look to favorable overhead costs, comprehensive support, and the opportunity to earn high-profit margins.

Primed for more growth, The Human Bean seeks to strategically expand with high-quality operators who align with the brand's core values of quality, integrity, community engagement, and experience.

"Our franchisees are entrepreneurs, and we have over two decades of expertise in the drive-thru coffee space," Anderson says. "When you're an entrepreneur, and you are partnering with other like-minded entrepreneurs, you can do great things when you don't have outside equity pressures and can focus on each other in the business. And that's what we do best."

Ready to be part of an authentic brand in the growing premium coffee market? Start your journey with The Human Bean today at thehumanbean.com/coffee-franchise.

SPONSORED BY:
The Human Bean
With a passion for creating happy 'Human Beans', the company's drive-thrus have established a reputation for friendly baristas, high-quality coffee, and innovative flavors. Learn More