Let's be real, coffee isn't just a beverage anymore. It's a ritual, a daily essential, and for millions of Americans, it's non-negotiable. So when you're looking at franchise opportunities, a concept built around something people need every single morning? That's a pretty solid foundation.
Enter Ziggi's Coffee. This isn't your run-of-the-mill coffee chain. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Brandon and Camrin Knudsen, Ziggi's has grown from a single location in Longmont, Colorado, to over 100 locations across 23 states, with more than 300 franchise agreements signed and counting. What's their secret sauce? A genuine commitment to community, killer coffee, and business models that actually make sense for franchisees.
If you've been exploring franchise ownership and wondering whether a coffee concept could be your ticket to business success, keep reading. We're breaking down everything you need to know about Ziggi's Coffee, from the investment numbers straight out of their FDD to why this brand keeps winning over entrepreneurs and customers alike.
WHO ARE BRANDON AND CAMRIN KNUDSEN?
Every great franchise has an origin story, and Ziggi's is no exception. Brandon and Camrin Knudsen didn't set out to build a franchise empire, they just wanted to create a coffee shop that felt different. A place where quality wasn't compromised for speed, where baristas actually knew your name, and where the whole family felt welcome.
That vision took root in 2004, and after more than a decade of perfecting their operations at corporate-owned locations, they opened up franchising in 2016. The result? Explosive growth driven by franchisees who bought into that same community-first philosophy.
What makes this story matter for you as a potential franchisee? You're not buying into a corporate experiment. You're investing in a system that was refined over years of hands-on experience before a single franchise was ever sold.
FLEXIBLE BUSINESS MODELS THAT FIT YOUR MARKET
One of the smartest things Ziggi's has done is recognize that not every market is the same. That's why they offer three distinct business models to match different locations, budgets, and customer behaviors:
- Café Model – A full coffeehouse experience with indoor seating, perfect for communities that want a gathering spot
- Café with Drive-Thru – The best of both worlds, combining indoor seating with the convenience of drive-thru service
- Double-Sided Drive-Thru – A compact, freestanding building (250-500 square feet) focused purely on speed and efficiency, no customer seating required
That double-sided drive-thru model? It's where Ziggi's is putting a lot of their focus right now. Why? Because speed matters. Customers want their specialty drinks fast, and this model delivers exactly that while keeping real estate costs manageable.
This flexibility means you can choose an investment level and operational style that matches your goals, whether you want a bustling café or a streamlined drive-thru operation.
THE INVESTMENT BREAKDOWN: WHAT THE FDD TELLS US
Alright, let's talk numbers. If you're serious about any franchise, you need to understand exactly what you're getting into financially. Here's what Ziggi's Coffee's latest Franchise Disclosure Document reveals:
Franchise Fee & Initial Investment:
- Franchise Fee: $40,000
- Total Investment Range: $560,000 – $2,000,000
That's a wide range, and it reflects the different business models available. A drive-thru-only location will land on the lower end, while a full café with drive-thru in a premium market will be higher.
Ongoing Fees:
- Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales
- Marketing Fee: 1% of gross sales
Financial Requirements:
- Liquid Capital: $150,000 minimum
- Net Worth: $350,000 minimum
Here's something worth noting: Ziggi's offers a 25% discount on the franchise fee for veterans, and in some cases, the fee can be fully waived. If you've served, this is a brand that wants to support your transition into business ownership.
These numbers are competitive for a specialty coffee franchise, especially when you consider the brand recognition Ziggi's has built and the support system they've developed.
TRAINING AND SUPPORT: YOU'RE NOT DOING THIS ALONE
One of the biggest concerns we hear from first-time franchisees is, "What if I don't know how to run a coffee shop?" Totally valid. And Ziggi's has built their support structure specifically to address that fear.
Here's what you get:
- 32 hours of initial on-site training before you even open your doors
- 432 man-hours of support during your first 14 days of operation
- Ziggi's Online University for ongoing education
- Manager hands-on training at their Colorado headquarters
- Comprehensive marketing assistance from pre-opening through ongoing operations
This isn't a "here's the manual, good luck" situation. Ziggi's invests heavily in making sure their franchisees succeed because: spoiler alert: when you win, they win.
Another perk? Ziggi's operates as a semi-absentee franchise model. That means you can maintain other professional obligations while building your coffee business. You don't have to be behind the counter every day if that's not your goal.
WHY ZIGGI'S STANDS OUT IN A CROWDED MARKET
Let's be honest: there's no shortage of coffee franchises out there. So why Ziggi's?
Community Focus: This isn't just marketing speak. Ziggi's locations are designed to be welcoming spaces, including kid-friendly areas in their café models. They're building neighborhood gathering spots, not just transaction points.
Quality Product: Specialty coffee done right. Ziggi's has invested in their menu and their training to ensure every drink meets a high standard: because repeat customers are built on consistent quality.
Proven Growth: Over 300 franchise signings and 100+ open locations in just a few years of franchising. That kind of momentum doesn't happen by accident.
Operational Efficiency: Their drive-thru models are designed for speed without sacrificing the customer experience. In a world where everyone's in a hurry, that matters.
IS ZIGGI'S COFFEE THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU?
Here's the thing: no franchise is perfect for everyone. The best investment is one that aligns with your financial situation, your lifestyle goals, and your values.
Ziggi's might be a great fit if you:
- Believe in building something that serves your community
- Want flexibility in business models and investment levels
- Appreciate a franchisor with deep operational experience
- Are looking for semi-absentee ownership potential
- Have the capital requirements and are ready to commit
You might want to explore other options if you:
- Are uncomfortable with the investment range
- Prefer a fully passive investment with zero involvement
The only way to really know? Have a conversation with someone who understands the franchise landscape.
READY TO EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS?
At Franchise Sense, we help aspiring business owners like you navigate the franchise world: at no cost to you. Our job is to understand your goals, your budget, and your vision, then match you with franchise opportunities that actually make sense.
Curious whether Ziggi's Coffee: or another franchise concept: could be your path to business ownership?
Schedule a free consultation with Kirk Loard and let's figure it out together. No pressure, no obligations: just an honest conversation about your future.
You don't know what you don't know. But that's exactly why we're here.
