It's A Grind Coffee
50 locations
The total investment to open a It's A Grind Coffee franchise ranges from $80,000 - $329,000. The initial franchise fee is $30,000. It's A Grind Coffee currently operates 50 locations (50 franchised). The top SBA 7(a) lenders for It's A Grind Coffee are United Fidelity Bank, FSB, Wells Fargo Bank and Banc of California. PeerSense FPI health score: 17/100.
$80,000 - $329,000
$30,000
50
50 franchised
Proprietary PeerSense metric
LimitedActive capital sources verified for It's A Grind Coffee financing
SBA
7(a) Eligible
21d
Avg Funding
P+2.25%
Best Rate
No retainers · Referral fee at closing
FPI Score Breakdown
Established (25-99 loans)
SBA Lending Performance
SBA Default Rate
25.4%
16 of 63 loans charged off
SBA Loans
63
Total Volume
$14.7M
Active Lenders
24
States
7
Top SBA Lenders for It's A Grind Coffee
What is the It's A Grind Coffee franchise?
For the ambitious entrepreneur navigating the dynamic and often overwhelming landscape of franchise opportunities, the central dilemma is not merely identifying a sector with growth potential, but pinpointing a specific brand that aligns with their financial aspirations and operational capabilities. The snack and nonalcoholic beverage bar category, a cornerstone of daily consumer routines, perpetually attracts significant investment, yet distinguishing a truly viable, long-term opportunity from a fleeting trend demands rigorous, data-driven analysis. This is precisely the critical juncture where a deep dive into Its A Grind Coffee franchise becomes indispensable. Headquartered in CORONA, CA, Its A Grind Coffee has carved out its niche within this resilient market, offering a distinct proposition for prospective franchisees. The brand’s foundational ethos, though specific year founded details are not publicly accessible, has clearly focused on delivering a quality coffee experience, establishing a presence that resonates with consumers seeking both convenience and a premium product. Its current scale demonstrates a strategic deployment across various locations, reporting a total unit count of 26, remarkably supported by 50 franchised units, indicating a strong and deliberate reliance on the franchise model for expansion and market penetration, with zero company-owned units listed. This structure underscores a commitment to the franchise partner as the primary driver of the brand's physical footprint and customer engagement. The market that Its A Grind Coffee operates within, the broader snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars sector, represents a colossal total addressable market. In the United States alone, the coffee shop market was valued at an estimated $47.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to expand significantly, reaching approximately $60.6 billion by 2028, exhibiting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% over the forecast period. This persistent growth trajectory, driven by evolving consumer preferences and daily rituals, positions Its A Grind Coffee within a fundamentally strong and expanding economic segment, offering a compelling proposition for those seeking a tangible stake in the everyday consumer economy. The strategic placement of its franchised units within this burgeoning market suggests a focused approach to capturing market share in a segment where local presence and consistent quality are paramount.
The industry landscape for snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars, the category within which Its A Grind Coffee operates, is characterized by its immense scale and sustained growth, making it a perennial magnet for franchise investment. As previously noted, the U.S. coffee shop market, a significant component of this category, commands an annual valuation in the tens of billions of dollars, with projections indicating continued expansion at a compound annual growth rate exceeding 4% through the latter half of the decade. This growth is underpinned by several powerful consumer trends. Firstly, the escalating demand for convenience and speed, particularly in urban and suburban centers, drives traffic to efficiently operated beverage bars. Secondly, there is a pronounced shift towards premiumization and specialty beverages, where consumers are willing to pay more for high-quality ingredients, unique flavor profiles, and artisanal preparation. Its A Grind Coffee, by its very name, positions itself within this realm of quality and craft. Thirdly, the rise of health-conscious consumers has spurred demand for a wider array of beverage options, including plant-based milks, organic coffees, and healthier snack pairings, necessitating adaptable franchise menus. These trends create powerful secular tailwinds for the industry. The increasing prevalence of remote and hybrid work models has transformed local coffee shops into vital third spaces for community, work, and social interaction, fostering repeat business and strong local loyalty. Furthermore, coffee and specialty beverages remain deeply ingrained as daily rituals for a vast segment of the population, ensuring a stable and predictable demand curve. This inherent resilience, coupled with relatively attractive profit margins compared to other food service sectors, makes this industry particularly appealing for franchise investment. The competitive dynamics are undeniably intense, with numerous players ranging from global giants to independent local cafes. However, the sheer size and ongoing expansion of the total addressable market ensure ample room for well-executed concepts like Its A Grind Coffee to thrive, provided they maintain product quality, operational efficiency, and effective customer engagement. The consistent flow of consumer dollars into this segment underscores its long-term viability and its capacity to absorb new entrants and expand existing footprints.
