What BIGGBY COFFEE does

BIGGBY COFFEE is a 100% franchise-owned coffee chain founded in 1995 in East Lansing, Michigan by Bob and Michelle Fish, operating 460+ locations across 13 U.S. states as of late 2025. The brand sells handcrafted beverages across multiple categories: lattes (Caramel Marvel, Teddy Bear Latte, Butter Bear), energy drinks (proprietary BIGGBY Blast line and Red Bull Mocktails co-branded with Red Bull), sweet foam cold brew, tea lattes (made with Fraser teas), creme freezes, hot chocolate, and a Kids Menu with Magic Milk and Lil' Lemonade offerings. Food items center on Bragel sandwiches, muffins, and cookies, and the menu is refreshed continuously through limited-time seasonal offerings tied to national holidays and entertainment-brand collaborations (TWIX with Mars, Cherry Sakura Red Bull, Amazon MGM Studios' 'The Sheep Detectives'). Technology is conventional retail: a mobile app on iOS and Android for online ordering and account management, the B Happy Lounge loyalty platform for BIGGBY Cards (no-expiration stored value) and BIGGBY Rewards (buy 12 drinks, get 13th free), a DoorDash delivery partnership, and an owned e-commerce storefront at store.bhappylounge.com.

The underlying supply chain is built around the Farm-Direct sourcing model operated through OBIIS (One BIGG Island in Space), co-founded by Bob and Michelle Fish, which cultivates direct relationships with single-origin producers (El Recreo/Nicaragua, Finca Villaure/Guatemala, La Fortaleza/Mexico, Gorongosa/Mozambique) anchored by a long-standing partnership with Paramount Coffee since 1999. The program is currently at 50% Farm-Direct with a stated goal of 100% by end of 2028. No public APIs, SDKs, or developer-facing integrations are offered; payment processing runs on Authorize.net under PCI-DSS, and the company uses Google Analytics and Facebook for marketing analytics.

Revenue is generated through two primary streams. First, franchisor revenue consists of franchise fees from new owners plus recurring royalties from the 460+ existing locations (each franchisee sets own retail pricing, with corporate suggestions). Second, retail revenue is generated at the unit level through per-transaction beverage and food sales, supplemented by BIGGBY Card stored value, merchandise e-commerce, and delivery. Franchise owners receive corporate support in training, marketing, operations, and development; the Home Office (51-100 employees per firmographic data) handles brand, training, and franchisee success functions, with 401K match, tuition reimbursement, and other benefits offered to home office staff. The company is privately held under Global Orange Development, LLC, with no disclosed institutional investors or PE backing; founders Bob Fish and Michelle Fish remain actively involved through OBIIS.

Name

BIGGBY COFFEE

Legal name

Global Orange Development, LLC

Website

https://biggby.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

BIGGBY COFFEE is a 100% franchise-owned coffee chain operating 460+ locations across 13 U.S. states. Founded in 1995 in East Lansing, Michigan, it sells handcrafted coffee, energy drinks, tea lattes, and food items through independently owned franchise stores and pursues a Farm-Direct sourcing model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Coffee Chain

NAICS

Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars (722515), Coffee and Tea Manufacturing (31192)

SIC

Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810), Beverages (2080)

akta.pro primary industry

Coffee Chains & Franchise Cafes (THAFADAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Specialty Coffee & Tea Retail (Beans, Leaves, Accessories) (CRAHAGAI), Coffee, Espresso & Tea Appliances Retail (CRACADAC), Bulk Beverage & Coffee/Tea Supply Stores (Retail + Wholesale) (CRAHAMAH)

Keywords

• Specialty coffee chain
• Coffee franchise beverages
• Food and drink retail
• Franchise coffee shop
• Specialty beverages retail

Headquarters

HQ city

East Lansing

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Franchise Fees and Royalty Revenue: BIGGBY generates revenue through franchise fees from new franchise owners and ongoing royalty payments from existing franchisees. The company supports franchise owners with tools, training, and community to build profitable businesses.
2. Retail Beverage and Food Sales: Each of the 460+ franchise locations generates revenue from selling coffee drinks, lattes, energy drinks, cold brew, hot chocolate, teas, smoothies, and food items (Bragels, muffins, donuts, cookies). Products are made to order by baristas at each location.
3. BIGGBY Card/Gift Card Sales: BIGGBY Cards can be loaded with any dollar amount for use at participating locations. Cards have no expiration date and no maintenance fees. Cards can be registered for protection and balance tracking.
4. BIGGBY Merchandise and Online Store: BIGGBY operates an online store (store.bhappylounge.com) selling merchandise, at-home coffee products, and branded items.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

