2026 FDD Issued Jul 14, 2026, amended Oct 5, 2026 Minnesota Commerce (CARDS) Checked Nov 2, 2026
Scooter's Coffee Franchise Cost (2026)
A Scooter's Coffee franchise costs an estimated $1,163,650 – $1,345,750 to open, according to Item 7 of the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). That total includes the $40,000 initial franchise fee (Item 5) and covers this format: Drive-Thru Kiosk Store. Item 6 lists royalty: 6% of Net Sales, subject to the conditions below.
- Total investment
- $1.16M – $1.35MItem 7 source and qualifications
- Franchise fee
- $40KItem 5 source and terms
- Royalty
- 6% of Net SalesItem 6 conditions and fee bases apply
- Brand fund
- 2% of Net SalesItem 6 conditions and fee bases apply
- Units (2025)
- 906Item 20 source and scope
- Franchise exit rate
- 2.6% / yrCalculated 3-year average; definition and source
What stands out about Scooter's Coffee
Growth is still large but slowing. Item 20 shows the franchised count rising to 882 by the end of 2025, yet openings have fallen each year, to 85 in 2025, while exits climbed to 28, mostly stores that ceased operating. The projected-openings table still lists a long queue of signed agreements for stores not yet open.
The kiosk is small but costly to build. Item 7 makes site and building improvements the largest line in $1,163,650 – $1,345,750 for a drive-thru kiosk, before any land purchase, and adds a required opening support fee on top of the franchise fee. The end-cap format, in leased strip-center space, prints a lower range.
Item 19 estimates EBITDA by sales quartile for kiosks that reported their costs. Those kiosks averaged $923,805 in net sales, the figure the royalty of 6% of Net Sales is charged on, and the bottom quarter came out near break-even once imputed fees and estimated overhead were deducted. The FDD prints conflicting gross sales averages for this group, so this page relies on net sales.
Some charges are built to rise. The technology fee increases by a set percentage every year, compounding, and the marketing contribution of 2% of Net Sales can be raised on notice. The franchisor itself is a new company formed in 2026, so the outlet history and Item 19 figures describe stores franchised by its predecessor.
What are the initial franchise fees and financial requirements for Scooter's Coffee?
Item 5 lists an initial franchise fee of $40,000 for Scooter's Coffee. Check the cited Item 5 for payment timing, discounts and format-specific terms.
Item 5 (PDF pages 13-14): $40,000 for an individual store, paid by ACH when you sign and not refundable; in 2025 the predecessor franchisor received $20,000 to $40,000. A non-refundable $20,000 Initial Opening Support Fee is also due at signing. Under a Multiple Store Development Agreement, a $20,000 development fee for each store after the first is paid at signing and credited toward that store's fee. Qualifying honorably discharged veterans receive a $20,000 product credit from the supply affiliate for their first store.
Source: Scooter's Coffee 2026 FDD, Item 5, PDF p. 13.
This record lists no minimum net worth or liquid-capital requirement for Scooter's Coffee, because no sourced figure has been recorded. Ask the franchisor for its current financial qualifications in writing.
How much does it cost to open a Scooter's Coffee franchise? (Item 7)
Source: Scooter's Coffee 2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 19.
Item 7 of Scooter's Coffee’s 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document estimates the total cost to open one drive-thru kiosk store at $1,163,650 – $1,345,750. This total includes the initial franchise fee.
| Expense Category | Low ($) | High ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 | $40,000 |
| Initial Opening Support Fee | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Site and Building Improvements (not including the purchase of land) | $725,200 | $772,000 |
| Architectural and Engineering Fees | $46,700 | $56,500 |
| Equipment, Fixtures and Furniture | $181,750 | $191,300 |
| Signs | $52,500 | $58,400 |
| Technology Systems and Software | $34,500 | $41,000 |
| Deposits and Licenses | $1,200 | $7,750 |
| Initial Training: Travel and Living Expenses | $5,000 | $8,000 |
| Opening Inventory, Supplies, and Smallwares | $27,800 | $31,800 |
| Additional Funds - 3 Months | $29,000 | $119,000 |
| Total | $1,163,650 | $1,345,750 |
Other formats
| Format | Total investment |
|---|---|
| End Cap Store | $658,898 – $1,068,525 |
Item 7 (PDF pages 19-25) prints $1,163,650 to $1,345,750 for a 650 to 700 square foot drive-thru Kiosk Store, not including any land purchase; its 11 lines add to that total, and site and building improvements are the largest line. Both the $40,000 franchise fee and the $20,000 Initial Opening Support Fee are included. The End Cap Store table, for 800 to 1,400 square feet of strip-center space, also adds up. Franchisees and affiliates that bought kiosk land paid $250,000 to $1,300,000, and kiosk rent in 2025 ran $3,500 to $10,000 a month.