Delving into the financial commitment required for an Its A Grind Coffee franchise opportunity reveals a structured investment pathway designed to bring entrepreneurs into this thriving beverage segment. The initial franchise fee for Its A Grind Coffee stands at $30,000. This figure is positioned competitively within the broader franchise market, where similar quick-service and beverage concepts typically feature franchise fees ranging from $20,000 to $50,000, reflecting the value of brand access, initial training, and established operational systems. Understanding this fee in context is crucial for prospective investors, as it represents the upfront cost for the privilege of operating under the Its A Grind Coffee brand and leveraging its proprietary knowledge. Beyond the initial fee, the total initial investment for an Its A Grind Coffee franchise presents a notable range, spanning from a low of $80,000 to a high of $329,000. This significant spread in investment cost is a key indicator of the flexibility inherent in the Its A Grind Coffee operating model. It suggests that the brand accommodates various store formats and real estate options, from potentially smaller, more compact footprints like kiosks or drive-thru only locations at the lower end of the spectrum, to larger, full-service inline stores with more extensive seating and amenity packages at the higher end. This adaptability allows franchisees to tailor their investment to specific market conditions, available real estate, and personal financial capacity, potentially opening up the Its A Grind Coffee franchise opportunity to a wider range of investors. The total investment typically encompasses a comprehensive suite of expenses, including leasehold improvements, necessary equipment purchases (such as espresso machines, grinders, refrigeration units), initial inventory of coffee beans, syrups, and other consumables, signage, grand opening marketing costs, and crucial initial working capital to cover operational expenses during the ramp-up phase. While specific liquid capital and net worth requirements are not publicly detailed, prospective franchisees should anticipate the need for sufficient liquid assets to cover the initial investment and maintain operational solvency. Furthermore, while specific ongoing royalty and advertising fee percentages are not publicly disclosed within the current FDD, prospective franchisees must engage directly with Its A Grind Coffee to understand the full financial commitment post-opening. This direct engagement is crucial for a complete understanding of the long-term operational costs and revenue sharing structure, which are fundamental components of any successful franchise model and directly impact the total cost of ownership analysis. A thorough due diligence process will involve a detailed breakdown of these components to ascertain the comprehensive financial outlay and projected cash flow for a sustainable Its A Grind Coffee franchise investment.
The operational model for an Its A Grind Coffee franchise is designed for efficiency and consistency, fundamental pillars for success within the high-volume snack and nonalcoholic beverage bar category. Daily operations typically revolve around the precise preparation and serving of a diverse menu of coffee, espresso-based drinks, teas, and potentially light food items such as pastries or grab-and-go snacks. This involves meticulous inventory management to ensure freshness and minimize waste, swift order processing, and exceptional customer service to foster repeat business. The core of the operation lies in the skilled execution of beverage crafting, from grinding beans to steaming milk, ensuring every cup meets the brand's quality standards. Staffing requirements for an Its A Grind Coffee location generally include a combination of baristas, who are the frontline customer service providers and beverage preparers, and shift leaders or a store manager responsible for daily oversight, inventory, and staff scheduling. The exact number of staff will fluctuate based on the store's size, format, and peak operating hours, but efficiency in staffing is a critical component of managing labor costs, which are a significant expense in retail food service. As inferred from the wide initial investment range of $80,000 to $329,000, Its A Grind Coffee likely offers flexible format options, enabling franchisees to adapt to various real estate opportunities and market demands. These formats could include smaller, high-traffic kiosks, efficient drive-thru only locations catering to speed and convenience, or traditional inline stores with seating that encourage longer customer stays and community building. This adaptability is a significant advantage, allowing for strategic placement in diverse environments from shopping centers to standalone pads. Integral to the Its A Grind Coffee franchise opportunity is a structured training program. This typically encompasses comprehensive initial training covering all facets of store operations, including beverage preparation techniques, customer service protocols, point-of-sale system usage, inventory management, and local marketing strategies. Such a program ensures that franchisees and their initial teams are well-equipped to uphold brand standards from day one. Beyond initial training, franchisees can expect ongoing corporate support, which is vital for sustained success. This support often includes continued operational guidance, marketing assistance for local and regional campaigns, access to preferred supply chain vendors for consistent product quality and cost efficiency, and periodic business reviews to help optimize performance. This robust support system is a cornerstone of the Its A Grind Coffee franchise model, aiming to empower franchisees to navigate operational challenges and maximize their Its A Grind Coffee franchise investment.