BIGGBY COFFEE operates as a 100% franchise-owned national coffee chain selling hand-crafted specialty beverages (lattes, energy drinks including BIGGBY Blast and Red Bull Mocktails, sweet foam cold brew, tea lattes, creme freezes, hot chocolate, and brewed coffee), food items (bragels, muffins, cookies, donuts), and a kids menu through 460+ independently owned franchise locations across 13 U.S. states. Each franchise location serves customers in-store and via drive-thru, supported by a mobile ordering app and the BIGGBY Rewards loyalty program.

Product overview

BIGGBY COFFEE is a coffee franchise brand operating a portfolio of beverage and food products across a 460+ unit national chain. The core offering consists of hand-crafted lattes, energy drinks (BIGGBY Blast and Red Bull), cold brew with sweet foam, tea lattes, creme freezes, hot chocolate, and seasonal featured items. Supporting the beverage business are food items (bragels, muffins, cookies) and a dedicated kids menu. The brand operates a mobile ordering app, online store, and loyalty rewards program. Strategic sourcing is supported through the Farm-Direct initiative targeting 100% direct-trade coffee by 2028. The franchise model provides entrepreneurial ownership opportunities across 13 states.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• OBIIS (One BIGG Island in Space): Entity founded by Bob and Michelle Fish to build Farm-Direct supply chains
• Farm-Direct
• BIGGBY Rewards

