Are you too considering owning a coffee franchise? Well, Dutch Bros has become one of the fastest-growing drive-thru coffee chains in the U.S. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the costs of starting a Dutch Bros franchise in 2025 and 26, what you need to get started, the potential profits, and if this is a perfect business opportunity for you.

Key Highlights

• Dutch Bros does not offer open franchising in 2025 and 26 — only internal employees (“Broistas”) can become operators.
• The initial franchise fee is about $30,000, with total startup costs ranging from $150,000 to $500,000.
• Minimum financial requirements: around $500,000 net worth and $150,000–$250,000 in liquid capital.
• Profit margins typically fall between 10% and 15%, with annual profits ranging from $150,000 to $250,000.
• Payback period is usually 3–5 years, depending on location and performance.
• Dutch Bros franchisees must be hands-on operators, not absentee owners.

Does Dutch Bros Offer Franchising In 2025 and 26

Dutch Bros is one of the most popular drive-thru coffee chains in the United States.

As of 2025, Dutch Bros isn’t offering franchise opportunities to just anyone. Instead, they’ve created a unique system that emphasizes internal growth. This means that only current employees, affectionately known as “Broistas,” get the chance to become franchise operators.

The reasoning behind this model is pretty straightforward: Dutch Bros wants its operators to have a deep understanding of the company’s culture, customer service style, and brand values before they take the reins of a store. By doing all this, they ensure that each franchise is managed by someone who has real, hands-on experience with the business.

For potential investors outside the company, this can be a bit of a letdown since the opportunity isn’t as open as it is with other coffee franchises like Dunkin’ or Scooter’s. However, for those long-term employees, it offers a clear and rewarding path to ownership.

So, if you’re dreaming of franchising with Dutch Bros in 2025 and 26, your best bet is to climb the ranks within the company. It’s a selective approach, but it’s one that helps maintain the consistency and quality that Dutch Bros is known for at every location.

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Dutch Bros Franchise Cost Breakdown (2025 and 26)

In 2025 and 26, Dutch Bros isn’t really into franchising like most companies. Instead, they keep things in-house by offering ownership opportunities mainly to their long-term employees who meet the criteria to become operators. That said, there are still some costs to consider if you’re lucky enough to get approved to run a location.

The initial franchise fee is around $30,000, which is pretty typical for coffee chains. However, the total cost of launching a Dutch Bros can skyrocket once you include expenses for construction, equipment, and setup. And according to some estimates, the initial investment could range from $150,000 to $500,000, depending on the size of the location and the specific build-out needs.

• Franchise Fee: ~$30,000
• Real Estate & Construction: $80,000 – $200,000
• Equipment & Signage: $50,000 – $120,000
• Initial Inventory: $5,000 – $15,000
• Training & Travel: $5,000 – $10,000
• Working Capital: $20,000 – $50,000

When it comes to franchises, Dutch Bros is no exception to the rule of ongoing fees. Typically, owners are looking at a royalty fee of about 5% of their gross sales, along with some extra contributions for marketing and brand development.

It’s worth mentioning that Dutch Bros is quite selective, so these figures are just rough estimates based on what’s been shared in the past and comparisons within the industry. The company hasn’t released any recent details about franchise costs due to its internal growth strategy. 

What Are The Minimum Requirements To Own A Dutch Bros Franchise?

Owning a Dutch Bros franchise is more than just filling out an application and paying a fee. In 2025, the company has a selective process with some pretty specific requirements. Unlike many other coffee chains, Dutch Bros only lets its employees, affectionately called “Broistas”, become franchise operators. This approach ensures that every owner truly gets the culture, values, and customer-first mindset that make the brand special.

To even be in the running, you need to have worked at Dutch Bros for a certain amount of time, usually several years, and demonstrated strong leadership skills, commitment, and a genuine alignment with the company’s mission. On top of that, there are financial prerequisites. While Dutch Bros hasn’t released an official number, industry reports indicate that potential operators should have a net worth of at least $500,000 and liquid capital ranging from $150,000 to $250,000. This money is meant to cover startup costs, working capital, and other initial expenses.

Moreover, applicants need to be prepared to dive in full-time. Dutch Bros doesn’t allow absentee ownership; operators are expected to be hands-on and actively involved in the day-to-day operations.

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After All This, What Is The Profit Potential Of A Dutch Bros Franchise?

Based on previous financial reports, the average yearly revenue for each store falls between $1.5 million and $2 million, influenced by factors like location and market dynamics.

When you take into account royalty and marketing fees, as well as labor and operating costs, franchise owners can anticipate profit margins hovering around 10% to 15%. This means a well-performing store could see annual profits ranging from $150,000 to $250,000. However, it’s important to note that profitability can vary significantly. Stores in bustling areas with a strong brand presence often yield quicker returns, while newer or less prominent locations might take a bit longer to reach that break-even point.

Most operators can expect a payback period of about 3 to 5 years, which is quite competitive when you compare it to other coffee franchises. Dutch Bros, with its emphasis on internal operators, benefits from robust training, community engagement, and a loyal customer base, all of which bolster profitability.

While getting into a Dutch Bros franchise isn’t the easiest path, the potential for profit makes it a compelling opportunity for those already part of the company.

What Are Some Challenges Of Owning A Dutch Bros Franchise?

While owning a Dutch Bros franchise can definitely be a lucrative venture, it comes with its own set of challenges. The first obstacle is accessibility. Unlike many other coffee chains, Dutch Bros doesn’t open its doors to public franchising. Only long-term employees get the chance to become franchise owners, which can be a real letdown for potential investors who have the funds but lack direct experience with the company.

Even for those who do get approved, the coffee market is fiercely competitive. Dutch Bros has to contend with heavyweights like Starbucks, Dunkin’, and various regional coffee shops. To really shine, they need to focus on top-notch customer service, effective local marketing, and maintaining consistent quality.

Then there are the operational demands. Dutch Bros expects its owners to be actively involved, not just sitting back as absentee investors. Running a store means managing a team, handling high-volume service, and keeping that vibrant company culture alive every single day. It can be quite draining without a solid support network.

And let’s not forget about costs, which can pile up fast. With expenses related to labor, supply chain issues, and marketing contributions, operators need to keep a close eye on their finances to ensure they’re maintaining healthy profit margins.

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Conclusion

Dutch Bros stands out as one of the most distinctive and selective franchise opportunities in 2025 and 26. While the costs and potential profits are appealing, the journey to ownership is reserved for dedicated employees who have grown alongside the brand.