When evaluating the Its A Grind Coffee franchise opportunity, prospective investors invariably focus on financial performance, a crucial determinant of any investment’s viability. However, it is important to clearly state that Item 19 financial performance data, which typically provides detailed insights into franchisee revenues and expenses, is explicitly NOT disclosed in the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for Its A Grind Coffee. This non-disclosure means that specific historical sales figures, average unit volumes, or profit margins for existing Its A Grind Coffee locations are not publicly available through the FDD. While this absence of direct performance data might initially agitate an investor seeking concrete numbers, it necessitates a pivot towards broader industry benchmarks and the fundamental economics of the snack and nonalcoholic beverage bar category to inform an investment decision. In the absence of brand-specific Item 19 data, investors must rely on comprehensive industry intelligence to project potential revenues and profitability. The average annual revenue for a single coffee shop in the United States can vary significantly based on location, format, and operational efficiency, typically ranging from $100,000 for smaller, less trafficked locations to over $500,000 for well-established, high-volume units, with some premier locations exceeding $1 million. Profitability also shows a range, with net profit margins for coffee shops generally falling between 7% and 12%, after accounting for all operational expenses including labor, cost of goods sold, rent, and other overheads. These industry benchmarks provide a framework for understanding the potential financial landscape of an Its A Grind Coffee franchise. Furthermore, the FPI Score for Its A Grind Coffee is noted as 17, categorized as "Limited." An FPI (Franchise Performance Index) score of "Limited" often indicates that the franchise system may be newer, smaller, or provides less comprehensive financial transparency compared to systems with higher scores. This aligns with the non-disclosure of Item 19 and underscores the importance of thorough due diligence, including direct engagement with Its A Grind Coffee representatives and, where possible, existing franchisees, to gather more granular financial insights. Despite the lack of specific disclosures, the overall growth trajectory of the snack and nonalcoholic beverage bar industry, expanding at over 4% CAGR, suggests a favorable market environment for well-managed operations. A prudent Its A Grind Coffee franchise investment strategy would involve developing detailed financial projections based on conservative industry averages, factoring in local market conditions, and engaging in robust financial planning to assess the potential return on the initial investment ranging from $80,000 to $329,000.
The growth trajectory of Its A Grind Coffee, while not detailed with explicit year-over-year unit changes, presents an intriguing picture of a brand leveraging the franchise model for expansion. The data indicates a total of 26 operational units, supported by a substantial 50 franchised units. This structure, where franchised units outnumber the total operational units, suggests a dynamic history potentially involving closures of older units or a strategic recalibration of the brand’s footprint, while maintaining a strong commitment to its franchise partners. With zero company-owned units, Its A Grind Coffee’s entire operational presence is driven by its network of franchisees, underscoring a business model deeply reliant on the success and expansion efforts of its independent owners. This reliance positions the franchise opportunity as central to the brand's future. While specific net new unit counts or recent developments are not publicly detailed, the sustained presence of Its A Grind Coffee within the competitive snack and nonalcoholic beverage bar market indicates a resilient operational framework and a product offering that continues to resonate with consumers. The competitive moat for Its A Grind Coffee likely stems from several factors. Firstly, consistent product quality and a distinct brand identity are paramount in the crowded coffee sector. A loyal customer base, built on positive daily experiences, acts as a significant barrier to entry for new competitors. Secondly, operational efficiency, honed through years of experience in the beverage industry, allows franchisees to manage costs effectively and deliver speedy service, crucial for customer satisfaction in the quick-service segment. Thirdly, the flexibility implied by the broad initial investment range of $80,000 to $329,000 suggests that Its A Grind Coffee can adapt its format to various real estate opportunities, from bustling urban centers to suburban communities, thereby expanding its market reach and customer accessibility. This adaptability is a key strategic advantage in securing prime locations and minimizing real estate-related risks. Furthermore, in an increasingly digital world, a brand’s competitive edge also depends on its digital transformation efforts. While specific initiatives for Its A Grind Coffee are not detailed, industry trends dictate the importance of online ordering platforms, loyalty programs, and an engaging social media presence to enhance customer convenience and foster repeat business. A robust digital strategy, integrated with the physical store experience, can significantly bolster a franchise's competitive positioning and drive sustained growth for Its A Grind Coffee franchise investment.
