DunnBros

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the size of our stores?

We are most interested in traditional endcap locations that range in size from 1,600 to 2,000 square feet. A drive thru is optional. We have also developed an "Express" unit that can range in size from 500 to 1000 square feet. These units are designed for airport, mall, or other captive market locations.

What does it cost to open a typical Dunn Bros Coffee store?

The build-out cost of a standard vanilla shell will currently range from $125,000 to $160,000 (add $25,000 for an unimproved shell). On average, the FF&E will cost an additional $135,000.

How does Dunn Bros Coffee differ from the competition?

Dunn Bros Coffee is a roaster/retailer. We roast coffee fresh daily in each full-size store. This is done in front of the consumer. Also, each store is designed to be reflective of the community in which it is located. Our stores are all owner-operated by individuals who actively participate in their communities. We are normally open from 6am–10pm.


Who does Dunn Bros Coffee compete against?

In addition to Starbucks®, we compete against other regional and independent specialty coffee retailers. To a lesser extent, we compete against donut and bakery chains (i.e. Dunkin' Doughnuts® and Panera®). In addition to coffee beverages and coffee beans, we sell a full assortment of bakery products as well as soup and sandwiches,. We also have a full line of frozen beverages. We are often located in the same shopping areas as our competition.

How does Dunn Bros Coffee support franchisees?

Dunn Bros Coffee has been in business since 1987. We are a full-service franchise company with a large support staff in the areas of finance, marketing, business consulting, training and product development.

If we have a property that we would like Dunn Bros Coffee to consider, whom should we contact?

In most metropolitan areas, Dunn Bros Coffee will be represented by a local retail broker. Please send initial inquires to realestate@dunnbros.com

What are the qualifications to become a franchisee of Dunn Bros Coffee?

$90,000 liquid assets and $500,000 net worth*

What capital is needed to finance the franchise?

We offer assistance in the preparation of a comprehensive business plan and guidance on approaching lenders. We have relationships with third-party lenders who are already familiar with DBC. Qualified applicants may be required to put 30% cash down of the total initial investment and gain a loan term of up to ten years on the amount borrowed.

What is the total initial investment required to open a DBC store?

Initial licensing fee for a traditional store is $32,000. This fee includes a credit towards the annual Coffee Harvest Tour in a country of origin.
Initial licensing fee for an express unit is $24,000.
Traditional store investments range from $304,500–$493,500.
Express store investments range from $203,000–$336,500.

What is the average net operating profit for a Dunn Bros Coffee store?

Although we provide you with a very limited amount of information on average store sales in our Franchise Development Disclosure, we ultimately place the burden on you to project your own sales and profit. Our goal is to guide you through a process of understanding store level economics so that you may perform a proper due diligence and determine whether or not this is the proper investment for you.

What type of support will I get from Dunn Bros Coffee?

  • Assistance throughout the development process
  • 3-day Dunn Bros New Operator Orientation Training
  • 2–3-week training class at the headquarters in Minneapolis, MN
  • On-site support and training for store opening
  • Ongoing support of bean roasting, operations and marketing

Where are franchises available?

We are currently focusing in the following markets:

Franchise Map

What does Dunn Bros Coffee look for regarding locations, and will I receive any assistance?

Franchisees will receive both training and guidance in this area and we consider locations with the following:
  • Urban or Suburban locations
  • 1,600–2,000 square feet
  • On the AM-drive side of the street
  • Strong visibility
  • Ample parking with easy accessibility
  • Minimum 20-foot frontage 
  • Mix of regional & national retail tenants (food and non-food)
  • Average household income of $60,000+
  • High daytime density/pedestrian traffic
  • Outdoor seating a plus


* Dunn Bros Coffee Franchising, Inc. will consider exceptions to the financial requirements if the applicants have specialty coffee management experience.

This website and the franchise sales information on this site do not represent an offer to sell a franchise. The offer of a franchise can only be made through the delivery of a franchise offering circular. Certain states require that we register the franchise offering circular in those states. We are not directing the communications on this website to the residents of any of those states. Moreover, we will not offer or sell franchises in those states until we have registered the franchise (or obtained an applicable exemption from registration) and delivered the franchise offering circular to the prospective franchisee that complies with applicable law.