How Do I Buy A Starbucks Franchise May 2026

Opening a licensed store still requires significant capital, though terms are often negotiated case-by-case.

However, there is an alternative called , which accounts for nearly half of all Starbucks locations globally. 1. The Licensing Model (The "Franchise" Alternative)

Difference between corporate and licensed stores : r/starbucks how do i buy a starbucks franchise

The short answer is that in the United States or Canada . Unlike competitors like Dunkin' or 7-Eleven, Starbucks grows primarily through company-owned stores to maintain a "fanatical" level of control over the brand experience.

Baristas at licensed locations are usually employees of the host business (e.g., Target employees), not Starbucks corporate. 2. Estimated Costs & Financial Requirements Opening a licensed store still requires significant capital,

Instead of a franchise, Starbucks offers a program. This allows a third-party operator to use the Starbucks brand and sell its products, but only in specific, high-traffic locations where Starbucks doesn't want to manage operations directly.

Licenses are typically granted for locations inside existing businesses, such as airports, hotels, grocery stores (like Target or Kroger), college campuses, and hospitals . such as airports

Unlike a franchise, you do not "own" the business in the traditional sense; you are essentially "renting" the brand for use within your larger establishment.