The profile of the ideal Its A Grind Coffee franchisee is critical for ensuring alignment between the franchisor's vision and the operator's capabilities, ultimately contributing to the success of the Its A Grind Coffee franchise opportunity. While specific criteria for liquid capital and net worth requirements are not publicly available, a successful candidate for an Its A Grind Coffee franchise typically possesses a strong entrepreneurial spirit coupled with practical business acumen. Experience in the food service or retail industry is highly advantageous, particularly a background that emphasizes customer service, team leadership, and operational management in a fast-paced environment. A genuine passion for coffee and a commitment to delivering a high-quality product and exceptional customer experience are also paramount. Franchisees must be hands-on operators, willing to engage directly with daily store operations, staff training, and local community outreach. Their ability to manage inventory effectively, control labor costs, and implement local marketing initiatives will be key drivers of their unit’s profitability. Given the nature of the snack and nonalcoholic beverage bar industry, candidates should also demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, an ability to build and motivate a diverse team, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. While specific multi-unit development expectations are not detailed, the presence of 50 franchised units relative to 26 total units suggests a system that values and potentially encourages multi-unit operators who can leverage economies of scale and management expertise across several locations. This can be an attractive pathway for growth-oriented investors seeking to expand their portfolio under a single brand. The timeline from signing a franchise agreement to the grand opening of an Its A Grind Coffee location, while not explicitly provided, typically involves several stages: site selection and lease negotiation, design and build-out, equipment procurement, initial training, and pre-opening marketing. This process can range from a few months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the site and local permitting requirements. Understanding the general terms of the franchise agreement, which typically outline the rights and responsibilities of both the franchisor and franchisee, including operational guidelines, marketing contributions, and renewal options, is also a fundamental step in evaluating the Its A Grind Coffee franchise investment.
In synthesizing the Its A Grind Coffee franchise opportunity, it becomes clear that this is a compelling proposition within a robust and expanding segment of the consumer economy. For entrepreneurs seeking a pathway into the resilient snack and nonalcoholic beverage bar market, Its A Grind Coffee presents a structured franchise model with a proven reliance on its franchisees, evidenced by its 50 franchised units and zero company-owned locations. The total addressable market for coffee and specialty beverages continues its upward trajectory, projected to reach over $60 billion by 2028 with a consistent 4.2% CAGR, driven by enduring consumer demand for convenience, quality, and experiential retail. While the Item 19 financial performance data is not explicitly disclosed in the FDD, necessitating a reliance on industry benchmarks, the initial Its A Grind Coffee franchise cost of $30,000 and a total initial investment range of $80,000 to $329,000 offer flexibility for various market entries and operational formats. This adaptability, coupled with an established operational framework and ongoing corporate support, positions Its A Grind Coffee as a viable Its A Grind Coffee franchise investment for those prepared for hands-on management within a high-volume retail environment. The brand's headquarters in CORONA, CA, anchors its identity, providing a foundation for its continued expansion through its dedicated franchise partners. The Its A Grind Coffee franchise opportunity is ultimately about leveraging a recognized brand within a perpetually in-demand category, backed by a system focused on franchisee success. For a comprehensive and independent assessment of this significant opportunity, including the nuances of its market position and potential for growth, thorough research is paramount. Explore the complete Its A Grind Coffee franchise profile on PeerSense to access the full suite of independent franchise intelligence data.
FPI Score
17/100
SBA Default Rate
25.4%
Active Lenders
24
Key Highlights
Franchise Financing Resources
Data Insights
Key performance metrics for It's A Grind Coffee based on SBA lending data
SBA Default Rate
25.4%
16 of 63 loans charged off
SBA Loan Volume
63 loans
Across 24 lenders
Lender Diversity
24 lenders
Avg 2.6 loans per lender
Investment Tier
Mid-range investment
$80,000 – $329,000 total
It's A Grind Coffee — Deep SBA Data
Brand-specific metrics derived directly from SBA 7(a) approval records — peak lending year, leading state, average loan size, and lender concentration. PeerSense computes these per brand so capital advisors and prospective franchisees can benchmark this opportunity against the rest of the franchise universe.
Peak SBA Year
2005
15 approvals — best year on record for It's A Grind Coffee.
Top SBA State
California
42 SBA-financed It's A Grind Coffee locations — the densest operator footprint.
Average Loan Size
$233K
Median $236K — use as a sizing anchor when modeling your own $It's A Grind Coffee unit.
Lender Concentration
41.3%
Concentrated
Share of It's A Grind Coffee approvals captured by the top 3 SBA lenders.
It's A Grind Coffee's SBA lending pipeline peaked in 2005 (15 approvals). Operator density is highest in California with 42 SBA-financed locations. Average funded ticket sits at $233K, with the median at $236K. Lender mix is concentrated: the top three SBA lenders account for 41.3% of approvals — credit decisions concentrate with a small group of incumbents.
Payment Estimator
Estimated Monthly Payment
$828
Principal & Interest only
Locations
It's A Grind Coffee — unit breakdown
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