The idea of owning a Starbucks franchise is a dream of many entrepreneurs, and it’s hard to blame them. Starbucks is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, with more than 40,000 stores in 88 global markets.
However, you can’t buy a Starbucks franchise in the traditional sense. All Starbucks standalone locations, such as those found in shopping centers or strip malls, are corporately owned.
That said, the biggest coffee chain in the world does grant licenses for locations inside other establishments, including airports, hotels, hospitals, and college campuses.
Is Starbucks a Franchise?
If you’ve been asking whether you could become a Starbucks franchisee, the simple answer is no. The company doesn’t offer franchise opportunities in the U.S.
Why Starbucks doesn’t franchise
Starbucks built its reputation on delivering the same experience everywhere. In an interview with Entrepreneur in 2003, CEO Howard Schultz addressed Starbucks’ stance on franchising.
“The culture and values of how we relate to our customers, which is reflected in how the company relates to our (employees), would determine our success,” he said. “And we thought the best way to have those kinds of universal values was to build around company-owned stores.”
Licensed stores: a different model
Starbucks sells licenses for an estimated $315,000 and operates over 6,800 licensed coffeehouses in the U.S., according to the Starbucks Annual Report.
In this model:
- Starbucks provides the brand and products
- A Starbucks-approved partner operates within their own location, such as inside a Target or Marriott Hotel.
However, these deals are usually made with large organizations or entrepreneurs with significant liquidity and net worth.
How Much Does it Cost to Open a Starbucks-like Coffee Shop?
Since there’s no Starbucks franchise price available, and opening a licensed store is unlikely, the next step is looking at realistic substitutes.
Typical investment for a coffee shop in the US
These ranges vary by market.
- Small kiosk or food truck: $60,000 to $100,000
- Sit-down shop: $80,000 to $300,000
- Mid-size café with a drive-through: $250,000 to $500,000-plus
- Franchise sit-down location: $500,000 to $1 million-plus
Key cost drivers
Your costs will depend on:
- Location and rent
- Licenses, permits, and fees
- Buildout and design
- Equipment (espresso machine, coffee grinder, etc.)
- Inventory
- Technology (POS, Wi-Fi)
- Staffing
- Branding and marketing
Alternatives to a Starbucks franchise
If you want a proven model, there are many profitable coffee franchises in the U.S., including these ranked on the 2026 Entrepreneur Franchise 500:
- Dunkin’ (ranked No. 3)
- Scooter’s Coffee (No. 37)
- The Human Bean (No. 97)
You can also open an independent coffeehouse for more control.
While Starbucks isn’t a franchise, the opportunity still exists to open a coffee shop through your own concept or with an established franchise brand. The key, no matter which route you take, is finding a model that balances cost, control, and long-term success.
