The Advantages of Gloria Jean's Coffees Include:
Franchising - An Unbeatable Business Format

Franchising gives you the opportunity to go into business for yourself and accelerate your success by being part of a well-established, branded system.  The coffee business is becoming increasingly competitive, and just like fast food 30 years ago, the specialty coffee business is beginning to shift to chains because of their advantages in specialized training, innovative product introductions, management control systems, purchasing power, and specialized promotion and advertising.

In 1979, Gloria Jean Kvetko purchased a small gift shop in a quaint little town just north of Chicago.  Deciding to share her great tasting coffee, and knowing people would pay extra for a good cup of coffee, she began offering specialty beans and flavored coffee.  Gloria Jean actually introduced the word "gourmet" to coffee, which at that time meant expensive, but today means better.  The store soon developed a loyal following as people came from all around to experience Gloria Jean's gourmet coffees.  By 1981, Gloria Jean's began expanding to other locations in the Chicago area.

In 1986, due to increasing demand and popularity, Gloria Jean's began franchising stores to entrepreneurs who shared her passion for specialty coffees.

Today, with the support of its strong franchise network, Gloria Jean's has grown to be the largest franchised retailer of specialty coffee, with over 500 company and franchised stores.

Gloria Jean's - A Proven Operating System

Founded in 1979 and franchising since 1986, Gloria Jean's is now the largest franchised retailer of specialty coffees with over 500 locations worldwide.  Our system is proven, established, and has passed the test of time.

Coffee University

After extensive field operations training, you will attend Gloria Jean's Coffee University and learn from day one what works and what doesn't.  Master everything from how to make the perfect Cappuccino, to hiring the right staff, and learning more than you ever imagined about specialty coffees.

Innovative Products

Gloria Jean's is continually introducing taste-tempting hot beverages and refreshing Chillers.  Gloria Jean's passion for quality has made us a leader in gourmet flavored coffees, varietals and blends.

Ongoing Support

Work for yourself - not by yourself.  Tap into the expertise of seasoned professionals at the oldest, biggest and most experienced franchised coffee organization in the world.  At Gloria Jean's we never forget that your success is our success! 

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are some of the most frequently asked questions about becoming a Gloria Jean's Coffees Franchisee.

How many years has Gloria Jean's been in existence? 

The first Gloria Jean's opened in August 1979, and we have been franchising since June 1986.
 
Does Gloria Jean's supply the coffee beans to franchised stores? 

Yes.  As the largest gourmet coffee store franchisor we own and operate our very own roasting facility.  The perfect coffee is only as perfect as the roast!  That's why we do our own roasting using the finest, imported gourmet coffee beans.
 
Do I receive guidance on the purchase of other foods and supplies? 

Yes.  High quality products are essential for our concept.  Gloria Jean's will provide you with a full purchasing program.  We will supply a listing of all our National Accounts, which will enable you to order high quality products and share in the pricing we attain because of our buying volume.
 
Do I need prior experience in the retail coffee business? 

No.  Previous experience managing a retail business is a great advantage and the preferred route to becoming a Gloria Jean's franchisee.  However, our extensive training program and years of experience as the largest franchised coffee organization in the world will get you ready to operate a Gloria Jean's Coffees store.
 
What are the financial requirements to become a Gloria Jean's franchisee?

We require a net worth of $350,000 including $125,000 of liquid assets.
 
What is the investment required to open a Gloria Jean's business? 

The total estimated initial investment for a store ranges from $290,400 to $484, 375; a kiosk ranges from $183,500 to 349,950; and a Gloria Jean's cart ranges from $53,600 to $159,700.
 
Is financing available for my Gloria Jean's business? 

Yes.  Several outside financing companies provide both SBA and more traditional franchise finance lending to qualified franchisees in the Gloria Jean's system.  We will supply you with a list of several lenders who have Gloria Jean's on their "preferred franchise" status list which will greatly speed your financing process.
 
What is the length of my franchise agreement? 

The initial term of the franchise agreement will match the term of your lease, up to 15 years.
 
How much is the franchise fee? 

The franchise fee is $32,500 for a full line coffee store, $16,250 for a kiosk location or $5,000 for a cart.
 
How much is the royalty fee? 

The royalty fee is 6% of gross sales.
 
Is there a training program? 

Yes.  Upon execution of your franchise agreement, and prior to your store opening, you (or your operating partner) will receive comprehensive training in a certified training store.  After successful completion of this field training, you will attend Coffee University.  This comprehensive multi-day session covers every aspect of operations including purchasing, merchandising, hiring, and product knowledge.  There is no additional fee for the training at this time, but franchisees pay their and their employees' costs of transportation, lodging and meals.
 
 What is the ideal size and location for a Gloria Jean's store? 

Gloria Jean's can operate in a wide range of sizes and configurations.  The format is adaptable to a space from 700 to 1,500 square feet for a store, and 200 to 300 square feet for a kiosk.  We even have a cart format for unique situations!
 
How soon after approval can I expect to open my store? 

Location is the biggest determining factor, and site selection requires a tremendous commitment of time, talent and expertise.  After site identification and Gloria Jean's site approval, next are lease negotiation, design, layout and construction.  Typically, the length of time between signing the Franchise Agreement and opening your store is between 9 and 18 months.  Remember, though, when you're a Gloria Jean's franchisee, we help you every step of the way!
 
Do you have opportunities for multi-unit development? 

Yes.  For qualified individuals, we have multi-unit development opportunities under a separate Area Development Agreement.