How much does a BIGGBY COFFEE franchise cost?
BIGGBY COFFEE has three separate 2026 estimated initial investment ranges. A Whitebox Leasehold location is disclosed at $242,200 to $610,000; a Modular location at $457,750 to $826,000; and a Site-built location at $484,200 to $973,000. These are distinct cost contracts, not one blended range. The official franchise franchise FAQs publish the same three format totals.
The 2026 FDD, Item 7, pp. 15–19, gives a separate range for Whitebox Leasehold, Modular, and Site-built locations. Each total includes the $20,000 Initial Franchise Fee and $10,000 to $40,000 of Additional Funds for three months. Real estate acquisition is not included.
- Legal franchisor
- Global Orange Development, LLC
- Disclosure basis
- 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document issued April 30, 2026; Items 5, 6, and 7, with cost-relevant references to Items 8, 10, 11, and 17
- Cost formats
- Whitebox Leasehold, Modular, and Site-built
- Current-offer check
- The Wisconsin franchise filing record lists Global Orange Development, LLC / BIGGBY COFFEE as registered effective April 30, 2026.
- Information checked
- July 19, 2026. No matching 2026 FDD was located on an official franchise-controlled public page, so FDD Item and page references in this article are intentionally unlinked.
Capital snapshot
Why are there three different BIGGBY investment ranges?
The main difference is the real estate and development structure. The 2026 FDD treats a leased shell, a prefabricated drive-thru building, and a newly constructed site as separate alternatives because their premises work, equipment, architecture, permits, and construction obligations are not interchangeable.
Floating bars show the official low and high endpoints on a common $0 to $1,000,000 scale.
Interpretation: the Site-built high end is the largest, but its low end is only $26,450 above the Modular low end. Site conditions and project scope determine which format actually requires more capital. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 7, pp. 15–19.
Item 7 format names and website model names are not identical
The public BIGGBY business-model page describes Lobby & Drive-Thru, Lobby, Drive-Thru Only, and Kiosk models. The 2026 Item 7 table instead prices Whitebox Leasehold, Modular, and Site-built alternatives.
Whitebox Leasehold
Typically an empty leased space, such as a strip-center location, generally with a drive-thru opportunity.
Modular
A prefabricated building with drive-thru only; the structure, delivery, and installation are included in modular construction costs.
Site-built
A building constructed on an approved site, either drive-thru only or with both lobby and drive-thru.
Nontraditional locations are a separate uncertainty. The FDD says co-brand, satellite, food-truck, kiosk, counter, and complementary locations may be approved case by case, but Item 7 does not publish a separate investment range for them. A buyer should not apply the Whitebox, Modular, or Site-built range to a nontraditional format without a written, current disclosure for that specific arrangement. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 1, pp. 2–3; Item 7, pp. 15–19.
The largest range driver is not the franchise fee, which remains $20,000 across the three Item 7 formats. It is the development-cost subtotal: $181,700–$484,000 for Whitebox Leasehold, $395,750–$698,000 for Modular, and $423,500–$848,000 for Site-built.
What is included in the initial investment?
The Item 7 total combines three layers: the Initial Franchise Fee, development costs, and other pre-opening costs. The official franchise cost page publishes the Whitebox breakdown; the 2026 FDD provides all three format columns.
Development costs
| Item 7 category | Whitebox Leasehold | Modular | Site-built |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leasehold Improvements | $105,000–$269,000 | Included in Construction Costs | $331,000–$673,000 |
| Site Improvements | Not applicable | $141,250–$265,000 | Included in Leasehold Improvements |
| Construction Costs | Included in Leasehold Improvements | $176,250–$268,500 | Included in Leasehold Improvements |
| Equipment, Furniture and Decor | $62,000–$165,000 | $41,500–$111,000 | $65,000–$122,000 |
| Architectural and Engineering | $6,100–$19,000 | $30,250–$35,000 | $17,000–$25,000 |
| Building Permits | $2,100–$11,500 | $6,500–$18,500 | $2,500–$9,000 |
| Signage, interior and exterior | $6,500–$19,500 | Included in Construction Costs | $8,000–$19,000 |
| Development-cost subtotal | $181,700–$484,000 | $395,750–$698,000 | $423,500–$848,000 |
The Equipment, Furniture and Decor category includes the POS system, smallwares, furniture, drive-thru equipment, refrigeration, and freezer equipment. Refrigeration and freezer equipment are the franchisee’s responsibility. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 7, pp. 15–18.