What ongoing royalties and fees does Scooter's Coffee charge? (Item 6)
Source: Scooter's Coffee 2026 FDD, Item 6, PDF p. 15.
Item 6 of Scooter's Coffee’s 2026 FDD lists the charges below. Recurring charges and charges triggered by a transfer, renewal or other event have different conditions. Read each fee’s basis and notes before comparing rates.
How to read an Item 6 fee table.
| Fee Type | Amount / Rate | Payment Frequency | Notes & Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royalty | 6% of Net Sales | Every period | 6% of Net Sales, paid by electronic funds transfer every Tuesday for the prior Saturday-to-Friday reporting period (note 2). (Item 6, PDF p. 15) |
| National Marketing and Advertising Contribution | 2% of Net Sales | Every period | Currently 2% of Net Sales, paid weekly; may be raised to as much as 4% on 60 days' notice. (Item 6, PDF p. 15) |
| Local Marketing and Advertising Contribution | Varies | When it applies | None currently; the franchisor may require you to spend up to 2% of Net Sales each quarter on 60 days' notice. (Item 6, PDF p. 15) |
| Regional Marketing and Advertising Cooperatives | Varies | When it applies | None currently; up to 3% of Net Sales if a cooperative is formed. Total marketing and advertising spending is capped at 5% of Net Sales (note 3). (Item 6, PDF p. 15) |
| Cost of Marketing, Advertising and Promotional Materials | Varies | When it applies | About $50 to $200 per item if you buy materials from the franchisor. (Item 6, PDF p. 15) |
| Inventory Purchases from Franchisor or Affiliate | Varies | When it applies | Purchases from the affiliate Scooter's Coffee Supply Chain, varying with sales volume. (Item 6, PDF p. 15) |
| Interest and Late Charges | Varies | When it applies | $25 late charge plus the lesser of 1.5% per month or the highest legal rate. (Item 6, PDF p. 15) |
| Transfer Fee | Varies | When it applies | The greater of $10,000 or 25% of the then-current initial franchise fee; for an MSD Agreement, $10,000 times the number of franchises under it. Waived for transfers by a Principal Owner to a spouse, son or daughter. (Item 6, PDF p. 15) |
| Territory/Search Area Modification Fee | Varies | When it applies | No charge for the first two requests, then $3,000 for each additional request. (Item 6, PDF p. 16) |
| Renewal Fee | Varies | When it applies | The greater of $10,000 or 25% of the then-current initial franchise fee, when you sign the renewal agreement. (Item 6, PDF p. 16) |
| Real Estate Assistance Fee | Varies | When it applies | $150 per hour plus expenses if you request help with site selection, feasibility or lease negotiations. (Item 6, PDF p. 16) |
| Inspection and Audit Fee | Varies | When it applies | Interest at 18% or the legal maximum on any underpayment, plus audit costs if you understate Net Sales by 3% or more or fail to report or cooperate. (Item 6, PDF p. 16) |
| Alternative Item/Supplier Approval Fee | Varies | When it applies | $2,500 per supplier plus testing and investigation costs. (Item 6, PDF p. 16) |
| Technology Fee | $350 per month | Every period | Currently $350 per month for the mobile app, Dashboard Software and social media management software. Subject to an annual increase of 15%, compounded and cumulative, including catch-up increases for years with smaller or no increases. (Item 6, PDF p. 16) |
| Brand Protection Committee Default Fee | Varies | When it applies | None currently; up to $500 per violation, and up to $1,000 if not cured or repeated, if a franchisee committee is formed and finds a breach. (Item 6, PDF p. 16) |
| Standard Default Fee | Varies | When it applies | None currently; up to $500 per violation per month until an uncured default is cured. (Item 6, PDF p. 17) |
| Costs and Attorneys' Fees | Varies | When it applies | Payable if you do not comply with the Franchise Agreement. (Item 6, PDF p. 17) |
| Indemnification | Varies | When it applies | Reimbursement if the franchisor is held liable for claims arising from your store's operations. (Item 6, PDF p. 17) |
| Insurance Premiums | Varies | When it applies | Cost of insurance the franchisor obtains if you fail to, plus late charges. (Item 6, PDF p. 17) |