Products and services

• BIGGBY Lattes Menu Line Hand-crafted signature lattes sold at participating franchise locations. Includes Caramel Marvel, Teddy Bear Latte, Butter Bear Latte, Island Bear Latte, Vanilla Bean Latte, Golden Honey Latte, Black Forest Latte, Purple Haze Latte, Snow Berry Latte, Mint Mocha Latte, and other seasonal varieties. Available hot, iced, or frozen.
• BIGGBY Energy Drinks Menu Line Energy beverage menu including the proprietary BIGGBY Blast line (Scuba Blast, Electric Dragon Blast, Blood Moon Blast, Tropic Blast, Eclipse Blast) and Red Bull Mocktails (Strawberry Punch, Kickin' Raspberry, BlueRazz Fusion, Blackberry Bolt), plus Red Bull over Ice and Red Bull Creme Freeze. Targeted at younger demographic seeking energy and customizable colorful beverages.
• BIGGBY Sweet Foam Cold Brew Menu Line Cold brew coffee topped with flavored sweet foam in varieties including Caramel, White Lightning, Avalanche, Mocha, Black Forest, Tan Line, Island Bear, Winter Wonderland, Sunburn, Firefly, and Fluffy Clouds.
• BIGGBY Traditions / Classic Coffee Menu Line Classic coffee and espresso offerings including BIGGBY Best Brewed Coffee, La Fortaleza Brewed Coffee (single-origin Farm-Direct), French Roast, Cappuccino, Americano, Iced Coffee, Red Eye, Premium Hot Tea, Premium Iced Tea, Espresso, and Cafe au Lait.
• BIGGBY Tea Lattes Menu Line Tea-based latte beverages made with Fraser teas, including Matcha Tea Latte, Chai Tea Latte, Hot Spicy Cinnamon Tea Latte, Golden Honey Matcha, Cinnabuzz Matcha, Chai Charger, Golden Chai, The Spice of Life, Cream Earl Grey, Minty Green, Rainbow Rooibos, and Morning Blend.
• BIGGBY Creme Freeze Menu Line Frozen smoothie and slushy beverages including Strawberry Shortcake, Banana Berry, Mango Blood Orange, Intergalactic, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Pink Panther, Pina Colada, Mango, Raspberry Zinger, Solar Flare, Coconut Beach, Frisbee, Banana Split, Confetti Cupcake, Freedom, and Vampire varieties.
• BIGGBY Hot Chocolate Menu Line Caffeine-free chocolate beverages available hot, iced, or frozen including Cocoa Carmella Hot Chocolate and Mint Hot Chocolate.
• BIGGBY Kids Menu Line Beverages and treats designed for children including Magic Milk varieties (Chocolate Potion, Strawberry Swirl, Lil' Camper), Lil' Lemonade drinks (Blue Rocket, Dragon Splash, Lemon Squeezy), Mango Monkey, Choco Banana, Hot Chocolatey, and Cocoa Carmella Jr. Refreshed Kids Menu launching summer 2026.
• BIGGBY Food Menu Line Food items including various Bragel sandwiches (Turkey Havarti, Ham and Cheese, Turkey Bacon Cheddar, Bacon Egg and Cheese, Sausage Egg and Cheese, Sausage and Cheese, Egg and Cheese, Four Cheese), Bagel and Cream Cheese, Donut Holes, Chocolate Brownie, and BIGG Cookie.
• BIGGBY Rewards Loyalty Program Free-to-join customer loyalty program where registered BIGGBY cardholders earn free beverages. Buy 12 full-priced drinks, get the 13th free; buy 9 pounds of coffee, get the 10th free. BIGGBY Cards can be loaded with any dollar amount and have no expiration or management fees. Rewards are automatically applied when a registered card is swiped at participating locations.
• BIGGBY Mobile Ordering App iOS and Android mobile application enabling online ordering, account creation, rewards tracking, and exclusive offer access. Available on the App Store and Google Play. The legacy my.biggby.com platform is transitioning to app-based ordering.
• BIGGBY Online Store E-commerce store at store.bhappylounge.com offering BIGGBY merchandise, at-home coffee products, and digital gift cards for direct-to-consumer purchase.
• BIGGBY Card / Gift Cards Physical and digital gift cards loadable with any dollar amount (minimum typically $5) and usable at participating BIGGBY locations. Cards have no expiration date and no maintenance fees. Cards can be registered for protection and balance tracking.
• BIGGBY Farm-Direct Program Ethical coffee sourcing initiative operated through OBIIS (One BIGG Island in Space). BIGGBY purchases coffee directly from vetted farmers, with verifiable traceability back to specific people and places. Currently at 50% Farm-Direct, with a stated goal of 100% by end of 2028. Featured partnerships include El Recreo (Nicaragua), Finca Villaure (Guatemala), Finca La Fortaleza (Mexico), and Gorongosa Project (Mozambique). Paramount Coffee (BIGGBY's sourcing partner since 1999) supports the program.
• BIGGBY COFFEE Franchise Program Franchise ownership opportunity allowing independent entrepreneurs to own and operate BIGGBY coffee shop locations. BIGGBY COFFEE is 100% franchise-owned with 460+ locations across 13 U.S. states. Franchisees receive corporate support including training, business fundamentals, financial planning, marketing resources, and operational guidance.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ranked No. 2 Best Coffee Chain by USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, surpassing Starbucks and Dunkin'
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Paramount CoffeecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 June 2026Long-standing partnership since 1999. Paramount Coffee received the Human Rights and Social Responsibility Award at University of Notre Dame's 3rd Annual Sustainability Celebration. Also named a finalist for the Specialty Coffee Association's 2026 Sustainability Award. Supports BIGGBY's Farm-Direct sourcing with traceable supply chains prioritizing worker well-being and community development.
• Amazon MGM StudiosflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 May 2026First-ever family film collaboration featuring upcoming movie 'The Sheep Detectives' opening May 8, 2026. Includes limited-time themed drinks (Detective Lily Lemonade, Fainting Sheep Latte, Woolly White Magic Milk), in-store surprises, and refreshed Kids Menu launching summer 2026, timed to Mother's Day weekend.
• Red BullcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 March 2026Partnership for limited-time Cherry Sakura Red Bull beverage lineup from March 26 through May 20, 2026, featuring three seasonal drinks inspired by Japanese cherry blossoms. Also includes ongoing Red Bull-based beverages and Red Bull Creme Freeze offerings. Red Bull is a key part of BIGGBY's energy drink expansion strategy.
• Cincinnati CyclonesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 January 2026Partnership to launch four signature drinks inspired by the hockey team's energy and spirit. Drinks available at BIGGBY stores throughout the Cyclones' season with special promotions during game days.
• Mars, IncorporatedcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 January 2026Limited-time TWIX partnership featuring salted caramel beverage lineup (Salted Caramel and Salted Mocha Caramel lattes topped with TWIX candy crumble). Available January 2 through February 25, 2026. New partnership announced for 2026 with TWIX-inspired beverage.
• Campbell OilminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 May 2025Campbell Oil is expanding with BIGGBY COFFEE franchise in the Carolinas. Represents franchise growth through existing business partnerships.
• OBIIS (One BIGG Island in Space)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018OBIIS was founded by BIGGBY co-founder Bob Fish and Michelle Fish to help form lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with coffee producers. OBIIS vets and cultivates Farm-Direct partnerships, conducts farm visits to verify sustainable practices and fair treatment of employees. Currently at 50% Farm-Direct with goal of 100% by end of 2028.
• El Recreo Coffee Farm (Carlos and Leana Ferrey, Jinotega, Nicaragua)coreOthersSingle-origin Farm-Direct partner farm in Nicaragua. Coffee from this farm is available as Single-Origin El Recreo at BIGGBY locations.
• Finca Villaure (Villatoro Family, Hoja Blanco, Guatemala)coreOthersSingle-origin Farm-Direct partner farm in Guatemala. Part of BIGGBY's traceable Farm-Direct supply chain.
• Finca La Fortaleza (Pascual Castillo & Maria Esther Saut, Chiapas, Mexico)coreOthersSingle-origin Farm-Direct partner farm in Mexico. Coffee available as Single-Origin La Fortaleza at BIGGBY locations. La Fortaleza Brewed Coffee is a menu item.
• Gorongosa Project (Edna Catondo, Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique)coreOthersFarm-Direct partner in Mozambique. Part of BIGGBY's expanding Farm-Direct sourcing from around the world.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Dunkin': Dunkin' is a broad incumbent coffee and donut chain competing for the same morning coffee, breakfast, and on-the-go consumer occasions; BIGGBY was ranked above Dunkin' in the same USA Today list.
• Starbucks: Starbucks is the broad incumbent leader in U.S. specialty coffee chains, against which BIGGBY was benchmarked (USA Today ranked BIGGBY No. 2, surpassing Starbucks). Overlap is full across beverage categories and target occasions.
• Caribou Coffee: Caribou is a broader coffee chain incumbent in the Midwest and select Southeast states where BIGGBY also operates, offering overlapping espresso and seasonal beverage menus to similar consumer demographics.
• Tim Hortons (U.S.): Tim Hortons is a broad incumbent in the U.S. coffee and breakfast daypart with overlapping beverages and food items (similar Bragel/bagel-style sandwich category) competing for drive-thru traffic in overlapping Midwest markets.