Other pre-opening and early operating costs
| Item 7 category | Whitebox Leasehold | Modular | Site-built |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Property Rental or License | $6,000–$18,500 | $6,000–$18,500 | $6,000–$18,500 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000–$15,000 | $10,000–$15,000 | $10,000–$15,000 |
| Insurance | $1,000–$6,000 | $2,500–$10,000 | $1,200–$6,500 |
| Utility Expense | $500–$4,000 | $500–$5,000 | $500–$5,000 |
| License, Permits and Other | $1,000–$5,500 | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Initial Advertising and Grand Opening Promotions | $9,500 | $9,500 | $9,500 |
| Training Travel and Living Expenses | $500–$5,000 | $500–$5,000 | $500–$5,000 |
| Organizational Expenses | $2,000–$2,500 | $2,000–$2,500 | $2,000–$2,500 |
| Additional Funds — three months | $10,000–$40,000 | $10,000–$40,000 | $10,000–$40,000 |
| Other pre-opening-cost subtotal | $40,500–$106,000 | $42,000–$108,000 | $40,700–$105,000 |
Each bar reconciles the maximum Initial Franchise Fee, maximum development-cost subtotal, and maximum other pre-opening-cost subtotal to the official high endpoint.
Interpretation: at the high endpoint, development costs account for most of the disclosed total in every format. Segment widths are derived from official maximum amounts; the dollar labels are FDD figures, not a typical or recommended budget. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 7, pp. 15–19.
Additional Funds are already included in the total investment. The $10,000 to $40,000 estimate covers expenses during the first three months, including possible Royalty Fee, Advertising Fund contributions, insurance premiums, payroll, added inventory, and supplies. It should not be added to Item 7 a second time. The FDD also warns that funds may be needed beyond three months and does not separately identify owner compensation as included. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 7, pp. 18–19.
When is the money paid?
The Initial Franchise Fee is paid first, when the Franchise Agreement is signed. Most premises, equipment, inventory, insurance, permit, and professional costs are then paid to third parties as ordered, incurred, or required by the lease and construction schedule. Ongoing percentage and technology fees begin according to their weekly or monthly due dates after operation.
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1
Receive and review the disclosure
Federal rules generally require the FDD to be delivered at least 14 calendar days before signing a binding agreement or paying the franchisor or an affiliate. The FTC franchise buying guide explains this review period.
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2
Sign the Franchise Agreement
Pay the $20,000 Initial Franchise Fee in full. The fee is earned when paid and is nonrefundable. Qualifying active or honorably discharged military service members and existing BIGGBY franchisees opening another store are charged $10,000 under the current policy. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 5, pp. 5–6.
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3
Order franchisor-supplied items
Optional supplies and merchandise bought from Global Orange are estimated at $4,000 to $4,500; the designated POS system is estimated at $7,500 to $15,000. Payment is due when ordered and is nonrefundable. These amounts are represented within Item 7 categories and should not automatically be added on top of the total. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 5, p. 6; Item 7, pp. 15–18.
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4
Fund the site, buildout, and opening
Lease deposits, base rent or license fees, architecture, permits, construction, equipment, signage, insurance, utilities, inventory, professional fees, and training travel are paid as arranged or incurred. The required $9,500 grand-opening advertising plan generally runs from two months before opening through two months after opening. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 7, pp. 15–19.
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5
Move to weekly and monthly operating payments
Royalty and Advertising Fund amounts are drafted weekly. Most technology and system-support charges are drafted on the 10th day of each month. Local advertising must be spent monthly. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 6, pp. 6–15.
If an approved location is not secured within 12 months after the Franchise Agreement, one six-month extension may be available for a $5,000 nonrefundable fee, paid no later than 30 days before the initial deadline. Failure to secure a site or open within required timeframes can also trigger $27,000 in failure-to-open damages if the agreement is terminated. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 11, pp. 26–27; Item 6, p. 9.
Which fees continue after opening?
The central recurring obligations are the Royalty Fee, Advertising Fund Contribution, Minimum Local Advertising, required product purchases, and a set of per-store or per-device technology charges. Percentage fees are based on the FDD definition of Gross Sales; they should not be converted into annual dollar amounts without actual store sales.
- Royalty Fee
- 6% of Gross Sales, paid weekly by EFT. Gross Sales generally include all franchise-business revenue, less sales taxes paid, documented discounts, refunds, and specified uncollectible receivables.