| Relocation Fees | Varies | When it applies | $500 to $1,000 depending on the franchisor's expenses, plus all your relocation costs. (Item 6, PDF p. 17) |
| Conference Fee | $499 per year | When it applies | $499 per person per year for any annual conference the franchisor sponsors, which a Principal Owner or Designated Manager must attend; payable even if they fail to attend. (Item 6, PDF p. 17) |
| Additional Training Fee | Varies | When it applies | $500 per person for NSO Training of a replacement manager; initial training for up to four people is included in the franchise fee. (Item 6, PDF p. 17) |
| Development Default Fee | Varies | When it applies | All amounts due plus damages, costs and attorneys' fees, with interest, if you default under the MSD Agreement. (Item 6, PDF p. 17) |
| NSO Training Cancellation Fee | Varies | When it applies | $500 per person plus the franchisor's expenses for missed, late-cancelled or failed training. (Item 6, PDF p. 18) |
| Designated Manager Training Cancellation Fee | $150 | When it applies | $150 if your Designated Manager registers but fails to attend. (Item 6, PDF p. 18) |
| Tax Indemnification | Varies | When it applies | Sales and related taxes a state assesses on the franchisor for licensing to you, such as on royalties. (Item 6, PDF p. 18) |
| Site Concept Plan | Varies | When it applies | Up to $1,000 before you sign a ground lease or purchase agreement (note 4). (Item 6, PDF p. 18) |
| Payment for Amounts Due to Third-Party Vendors | Varies | When it applies | Reimbursement of vendor payments made on your behalf; the franchisor may add a 10% administrative fee but has no such agreements now (note 5). (Item 6, PDF p. 18) |
| Inventory Management Program | Varies | When it applies | None currently; up to 0.25% of Net Sales if the franchisor sets up an inventory management program. (Item 6, PDF p. 18) |
| IT Equipment Assessment Fee | $1,000 | When it applies | $1,000 when a store transfers, renews or relocates, or when upgrades are required. (Item 6, PDF p. 18) |
Explore annual fees and payback assumptions
Start with the recorded Scooter's Coffee inputs, then enter your own operating costs and sales assumptions. The result is a scenario, not an FDD profit forecast.
Scooter's Coffee startup investment and modeled fees over 10 years
Over a 10-year period, startup investment plus modeled recurring fees for Scooter's Coffee total approximately $1,944,694 – $2,126,794. Based on the average net sales, all reporting kiosk stores disclosed in Item 19 ($923,805, 2025 calendar year), recurring fees come to about $78,104 a year:
| Expense Component | Low ($) | High ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Startup investment (Item 7) | $1,163,650 | $1,345,750 |
| Recurring fees × 10 years (Item 6) | $781,044 | $781,044 |
| Startup + modeled fees | $1,944,694 | $2,126,794 |
Calculated model, not a disclosed FDD total. Assumes flat sales at the disclosed figure. Excludes rent, payroll, food or product costs and taxes, which the FDD does not set. Change the assumptions in the calculator · Estimate your payback for Scooter's Coffee.
Source: Scooter's Coffee 2026 FDD, Item 7 (startup inputs), PDF p. 19.
Source: Scooter's Coffee 2026 FDD, Item 6 (fee inputs), PDF p. 15.
Source: Scooter's Coffee 2026 FDD, Item 19 (sales input), PDF p. 54.
Item 20: Scooter's Coffee franchised outlet history
Source: Scooter's Coffee 2026 FDD, Item 20, PDF p. 64.
Item 20 Table 3 reports 882 franchised outlets at the end of 2025. The company-owned table reports a further 24 outlets. Our calculated average annual franchised exit rate is 2.6% across the 3 reported years, using the definition below.
| Year | Franchised at Start | Opened | Reported Exits | At End | Franchise Exit Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 525 | 209 | 5 | 729 | 1% |
| 2024 | 729 | 121 | 25 | 825 | 3.4% |
| 2025 | 825 | 85 | 28 | 882 | 3.4% |
Franchised units went from 525 to 882 over 3 years (+357).
Reported exits include terminations, non-renewals, franchisor reacquisitions and other cessations. A reacquired outlet may continue operating. How we calculate the exit rate. How to read the Item 20 outlet tables. Compare Scooter's Coffee’s exit rate with other brands.
38 units changed owners in 2025.