Emerging players

• Human Bean: Human Bean is an emerging drive-thru-focused coffee franchise competing in similar lower-tier suburban markets with an espresso-energy drink menu, comparable to BIGGBY's drive-thru locations.
• 7 Brew Coffee: 7 Brew is an emerging direct competitor in the drive-thru specialty coffee segment, with rapid franchise expansion and a comparable energy-drink-inclusive menu targeting similar Gen Z and Gen Alpha demographics.

Direct peers

• Black Rock Coffee Bar: Black Rock Coffee Bar is a direct peer as a multi-state specialty coffee franchise with comparable menu breadth (espresso, energy, cold brew) and similar ambitions for franchise-driven geographic expansion.
• Dutch Bros Coffee: Dutch Bros is the closest direct peer—a rapidly expanding specialty coffee franchise chain with a similar drive-thru-led, energy-drink-inclusive menu and aggressive multi-state unit growth strategy targeting younger consumers.
• PJ's Coffee: PJ's Coffee is a direct peer as a specialty coffee franchise emphasizing direct-trade, single-origin sourcing and a cafe-driven guest experience, broadly comparable to BIGGBY's Farm-Direct model and store format.
• Scooter's Coffee: Scooter's is a direct peer as a fast-growing Midwest-rooted coffee franchise operating in a similar per-cup, drive-thru-oriented model with comparable AUVs and franchise growth ambitions to BIGGBY.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/biggbycoffee
• Xx.com/biggbycoffee
• Facebookfacebook.com/biggbycoffee.bhappy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/biggby-coffee

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BIGGBY COFFEE