- Advertising Fund Contribution
- The greater of $100 per week or 3% of Gross Sales, paid weekly to BIGGBY COFFEE Advertising Fund, Inc. The current percentage is 3%, subject to change on 30 days’ written notice.
- Minimum Local Advertising
- Up to 3% of Gross Sales, spent monthly. An authorized advertising cooperative may require up to 2% of Gross Sales, but joint or cooperative spending counts toward the local advertising obligation.
- Product Purchases
- Variable, paid on vendor terms. Coffee, tea, syrup, and other designated products must be purchased from designated suppliers. Item 8 states that required or specified sources may represent 80% to 100% of establishment and operating purchases.
- Business interruption
- Royalty and Advertising Fund payments continue during a closure using trailing-12-month average daily amounts; the Advertising Fund payment remains at least $100 per week.
Required technology and support fees
| System fee | Current amount | Basis and timing |
|---|---|---|
| POS Hardware Support | $75/month | Per terminal; EFT on the 10th day of each month |
| PERC Services License | $23/month | Per terminal, tablet, or kiosk; monthly EFT |
| Microsoft Office 365 License | $12–$25/month | Per Store; monthly EFT |
| Back of House Hardware Support | $40/month | Per Store; monthly EFT |
| ProfitKeeper | $10/month | Per Store; monthly EFT |
| Learning Management System | $15/month | Per Store; monthly EFT |
| Freshdesk support portal | $20/month | Per Store; monthly EFT |
| Cybersecurity monitoring | $30/month | Per Store; monthly EFT |
| Online Menu Integration | $50/month | Per Store; monthly EFT |
The FDD says these technology fees are current charges and may increase as Global Orange’s costs increase. Cyber Liability Insurance is separately disclosed at $5 to $78 per month; a new franchisee does not begin paying its allocated share until the store has been open for one year. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 6, pp. 10–15.
Optional technology can create extra per-device costs
Which costs appear only when a specific event occurs?
Transfer, renewal, default, retraining, audit, and maintenance events can create costs that are not part of the opening investment. These obligations matter because some are fixed, while others are actual-cost reimbursements or formulas that cannot be known in advance.
Sources: 2026 FDD, Item 6, pp. 6–15; Item 11, pp. 35–37; Item 17, pp. 44–47.
How much liquid capital or net worth does BIGGBY require?
The 2026 FDD does not state a minimum Liquid Capital or Net Worth requirement. BIGGBY’s current public application asks applicants to select Net Worth bands ending at $400,000+ and Liquid Capital bands ending at $125,000+, but the form does not expressly identify those figures as mandatory approval thresholds. They should therefore be treated as application response categories, not as disclosed minimums.
Ask Global Orange to state the current approval standards in writing and clarify whether any minimum must be non-borrowed. The official franchise application collects assets, liabilities, Net Worth, Liquid Capital, partner ownership, and credit information, but it does not publish a complete qualification policy.
Does BIGGBY provide financing?
No. Item 10 says Global Orange does not offer direct or indirect financing and does not guarantee notes, leases, or other obligations. The official cost page and financing FAQ say the franchisor has relationships with third-party lenders. A lender relationship is not a promise of approval, and debt service is not separately included as an Item 7 line item. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 10, p. 26.
What does the official range not fully resolve?
The Item 7 totals are estimates for defined formats and assumptions. They do not eliminate site-specific exposure, and they do not create a cost range for every model shown on the franchise website.
The FTC Franchise Rule requires a 23-item disclosure document, but the contract and site-specific agreements still control the franchisee’s obligations. Buyers should reconcile the final lease, construction bid, equipment schedule, supplier quotes, and financing terms to the current FDD before signing.
What is the practical cost takeaway?
The verified 2026 opening-cost decision is format-specific: $242,200–$610,000 for Whitebox Leasehold, $457,750–$826,000 for Modular, or $484,200–$973,000 for Site-built. The $20,000 Initial Franchise Fee is only one part of the requirement; development work is the dominant high-end cost, while the total also includes three months of Additional Funds.
After opening, the principal continuing obligations are a 6% Royalty Fee, the greater of 3% of Gross Sales or $100 per week for the Advertising Fund, up to 3% of Gross Sales for Minimum Local Advertising, required purchases, and per-store or per-device technology charges. The most important unresolved questions are the buyer’s exact site format, landlord contribution, financing terms, and current written Liquid Capital and Net Worth approval standards.