Item 20 Table 3 totals (PDF page 64) match Table 1 (PDF page 60) and the company-owned Table 4 (PDF page 65), whose reacquisitions of 2, 5 and 1 match. All outlets were operated under the predecessor franchisor's agreements or owned by its affiliate. Item 19 counts 881 franchised stores because it treats one officer-owned kiosk as affiliate-owned. Table 5 (PDF page 66) lists 242 franchise agreements signed but not opened and 79 projected franchised openings for 2026.
How much do Scooter's Coffee franchise owners make? (Item 19)
Source: Scooter's Coffee 2026 FDD, Item 19, PDF p. 54.
Item 19 of the 2026 FDD reports average Net Sales, all Reporting Kiosk Stores of $923,805 (2025 calendar year, 621 franchised Kiosk Stores open all of 2025 that provided cost and expense data (of 697 open all year)). Besides sales, Scooter's Coffee’s Item 19 reports “Average EBITDA (estimated), all Reporting Kiosk Stores”, “Median EBITDA (estimated), all Reporting Kiosk Stores” and “Average EBITDA (estimated), all Reporting End Cap Stores”. Each figure follows the franchisor’s own definition in Item 19, which decides which costs are deducted and whether an owner’s salary is one of them. None of them is necessarily an owner’s take-home pay.
See every Scooter's Coffee Item 19 figure, with its period and sample.
Estimate your payback for Scooter's Coffee using Item 7 startup costs and Item 6 fee rules.
How to interpret Scooter's Coffee’s Item 19 figures and sample limits.
How long is the Scooter's Coffee franchise agreement term?
Source: Scooter's Coffee 2026 FDD, Item 17, PDF p. 45.
The standard Scooter's Coffee franchise agreement runs 10 years, with renewal terms of 10 years.
Item 17 (PDF pages 45-46): a 10-year term with one option to renew for 10 more years if you give notice, sign the then-current agreement, show control of the property, sign a release, pay the renewal fee and renovate if required.
How long does it take to open a Scooter's Coffee franchise? (Item 11)
Source: Scooter's Coffee 2026 FDD, Item 11, PDF p. 32.
Item 11 of the 2026 FDD states the time from signing the Franchise Agreement or making your first payment for the franchise to opening: 180 to 545 days.
Franchises with a similar investment range
These published records are selected by proximity to Scooter's Coffee’s $1,163,650 low-end Item 7 investment, starting with Coffee, Juice & Beverage. Formats, fees and source qualifications differ; the figures are not interchangeable budgets:
- Popeyes $1.22M – $3.92M Source review pending Provisional publication Restaurants & Food
- Planet Fitness $1.28M – $5.39M Fitness
- The Goddard School $1M – $1.5M Education & Tutoring
- Panera Bread $1.34M – $4.57M Restaurants & Food
- Tim Hortons $988K – $3.31M Restaurants & Food
- ProSource Wholesale $956K – $979K Home Services
Compare other coffee, juice & beverage franchises
Sources
Scooter's Coffee Franchisor, LLC Franchise Disclosure Document, issued July 14, 2026, as amended October 5, 2026, as filed with the Minnesota Commerce (CARDS). Read the source FDD PDF. How to get this FDD yourself.
- Item 5: cited PDF p. 13
- Item 6: cited PDF p. 15
- Item 7: cited PDF p. 19
- Item 19: cited PDF p. 49
- Item 20: cited PDF p. 64
- Agreement term (Item 17): cited PDF p. 45
Page references for Scooter's Coffee use the PDF viewer's digital page count, not printed page headers. Some viewers download the document instead of opening the referenced page.
If the state document viewer does not open, use Minnesota Commerce's public filing instructions to look up the filing by franchisor name and document date.
Document & verification changelog
- November 2, 2026: Source check completed against the recorded FDD.
- November 2, 2026: Initial cost profile published from the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (issued July 14, 2026).
- November 2, 2026: Independently checked against the July 14, 2026 Minnesota FDD, as amended October 5, 2026: cover, Items 1, 5, 6, 7, 11, 17, 19 and 20. Item 6 now lists all 30 rows (the draft had 5); renewal and transfer fees are recorded as formulas. Item 19 now uses Section C's net sales and estimated EBITDA, because the FDD prints conflicting gross sales averages and store counts in Sections A and C; the draft's 614-store sample did not appear in the FDD. Moved franchisor details into standard fields, and added the opening time and source notes. Rewrote the analysis.
- October 5, 2026: Amendment date recorded for the source FDD.